Author: admin_diagrid

Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday, July 30, bringing an end to one of the most decorated careers in Indian cricket. While his emotional Instagram video primarily focused on his international journey, it also sparked confusion among fans over whether the veteran batter had retired only from international cricket or from the IPL as well.

The answer, however, appears to be clear. Based on Ajinkya Rahane’s own words in his retirement message, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain has also retired from the IPL and all other forms of cricket. That means KKR will have to appoint a new captain ahead of the next IPL season.

Did Ajinkya Rahane retire from IPL? KKR captaincy question answered

Although several fans initially believed Rahane had only stepped away from international cricket, his retirement statement strongly suggests that he has also ended his IPL career.

The biggest indication came when Ajinkya Rahane said: “Today, I feel the timing is right for me to move on and announce my retirement from international cricket and all formats.”

The phrase “all formats” makes it clear that his decision extends beyond representing India. If Rahane intended to continue playing franchise cricket, he would likely have limited the announcement to international cricket, as several players have done in the past.

Another line from his farewell message further reinforces that interpretation. While thanking those who had supported him throughout his career, Rahane specifically acknowledged every IPL franchise he represented.

“To the BCCI, the MCA, my teammates, my coaches, every IPL franchisee, to Radhika, my entire family, my friends and everyone who stood by me, thank you.”

By thanking every IPL franchise as part of his farewell speech, Ajinkya Rahane appeared to bid goodbye not only to international cricket but also to his IPL journey. With that, KKR are now expected to head into IPL 2027 with a new captain after Rahane led the side during the last couple of seasons.

Who will become KKR captain after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement?

With Ajinkya Rahane stepping away from the IPL, Rinku Singh has emerged as the strongest contender to take over the captaincy.

The left-handed batter is already the vice-captain of the franchise and has established himself as one of KKR’s most dependable performers over the last few seasons. Since making his IPL debut, Rinku has played 73 matches, scoring 1,394 runs at an average of 34.00 and an impressive strike rate of 145.96. His consistency has been particularly notable in pressure situations, making him one of the team’s most valuable finishers.

Rinku Singh also enjoyed another productive campaign in IPL 2026, scoring 295 runs in 14 matches at an average of 59.00, while maintaining a strike rate close to 149. His overall impact and growing leadership role within the squad make him the natural successor to Rahane.

Apart from Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell and Sunil Narine are the only other players in the current KKR squad with captaincy experience. Powell has led the West Indies in white-ball cricket, while Narine has captained in franchise competitions. However, considering Rinku’s vice-captaincy role and his long association with the franchise, he is widely expected to be the frontrunner for the position.

Ajinkya Rahane’s KKR and IPL journey

Rahane’s return to Kolkata Knight Riders before the 2025 season wasn’t straightforward. During the IPL mega auction, he went unsold when his name first came up on Day 1. It was only during the accelerated round on the second day that KKR brought him back at his base price of INR 1.5 crore, indicating that he may not have been among the franchise’s primary auction targets.

It marked Ajinkya Rahane’s second stint with KKR. He had previously represented the franchise in IPL 2022, scoring 133 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 103.90. Following that season, he revived his T20 career with Chennai Super Kings, where he enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2023, scoring 326 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 172.48. Although his form dipped in IPL 2024, when he managed 242 runs before being released by CSK, KKR eventually brought him back and entrusted him with the captaincy.

Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership credentials were never in doubt. He famously captained India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia in 2020-21 after Virat Kohli returned home following the first Test. At the domestic level, he also guided Mumbai to multiple trophies, including the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 469 runs at a strike rate of 164.56 and an average of over 58.

Overall, Rahane leaves the IPL as one of the league’s most experienced batters. Across 212 matches, he scored 5,367 runs at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 125.60. His IPL career included two centuries, 35 half-centuries, and a highest score of 105 not out, while representing Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Latest verdict on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s future arrives

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s future with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains a concern for many cricket fans on social media. However, Ruturaj is all set to stay as the team’s captain, according to a recent claim strongly made by a journalist ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

IPL 2026 was another disappointing season for the five-time IPL-winning side, finishing 8th in the ten-team league. During the campaign, Gaikwad’s performance as captain and as the team’s opener was under the scanner, as in both cases he failed to meet expectations.

Who will be CSK’s captain in IPL 2027?

Leading a team like the Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful teams in the league’s history, is itself a pressure task for Ruturaj Gaikwad. Additionally, he had to often sustain comparisons with the former skipper MS Dhoni.

CSK’s last trophy-winning moment was in the IPL 2023 season. Since then, the franchise has been in search of the seventh title.

In the presence of Sanju Samson, who was the captain of the Rajasthan Royals for multiple seasons, he was immediately positioned as a potential contender to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as soon as the keeper-batter joined the team ahead of the IPL 2026 through a mega trade deal.

Sanju Samson or Hardik Pandya potent candidates to become next CSK captain?

There were rumours that Sanju Samson could replace Ruturaj as the captain, which did not happen and will not happen either ahead of the IPL 2027 campaign, as claimed by the RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan.

Rohit, mentioning one of his previous ‘X’ posts, again claims that the Chennai Super Kings have no intention to sack Ruturaj Gaikwad from the leadership role, as the officials still have immense trust in him.

It is now widely speculated that CSK is pushing itself to confirm Hardik Pandya in the line-up. It will be another mega deal if the Chennai-based franchise is able to convince the Mumbai Indians to release Pandya.

As Hardik Pandya could move to Chennai from Mumbai, cricket fans have already started to consider Pandya as a potential threat to Gaikwad’s role in the franchise. If Hardik joins the team, with Sanju Samson as the keeper, will Ruturaj remain as the captain of the team in the IPL 2027 season?

Ruturaj Gaikwad to remain as CSK captain

Mentioning his previous social media post, where he said “no decisions as of now around CSK changing Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain”, which he shared on June 1, 2026, he said the same on July 30, 2026.

If Rohit’s claims are to be believed, then Ruturaj is all set to stay as the captain of the Chennai Super Kings for another season.

“As of July 29–30, whether Hardik Pandya comes or not, regardless of Sanju Samson’s situation or how well he performs before the next IPL, or whoever else joins. CSK’s decision is clear for now: Ruturaj will remain the captain. I said it yesterday, and I’m saying it again today: there is no discussion about changing Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK’s captain,” Rohit said in his recent YouTube video.

KL Rahul set to lead Delhi Capitals as Rishabh Pant declines captaincy ahead of IPL 2027: Report

KL Rahul has emerged as the leading candidate to captain Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2027 season, according to reports. The Delhi-based franchise is ready to hand him the role after Rishabh Pant decided against returning as captain, with a final decision expected after management approvals in September.

Delhi Capitals are set for major changes after finishing sixth in the IPL 2026 points table under Axar Patel. JSW and Parth Jindal are expected to take full control of cricket operations from GMR, with the franchise also planning significant changes to its coaching staff for the next edition of the tournament.

KL Rahul Is the Captain of Delhi Capitals as of Today

The RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan shared a major update on Delhi Capitals’ captaincy plans for the IPL 2027 season. He said the franchise is yet to make a final decision, but KL Rahul has emerged as the clear frontrunner to lead the side.

“If there is a frontrunner at this stage, although the final decision will come only after August-September, I would say KL Rahul is the captain of Delhi Capitals as of today. These are today’s updates, and things can change in the coming days. But based on the latest information I have right now, KL Rahul will lead Delhi Capitals.”

As per reports, the management wants to sign Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. As part of the proposed deal, Delhi Capitals have reportedly offered Axar Patel and Prithvi Shaw in a direct player exchange.

Rishabh Pant Does Not Want to Captain Delhi Capitals

Juglan also revealed Rishabh Pant has informed the franchise that he wants to concentrate on his batting instead of taking on leadership responsibilities after returning to Delhi Capitals from Lucknow Super Giants.

“At the moment, there are only two captaincy options – KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. According to my sources, Rishabh Pant does not want to captain because he wants to focus on his batting. I don’t know whether he will ask to open the innings, but he wanted to open for Lucknow Super Giants before Josh Inglis arrived.”

“He had requested Tom Moody to let him open, but that did not happen. A lot of things happened there, and I won’t go into those details. If Axar Patel is available for a trade and Rishabh Pant has turned down the captaincy, then KL Rahul becomes the obvious option. Things can still change, but as of now, KL Rahul will be their leader.”

Pant recently returned to Delhi Capitals after the franchise completed a trade with Lucknow Super Giants. With his priority on rediscovering his best batting form, Delhi Capitals are expected to hand the captaincy to Rahul if Pant sticks to his decision.

KL Rahul Delivers Impressive Individual Performances for Delhi Capitals

Rahul enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2026 season. He moved away from his traditional anchor role and batted with far more attacking intent. Rahul finished as Delhi Capitals’ highest run-scorer, scoring 593 runs in 14 innings at an average of 45.62 and strike rate of 174.41, hitting 56 fours and 31 sixes.

The batter also smashed a career-best unbeaten 152 against Gujarat Titans, becoming the first Indian batter to score 150 runs in a single IPL innings. Rahul also became the first player in IPL history to score 1,000 runs for three different franchises—Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals reportedly offered Rahul the captaincy midway through the season to replace the struggling Axar Patel. Rahul initially declined the role to focus on his batting.

Also read: “Very positive discussions” – Tamim Iqbal provides major update on India’s Bangladesh tour

CSK reject Mumbai Indians’ Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis swap for Hardik Pandya: Report

The speculations may be suggesting various stories involving Hardik Pandya’s possible move from the Mumbai Indians to the Chennai Super Kings, but Ayush Mhatre is in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to stay. Neither the franchise nor Ayush himself has any desire to break the knot, as of now.

Hardik Pandya is heavily linked to the Chennai Super Kings, and he could land his next deal with the Chennai-based franchise ahead of the IPL 2027 season. However, as there is no official confirmation from any of the parties involved in the possible deals, speculations around the CSK, Mumbai Indians (MI), and Pandya are gaining pace day by day.

Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre to leave CSK ahead of IPL 2027?

Previously published media reports claimed that to get Hardik Pandya on board, Super Kings could offer Shivam Dube and either Ayush Mhatre or Dewald Brevis in return, with some additional cash. This means a player-plus-cash deal is possible between these two franchises only for Hardik Pandya.

If the media reports are to be believed and Hardik joins Chennai for the IPL 2027 season, how could the deal between the two franchises shape? Will Super Kings allow a young prodigy like Ayush Mhatre to leave the team? Maybe not. At least the RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan thinks so.

Ayush Mhatre is likely to stay with the Chennai Super Kings

In a recent YouTube video, Rohit claimed that CSK will consider only Shivam Dube for a player-plus-cash deal. He turned down reports that mentioned that the franchise could offer Ayush Mhatre or Dewald Brevis to the Mumbai Indians for Hardik Pandya.

With sheer confidence, the journalist stated that Mhatre, who is currently at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation, will join the team for the upcoming season.

“Right now, if Chennai were to agree with anyone, it would be for Shivam Dube. Other than that, no for Dewald Brevis, and also no, no for Ayush Matre. Ayush Matre doesn’t want to go anywhere, and he isn’t going anywhere. I mean, he is currently at the Center of Excellence. He is going through rehab. His rehab has already been going on for quite a long time. It’s still ongoing,” Rohit said in his YouTube video.

But in an interesting development, Rohit highlighted that when CSK initiated the conversation with Mumbai Indians for Hardik Pandya, Stephen Fleming was CSK’s coach. Fleming was believed to be one of those who had played a major role in the potential deal.

Will the Hardik Pandya potential deal see the daylight without Stephen Fleming?

Stephen Fleming is no longer a part of the franchise, as he stepped down from all the roles with Super Kings. In the absence of Stephen Fleming, will CSK be able to craft the deal in their desired manner? It will be interesting to see.

“But believe me when I say this: when it comes to Hardik Pandya, Chennai Super Kings, as I told you first, this picture that I showed you, this was the exact story that started to develop. Because the first conversations here started around Hardik Pandya, and at that time, an important part of that discussion was Stephen Fleming, who is no longer part of CSK now,” he added.

Mumbai Indians reject Prithvi Shaw, Hardik Pandya-Axar Patel swap still possible: Report

Delhi Capitals (DC) were reportedly in the race to secure the services of Hardik Pandya ahead of the IPL 2027 season, but the deal is likely to collapse as the Mumbai Indians (MI) have no desire to sign Prithvi Shaw as the replacement for Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya is set to leave the Mumbai Indians after another subpar season with the team as their captain. Multiple franchises, including the Delhi Capitals, were reportedly in the race to take the pace-bowling all-rounder on board. But the rumoured deal is likely to collapse.

A potential swap deal between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027

A deal in the Indian Premier League can take place either through an all-cash deal or through a swap deal. Another option is a swap plus cash deal, where a franchise offers one or multiple players from their existing squad with some cash as well.

Despite poor outings both with bat and ball in the previous season, Hardik Pandya remains one of the best pace-bowling all-rounders across the globe. Therefore, MI will not allow the star to leave without a lucrative deal.

As an all-cash deal could be too expensive for the Delhi Capitals, they might have initiated a possible swap-plus-cash deal, according to several reports circulating across social media platforms. If the rumours are to be believed, then the Delhi-based franchise might have offered Prithvi Shaw and their skipper Axar Patel to the Mumbai Indians.

A potential swap deal for Hardik Pandya to Delhi Capitals is likely to collapse

Rohit Juglan, a RevSportz journalist, raises doubts over these reports, which claimed that DC were ready to offer Axar and Prithvi to acquire Pandya’s services.

In a recent YouTube video, the journalist clearly mentioned that the Mumbai Indians have no interest in Prithvi Shaw, and there is no reason for Delhi to trade out Axar Patel. Ahead of the IPL 2027 season, the Capitals traded out one of their most prolific spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, to Lucknow Super Giants to bring Rishabh Pant in.

As Kuldeep is not with the team, Axar Patel remains the only proven and experienced spinner in the team. So Delhi Capitals have no valid reasons to break ties with Axar Patel. However, Mumbai Indians have enough reasons to look for a quality spinner.

If Axar Patel is automatically eliminated from the deal, then according to the speculations, only Prithvi Shaw remains in the equation. If Rohit Juglan’s reports are to be believed, then MI are not interested at all in Prithvi Shaw.

‘Mumbai Indians have no interest in Prithvi Shaw’

In that case, where Mumbai Indians are not interested in Prithvi Shaw and Delhi Capitals are not interested in leaving Axar Patel, the only all-cash deal is the available option, which currently looks far from reality.

“There’s a conversation going on again between Hardik Pandya and Delhi. Now the first thing, listen carefully, Prithvi Shaw is not needed by Mumbai. Not needed at all. For some time, they might take Axar Patel because they need a spinner. But now tell me, why would Delhi let Axar Patel go… But Prithvi Shaw, I mean, Mumbai has no interest. To be really honest,” the journalist claimed on his YouTube video.

“You’ll clearly understand who Hardik spoke to in Delhi again, that they are also top-tier people. So Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw are completely null and void. You can still keep Axar Patel as a stand-in, but Hardik Pandya and Delhi cannot be called null and void at this time; I’m telling you this directly,” he added.

RCB become first IPL franchise to cross USD 300 million brand value; league’s business value rises to USD 20.6 billion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have achieved another major milestone off the field, becoming the first franchise in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to cross the USD 300 million mark in brand value.

According to the latest report by Houlihan Lokey, a US-based global investment bank, RCB remains the most valuable franchise in the league with a brand value of USD 312 million, registering a 16 percent increase from USD 269 million last year.

The report also highlighted the IPL’s continued commercial growth, with the league’s overall business value rising from USD 18.5 billion in 2025 to USD 20.6 billion in 2026, representing an 11.4 percent increase. It is the second consecutive year that the tournament has recorded double-digit growth in business value.

Speaking about the league’s expansion, Harsh Talikoti, Director in Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, said the IPL continues to reshape the global sports industry.

“Cricket’s evolution into a globally owned, institutionally backed asset class has accelerated further in 2026, with the IPL continuing to redefine the global sports landscape,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

RCB’s remarkable rise also comes just months after the franchise changed ownership. Earlier this year, a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group, and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a reported valuation of USD 1.78 billion.

Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK complete top four

While RCB retained the top spot, Mumbai Indians (MI) remained second with a brand value of USD 264 million, reflecting a 9.1 percent year-on-year growth.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) climbed to third with a brand value of USD 245 million, narrowly edging Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who were valued at USD 244 million.RCB co-owner and Times Internet Chairman Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate supporters for its continued commercial success.

“We were actively engaged in the processes for both the RCB and Rajasthan Royals, and both are great assets. Across the league, however, RCB’s fanbase intensity and connection are unparalleled, which made this a special opportunity. Overall, we are strong believers in the growth potential of cricket as a global sport, and exposure at both the media level and the IP level fits that thesis.”

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes IPL teams have evolved into long-term sporting and entertainment businesses rather than seasonal cricket franchises.

“The way people look at IPL franchises has changed completely. They’re no longer seen as cricket teams that play for two months every year. They’re increasingly being viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses, and I think that’s exactly how they should be viewed. The numbers speak for themselves. In less than two months, the IPL delivers extraordinary audiences, sponsorship value, and fan engagement.”

He also pointed to the league’s growing commercial strength compared to some of the world’s biggest sporting competitions.

“On a per-match basis, its media rights already compare with some of the biggest leagues in world sport, and that’s remarkable for a competition that’s only 18 years old. The NFL is over a hundred, the NBA close to eighty. Put next to that, where we already stand is remarkable. That gives owners the confidence to invest for the long term rather than simply think about the next season,” he concluded.

Punjab Kings were ranked seventh with a brand value of USD 158 million, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (USD 168 million) and Rajasthan Royals (USD 161 million) occupied fifth and sixth places, respectively. Gujarat Titans (USD 157 million), Delhi Capitals (USD 156 million), and Lucknow Super Giants (USD 122 million) completed the list.

Rank
IPL Franchise
Brand Value (USD million)

1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
312

2
Mumbai Indians (MI)
264

3
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
245

4
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
244

5
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
168

6
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
161

7
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
158

8
Gujarat Titans (GT)
157

9
Delhi Capitals (DC)
156

10
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
122

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MS Dhoni unlikely to play IPL 2027, could become CSK mentor: Report

MS Dhoni is likely to retire as a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL 2027) season, as he is expected to join the team’s coaching setup, as per a report from journalist Rohit Juglan.

Dhoni, who is now 45, could be seen as CSK’s mentor in the upcoming season. Ahead of the IPL 2027 season, multiple star cricketers are under the radar, and Chennai Super Kings are one of the teams looking to revamp their squad.

MS Dhoni did not play a single match in IPL 2026

Dhoni concluded the previous IPL season without playing a single match. He was with the team; he participated in the team’s training sessions, but did not come out to play a match for the team. Injuries were among the major reasons the keeper-batter did not feature as a CSK cricketer in the IPL 2026 campaign.

MS Dhoni’s knee injury is considered one of the major setbacks for the former skipper. According to previously published reports, during the IPL 2026 season, Dhoni had been working on his speed for running between the wickets, but it was not enough to meet the fitness standards of the franchise league.

MS Dhoni’s fitness remains a concern for the Chennai Super Kings

On behalf of the team, Michael Hussey, former head coach Stephen Fleming, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad repeatedly said that whether Dhoni would play or not completely depended on his own decision. Rohit Juglan, a RevSportz journalist, in a YouTube video, recently mentioned that chances to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni as a player in the IPL 2027 are very thin.

Despite the knee issue, for which he needed surgery, his fitness remains a concern. Thus, the keeper-batter is likely not to continue as a cricketer anymore for the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2027. But that doesn’t mean that Dhoni will leave the franchise; he will continue with a bigger role, a role of a mentor, mentor cum coach or coach cum mentor.

Stephen Fleming stepped down as the Chennai Super Kings coach after another disappointing IPL season. Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC) also displayed a below-par performance in the recent past under his coaching. As a result, the franchise is now looking for a new head coach for their teams.

MS Dhoni is likely to be the mentor of CSK in IPL 2027

As the team is required to find a new head coach, MS Dhoni is believed to be one of the main contenders to take over the role. Rohit Juglan, however, strongly believes that Dhoni as a CSK coach is unlikely to happen. He could be the mentor of the Chennai Super Kings, but not the successor of Stephen Fleming.

“Everything depends on his body, how his body reacts… So, the thing is, Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not say that he will not come back as a player, but all the people I have spoken to so far, and there are 1-2 people who have been very close to Mahendra Singh Dhoni at one time, they say that Mahendra Singh Dhoni can be seen as a coach cum mentor or mentor cum coach,” Rohit Juglan claims in his video.

“Although it would be easy to say that he will not come in the role of a coach, most likely he will come as a mentor,” he further mentions.

🚨 According to Rohit Juglan, MS Dhoni is unlikely to feature as a player next season. He could instead join Chennai Super Kings in a mentor’s role next year. pic.twitter.com/kfoc9KhNGT

— Arav (@context313) July 29, 2026

Inside Subhadeep Ghosh’s remarkable journey from Assam cricketer to India’s new fielding coach

July 29, 2026July 29, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Subhadeep Ghosh as the new fielding coach of the senior men’s team, replacing T Dilip ahead of India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. A former Assam cricketer who later established himself as one of the country’s most respected fielding specialists, Ghosh has spent years working within the BCCI’s high-performance system before earning promotion to the national side.

Unlike many coaches who arrive directly from franchise cricket, Subhadeep Ghosh has climbed through every level of the Indian cricket pathway. From coaching at the National Cricket Academy (now the Centre of Excellence) to working with India Under-19, India A, the Indian women’s team and IPL franchises, he has built a reputation as a meticulous fielding coach focused player development.

Who is Subhadeep Ghosh?

Subhadeep Ghosh is a former Indian first-class cricketer from Assam who represented both Assam and Railways in domestic cricket between the 1994-95 and 2004-05 seasons. A right-handed batter who could also bowl off-spin, he was affectionately known as “Joy” among teammates and cricket circles.

Although his playing career never reached the international stage, Ghosh carved out a second career that arguably became even more impactful. He transitioned into coaching, specializing in fielding, and gradually became one of the BCCI’s most trusted high-performance coaches before being elevated to India’s senior men’s team as fielding coach in 2026.

Quick Profile

Detail

Information

Full Name

Subhadeep Ghosh

Nickname

Joy

Date of Birth

November 13, 1968

Birthplace

Digboi, Assam

State

Assam

Batting Style

Right-hand batter

Bowling Style

Right-arm off-break

Playing Role

Batter

First-Class Matches

List A Matches

Current Role

India’s Fielding Coach

Early life and domestic cricket career

Born in Digboi, Assam, Subhadeep Ghosh came through the state’s domestic cricket structure during a period when opportunities for players from the North East were relatively limited. Despite those challenges, he progressed into Assam’s senior side before also representing Railways during his domestic career.

Ghosh made his domestic debut during the 1994-95 season and remained active until 2004-05. Across that decade, he featured in 17 first-class and 17 List A matches. While he was primarily a right-handed middle-order batter, teammates often remembered him as much for his athleticism and commitment in the field as for his batting contributions.

His first-class numbers included 316 runs with a highest score of 59, while he accumulated 307 List A runs, registering two half-centuries in each format.

Subhadeep Ghosh developed a reputation as one of the sharper fielders in domestic cricket. His agility, anticipation and work ethic would later become the foundation of his coaching philosophy. Those qualities helped him transition naturally into fielding coaching after retirement, even though his playing career itself remained relatively modest.

Like many successful coaches, Ghosh’s greatest impact came not through international appearances but through helping others reach that level. His playing experience provided the technical understanding, while his passion for fielding helped shape a coaching career that steadily gathered recognition within Indian cricket.

How Subhadeep Ghosh became one of India’s most respected fielding coaches

Subhadeep Ghosh’s coaching journey was built gradually rather than through one breakthrough appointment. Instead of moving straight into a high-profile international role, he spent years developing players across multiple levels of Indian cricket, earning trust within the BCCI ecosystem through consistent work.

His progression can be viewed as a clear pathway from domestic cricket player to professional coaching qualifications and fielding specialization to National Cricket Academy (Centre of Excellence) to India Under-19 teams to India Women’s team to India A support staff to IPL coaching roles with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals and finally to India men’s senior team fielding coach.

During his time at the National Cricket Academy, he became heavily involved in improving fielding standards among emerging players. His responsibilities extended beyond simple catching drills, focusing on movement patterns, throwing mechanics, reaction speed, anticipation and overall athletic development.

Those contributions eventually earned him opportunities with India’s age-group sides and India A teams, where he worked closely with several future international cricketers before they reached the senior level. His reputation continued to grow through assignments with the Indian women’s team and IPL franchises.

By the time the senior men’s fielding coach position became vacant, Subhadeep Ghosh had already gained experience across virtually every level of Indian cricket. That broad coaching background made him one of the strongest candidates to step into the national setup.

Years at the National Cricket Academy (Centre of Excellence)

A defining chapter of Subhadeep Ghosh’s coaching career came at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), now known as the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

He spent approximately six to seven years within the BCCI’s high-performance structure, beginning during Rahul Dravid’s tenure overseeing the academy. Those years proved crucial in establishing his reputation as a technically sound fielding coach capable of improving players individually rather than simply conducting routine practice sessions.

At the academy, Subhadeep Ghosh worked with a constant stream of India’s most promising young cricketers. Many players recovering from injuries or preparing for international assignments passed through the Centre of Excellence, giving him opportunities to work with future internationals long before they became household names.

His sessions reportedly emphasized precision, repetition and accountability. Rather than relying solely on athleticism, he focused on improving reaction time, catching technique, ground fielding, throwing accuracy and overall movement efficiency. That methodical approach earned widespread respect within the BCCI coaching network.

The years spent at the Centre of Excellence also allowed Ghosh to build strong relationships across India’s coaching ecosystem.

Every major team Subhadeep Ghosh has coached

One of the biggest reasons behind Subhadeep Ghosh’s rise is the variety of teams he has worked with. Unlike many specialist coaches who spend most of their careers with one franchise or one national side, Ghosh has coached across the BCCI’s development pathway, women’s cricket, India A, age-group cricket and the IPL before earning a promotion to the senior men’s team.

Team

Role

Years

Key Achievement

Assam & Railways

Player

1994–2005

Represented both teams in domestic cricket

National Cricket Academy (Centre of Excellence)

Fielding Coach

Approx. 2019–2026

Helped develop India’s next generation of cricketers

India Under-19

Fielding Coach

Various assignments

Worked with India’s U-19 setup, including the 2024 World Cup cycle

India A

Fielding Coach

Multiple tours

Part of support staff during India A assignments, including the Sri Lanka tour

India Women’s Team

Fielding Coach

Multiple assignments

Worked with the senior women’s side, including the 2021 Australia tour

Kolkata Knight Riders

Fielding Coach/Support Staff

2014

Member of the IPL title-winning support staff

Delhi Capitals

Fielding Coach

Multiple seasons

Worked with Indian and overseas stars in the IPL

India Men’s Team

Fielding Coach

2026–Present

Appointed as T Dilip’s successor ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series

IPL journey with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals

Before returning to the national setup, Subhadeep Ghosh built valuable experience in the Indian Premier League with two major franchises.

His first major IPL assignment came with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he was part of the franchise’s support staff during their memorable 2014 title-winning campaign under Gautam Gambhir. Although he wasn’t among the most high-profile members of the coaching unit, the experience exposed him to elite international cricketers and modern fielding methods in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues.

Ghosh later joined Delhi Capitals as the franchise’s fielding coach. The role allowed him to work alongside Indian stars as well as overseas professionals from different cricketing cultures. Managing players with varied techniques and athletic profiles further enhanced his reputation as a coach capable of tailoring drills to individual requirements rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Work with India’s Under-19, India A and Women’s teams

Long before earning his promotion to the senior men’s side, Ghosh had already worked with several Indian teams at different levels.

At the National Cricket Academy, he became closely involved with the India Under-19 programme, helping prepare some of the country’s brightest young cricketers for international cricket. He was also associated with the support staff during the 2024 Under-19 World Cup cycle, where fielding standards formed an important part of player development.

His responsibilities extended to the India A team, where he worked with players on the verge of senior selection. India A tours are widely regarded as the final step before international cricket, making his role particularly significant in preparing players for the demands of elite competition. He was most recently part of the India A support staff during the Sri Lanka tour.

Why did BCCI choose Subhadeep Ghosh over other candidates?

PC: Google

The BCCI has not publicly outlined every factor behind Ghosh’s appointment, but reports suggest his selection was influenced by his extensive experience within the Indian cricket ecosystem rather than by a single achievement.

One of his biggest strengths is familiarity with the Centre of Excellence, where he has spent six to seven years working with India’s emerging cricketers. That experience means he already understands the training methods, fitness standards and developmental pathways followed by the BCCI.

Another advantage is his exposure to multiple levels of Indian cricket. His IPL background with Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals also ensures he is familiar with modern coaching techniques and high-pressure environments, while his long association with the BCCI provides continuity after T Dilip’s departure.

Viewed together, those factors made Ghosh a logical internal candidate when the fielding coach’s position became vacant.

Challenges awaiting him with Team India

Taking over as India’s fielding coach presents Subhadeep Ghosh with his biggest challenge yet. India’s fielding came under scrutiny during recent overseas assignments, with dropped catches and missed opportunities proving costly in crucial moments. One of Ghosh’s immediate priorities will be improving overall catching efficiency, particularly in the slip cordon during Test cricket.

Beyond catching standards, he will also be expected to maintain the athletic benchmark that India established over the past decade. Modern international cricket demands excellence in boundary riding, direct-hit accuracy and ground fielding, making consistency just as important as spectacular moments.

Looking ahead, Subhadeep Ghosh will play a key role in ongoing World Test Championship cycle while also preparing for major ICC events, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Lesser-known facts about Subhadeep Ghosh

Nicknamed “Joy” during his playing days.
Born in Digboi, Assam, on November 13, 1968.
Represented Assam and Railways in domestic cricket.
Played 17 first-class and 17 List A matches.
Has spent more than six years inside the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence system.
Worked with India Under-19, India A and the Indian women’s team before joining the senior men’s side.
Was part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ 2014 IPL-winning support staff.
Also served as Delhi Capitals’ fielding coach.
Appointed as India’s fielding coach in 2026, succeeding T Dilip.

CSK call players for fitness camp before retention, release decisions for IPL 2027: Report

July 29, 2026July 29, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already started planning for the IPL 2027 season after another disappointing year. The five-time IPL champions are now looking at making some big changes to their squad, and the first step is a special fitness camp for all available players.

The Chennai Super Kings have been struggling badly since winning the IPL trophy in 2023 under MS Dhoni. After that record title triumph, the team has failed to perform consistently. Amid this, Hardik Pandya trade: Shivam Dube, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis feature in reported CSK-MI scenarios.

Why Chennai Super Kings decided to make big changes?

For the first time in the franchise’s history, CSK failed to make it to the IPL playoffs for three seasons in a row. The 2026 season was another forgettable one for the Chennai-based franchise. They won only six out of their 14 league matches and finished eighth on the points table.

After another poor campaign, the management decided to make big changes before the next season. One of the biggest and most shocking decisions came after IPL 2026, when Chennai Super Kings parted ways with their long-time head coach Stephen Fleming.

Fleming was one of the most successful coaches in IPL history and played a huge role in the Chennai Super Kings winning five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 trophies.

CSK to begin IPL 2027 planning with special fitness camp

And now the Chennai Super Kings team management decided to take another big step to speed up their preparations for the next season. As reported by Revsportz journalist Rohit Juglan, Chennai Super Kings have planned a two- to three-day fitness camp for all available players.

Every CSK player has been asked to attend the fitness camp according to their schedule before the franchise takes its final decisions on player retentions, releases, and possible trades. The camp is expected to help the team management decide who will be part of CSK’s future plans.

He posted, X: “All CSK players have been called up for a 2–3 day fitness camp just before the final decisions on retentions, releases, and trades are made.”

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All CSK players have been called up for a 2–3 day fitness camp, just before the final decisions on retentions, releases, and trades are made

— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) July 29, 2026

Chennai Super Kings set to review big-money signings before IPL 2027

Meanwhile, some Chennai Super Kings players are expected to face a close review. Youngsters like Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer, who were bought for ₹14.20 crore each in the last IPL auction, have not lived up to expectations. Their performances will be reportedly assessed before the final decision will be taken. Amid this, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets leadership as East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy announced.

Some reports have also claimed that Rahul Chahar, Matt Henry, and Matthew Short are among the players who could be released as the franchise looks to build a stronger and more balanced squad for the upcoming IPL 2027 season.

However, the biggest question is still about MS Dhoni. Dhoni did not play a single match in IPL 2026 because he was recovering from an injury. His future is still not clear, and the franchise is waiting to know whether he will return as a player for IPL 2027 or move into a coaching or mentoring role.

IPL business value nears ₹2 lakh crore, RCB top brand rankings: Report

July 29, 2026July 29, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has once again proved why it is the biggest cricket league in the world, especially when it comes to business. The IPL continues to create history in business.

A new 2026 IPL brand valuation study has revealed that the league has become more valuable than ever before, with its overall business value crossing a massive $20.6 billion (around ₹1.97 lakh crore). Amid this, it has been revealed why Mohammed Shami is no longer in India’s Test plans.

IPL becomes a ₹1.97 lakh crore business giant in 2026

As reported by the global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, the Indian Premier League has reached another level in 2026. The IPL’s total business enterprise value has jumped by 11.4% in one year to $20.6 billion (₹19,702.46 crore). At the same time, the league’s standalone brand value has increased by 10.3% to $4.3 billion (₹41,106 crore).

Since 2023, the Indian domestic franchise league’s brand value has grown by more than $1.1 billion, which proves how quickly the league is expanding across the world. The recent change in ownership of two IPL franchises played a major role in this stunning jump.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was bought by a powerful group that includes Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, Aditya Birla Group, and Times of India Group in a record deal worth $1.78 billion. On the other hand, the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla acquired the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at a valuation of $1.65 billion. These huge investments proved that the IPL will continue to grow.

IPL 2026 breaks digital viewership records as TV audience declines

Digital platforms have also become stronger than ever, while traditional television continues to lose viewers. Data released by JioStar showed that IPL 2026 reached 1.06 billion screens, while total viewership increased by 7% compared to last season. The opening weekend alone attracted 515 million viewers, who watched the tournament for a combined 32.6 billion minutes.

Interestingly, connected TV recorded the biggest rise, with viewership growing by 26%, while television ratings dropped by 18.8%. This digital boom also helped the IPL attract premium commercial partnerships, including a three-year deal with Google Gemini.

Overall, league revenues crossed $1.8 billion, proving that digital platforms are becoming the biggest money-makers for the tournament.

RCB create history, Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK follow in brand value list

Meanwhile, the same report claimed that the IPL franchises are now being viewed as long-term sports and entertainment businesses instead of teams that play for just two months every year.

Among all teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remained the most valuable IPL franchise with a brand value of $312 million, becoming the first cricket team to cross the $300 million mark. The reason is RCB’s strong performances, massive fan support, and excellent digital growth.

Mumbai Indians held the second position with a brand value of $264 million despite struggling for the last couple of seasons. Their five championship titles and strong commercial partnerships kept their brand powerful. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured third place with a brand value of $245 million, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished fourth with $244 million.

MS Dhoni’s absence hit CSK’s brand value

However, CSK’s growth slowed after another disappointing season and the limited on-field role of the legendary MS Dhoni. The remaining rankings saw Sunrisers Hyderabad take fifth place with $168 million, followed by Rajasthan Royals at $161 million, thanks to their playoff appearance in the 2026 season and the rise of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Punjab Kings stood seventh with $158 million, while Gujarat Titans followed closely with $157 million after reaching another IPL final. Delhi Capitals occupied ninth place with $156 million, and Lucknow Super Giants completed the top 10 with $122 million after another disappointing season.

Hardik Pandya linked with Delhi Capitals in blockbuster IPL 2027 trade involving Axar Patel

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The IPL 2027 trade window and Hardik Pandya have once again returned to the headlines. After reports claimed that Hardik Pandya’s move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had hit a roadblock, Delhi Capitals (DC) have now entered the race to trade the Indian all-rounder from Mumbai Indians (MI).

This news could surprise many because Delhi Capitals are reportedly serious about bringing Hardik into their squad after bringing back the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant from the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after the conclusion of IPL 2026.

If the deal goes through, it could become one of the biggest player trades in IPL history. However, the talks are still at an early stage, and nothing has been finalized yet. Amid this, BCCI shares important update on Hardik Pandya’s recovery.

Delhi Capitals enter Hardik Pandya race after CSK talks hit roadblock

As reported by Times of India Tamil, Delhi Capitals (DC) are ready to part ways with their captain, Axar Patel, along with opener Prithvi Shaw, in exchange for the current Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, Hardik Pandya. The Delhi-based franchise believes that Hardik can strengthen both the batting and bowling departments and also bring valuable leadership experience to the team.

The possible trade also suits Mumbai Indians in many ways. The five-time IPL champions have been looking for a quality spin-bowling all-rounder ever since Krunal Pandya left the franchise and joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Axar Patel fits that role perfectly.

DC plan blockbuster trade involving Axar Patel and Prithvi Shaw, but MI could ask for Sameer Rizvi

Axar Patel is not only a brilliant spinner, but he is also able to contribute significantly with the bat too. And most importantly, there will not be any issue with the salary structure. Hardik is currently earning ₹16.35 crore with Mumbai Indians, while Axar Patel earns ₹16.50 crore with Delhi Capitals.

So, financially, the deal looks balanced for both MI and DC teams. But the problem is Prithvi Shaw, as the Mumbai Indians may not be interested in taking the opener because he has not played a single IPL match in the last two seasons.

Instead, the five-time IPL champions could ask the Capitals to include another young player in the deal. Sameer Rizvi is one of the names being discussed after his impressive IPL 2026 season, where he scored 252 runs in just nine matches and impressed everyone with his attacking batting.

Why Chennai Super Kings failed to complete the Hardik Pandya deal

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings were also interested in signing Hardik, but the two franchises could not agree on the final trade package. MI reportedly wanted Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre in return for Hardik. However, CSK were not ready to let Mhatre leave the team.

Both teams later explored another option involving Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis. But Mumbai reportedly also asked for an additional ₹10 crore along with the players, and CSK were not ready to pay the extra amount, so the deal couldn’t move forward with MI refusing to change their demands.

For now, Delhi Capitals have emerged as one of the strongest contenders to sign Hardik Pandya, because their proposed trade matches Mumbai Indians’ need for a spin-bowling all-rounder. However, the discussions are still in the early stages, and nothing is official yet.

Virat Kohli purchases luxury Versova apartment worth nearly his IPL 2026 salary: Reports

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma have expanded their real estate portfolio by purchasing a luxury apartment in Mumbai. The new home is located in the Godrej Skyshore project in Versova and reportedly cost ₹18.29 crore, close to Kohli’s ₹21 crore IPL 2026 salary with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Kohli last played for Team India in the three-match ODI series against England. The Men in Blue, led by Shubman Gill, suffered the series defeat by 1-2 despite winning the series opener. After returning to India, the former India captain visited Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan with Anushka Sharma.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Purchase Apartment in Versova

According to property registration documents cited by the Hindustan Times, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma purchased a luxury apartment in the Godrej Skyshore project in Versova. The apartment has a carpet area of 2,644 square feet and is located on a higher floor.

The property also comes with a 316-square-foot exclusive area and three dedicated parking spaces. Notably, the couple reportedly paid ₹18.29 crore for the apartment. The deal was registered on July 21, 2026, with a stamp duty of ₹1.09 crore and a registration fee of ₹30,000.

The purchase works out to about ₹69,159 per square foot. Versova has become one of Mumbai’s most sought-after luxury residential locations because of its proximity to the entertainment industry and major infrastructure projects.

Virat and Anushka already own several premium properties across India, including a 7,171-square-foot apartment in Worli, a luxury home in Gurugram, and a farmhouse property in Alibaug.

Virat Kohli Returned to Action During England ODI Series

Virat Kohli recently returned to international cricket during India’s ODI series against England after missing the home series against Afghanistan with a hamstring injury. Following the tour, he and Anushka Sharma visited Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan.

The former India captain had a quiet start to the series, scoring five runs in the opening ODI before Jofra Archer dismissed him leg before wicket. However, he bounced back with scores of 65 and 74 in the remaining two matches.

Kohli finished the series with 144 runs in three innings at an average of 48. However, India lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 after England won the final two games.

Virat Kohli Set for West Indies ODI Series

Virat Kohli is expected to return for India’s next ODI assignment against the West Indies. The three-match home series begins on September 27, the start of India’s 2026-27 home international season after the Test tour of Sri Lanka.

The first ODI will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The second match is scheduled for September 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, while the series will conclude on October 3 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in New Chandigarh.

India will have a busy ODI schedule after the West Indies series as they prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team will travel to New Zealand for a five-match ODI series later in the year before hosting Sri Lanka for a three-match home series in December.

I don’t think anything can stop us now

July 26, 2026July 26, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Sunrisers Leeds owner Kavya Maran has shared her thoughts on taking full ownership of the team in The Hundred. She said the team has built a strong relationship with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Yorkshire County Cricket Club, adding that they have received an exciting response from fans.

The Sun TV Network completed the purchase of the franchise, formerly known as the Northern Superchargers, in January 2026. Rebranded as Sunrisers Leeds, the franchise has made a steady start to the 2026 season of The Hundred, with both the men’s and women’s teams winning one of their first two matches.

We Were Clear With the ECB From the Start – Kavya Maran on Sole Ownership

Kavya Maran said that acquiring full ownership of the franchise was always the Sun Group’s priority. She added that the transition has been smooth, with the support of the England and Wales Cricket Board and Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

“Very much so. I think that was something that we were clear even with the ECB from the start and we have a very good relationship with the Yorkshire County,” Kavya Maran said.

“So I think even though we have 100%, we’ve been working together with them and they’ve been a great partner to have on board.”

The Sun Group became the only investor to acquire 100% ownership of a The Hundred franchise. Most other private investors bought minority stakes. Kavya Maran also represented the ownership group during the player draft ahead of the 2026 season.

I Don’t Think Anything Can Stop Us Now – Kavya Maran on Sunrisers’ Global Vision

Responding to former Australia captain Aaron Finch, Kavya Maran said that the Sunrisers Group remains keen to expand its global cricket presence. She also expressed her delight at the way fans in Leeds have embraced the franchise’s iconic orange colors.

“Of course. I don’t think anything can stop us now. It’s a good beginning. I see a lot of orange and I think that’s a great start for us,” Kavya Maran said.

“Obviously, this is a new brand for them. They used to be in a different colour, so the great news is they seem to love the orange and that’s exciting. I think that we’ll only grow from here.”

“We’ll only grow from here.” 🙌

Sunrisers Leeds owner Kavya Maran shares her thoughts on sole ownership, relationship with the ECB, and the franchise’s vision for the future. 🧡

Watch #TheHundred on Star Sports & JioHotstar, EVERY DAY from 7 PM. pic.twitter.com/c5ZHYALGmj

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 26, 2026

The Sun TV Network, led by Kalanithi Maran and Kavya Maran, owns three major cricket franchises: Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20, and Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred.

Sunrisers Leeds Men and Women Make Steady Start to The Hundred 2026

The Sunrisers Leeds men’s team has made a solid start to the season with one win and one defeat. After losing to MI London by seven wickets in the opening game, they bounced back with a five-run win over Southern Brave. Mitchell Marsh scored 69 off 34 balls and Dan Lawrence added an unbeaten 51.

The women’s team also secured one win after two matches. They began their campaign with a convincing seven-wicket win over MI London before suffering a narrow five-wicket defeat to Southern Brave.

Both teams will now look to build momentum in the remaining league matches. The franchise is also focusing on strengthening its connection with supporters while establishing the Sunrisers brand in English cricket.

Also read: “He has been trolled a lot” – Ex-India opener defends Tilak Varma after unbeaten fifty vs Zimbabwe

Shivam Dube, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis feature in reported CSK-MI scenarios

July 26, 2026July 26, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Hardik Pandya’s possible trade from Mumbai Indians (MI), ahead of the Indian Premier League 2027 (IPL 2027), could see Chennai Super Kings (CSK) release Shivam Dube and Dewald Brevis with an additional INR 10 crore. To bring Hardik on board, CSK may have to confirm a players-plus-cash deal with MI.

Still, at the age of 32, Hardik Pandya is arguably the best pace-bowling all-rounder in Indian cricket, who is all set to leave the Mumbai Indians ahead of next year’s IPL. According to IPL rules, trade talks are only possible between franchises, not with any player.

A player plus cash deal is possible between Chennai Super Kings and Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027

Irrespective of Hardik’s performance in the IPL 2025 season, his market value in the Indian Premier League is projected at around INR 16.35 crore. The final valuation will be decided after negotiations between the franchises. As of now, CSK is considered the frontrunner to secure Hardik’s services.

An all-cash deal is not going to happen between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Deals in IPL can happen in three possible ways: an all-cash deal, a swap deal (a player against another player), and a player-plus-cash deal. CSK is most likely to do a player-plus-cash deal for Hardik.

Mumbai Indians want to gain maximum profit from the Hardik Pandya deal

According to Hindustan Times, as the Mumbai Indians want to gain as much profit as possible by trading out their captain, they want multiple exciting prospects from CSK. Shivam Dube, a pace-bowling all-rounder, like-for-like substitution for Hardik Pandya, and Ayush Mhatre are reportedly the prime targets for the Mumbai-based franchise.

But will CSK allow Ayush Mhatre to join their rival franchise? Maybe not. Super Kings is reportedly not interested in letting a young prodigy like Ayush Mhatre join hands with any other IPL franchise. Instead, Dewald Brevis, another emerging talent, could be included in a potential player-plus-cash deal.

In summary, MI wants Shivam Dube and Ayush Mhatre in exchange for Hardik, but CSK is interested in offering Dube, Dewald Brevis and an additional INR 10 crore.

Hardik Pandya was not at his best in the IPL 2026 season

Despite repeated lacklustre seasons for the Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya is still considered the premium all-rounder in the fray. In the previous season, he scored 206 runs at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.26 without any half-century and missed multiple games because of injury. In the death overs, where Pandya made his name the most, he was not at his peak as well, scoring only 49 runs from 37 balls at a strike rate of 132.4.

With the ball, his performance remained subpar throughout the season. In the death overs, his economy rate was far from what was expected from him. Overall, Hardik got only 4 wickets in IPL 2026 from 22.4 overs for an average economy rate of 11.43 runs. The economy rate jumped to 15.75 during the death overs, and in the powerplays, that 13.75 per over. In the middle overs, from 12 to 16, he was effective with his variation, conceding only 7.80 runs per over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets 2027 World Cup backing as Ravichandran Ashwin questions India’s pace attack

July 25, 2026July 25, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a big statement on the current India National Cricket Team pace attack. Ashwin believes that the experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar should not be ignored and deserves to be considered for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 squad.

The former Indian all-rounder feels the Men in Blue still do not have a settled fast-bowling attack for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia next year. And that’s where Ashwin feels India needs Bhuvneshwar in ODI cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin raises questions over India’s pace attack, pushes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return

As the Indian think tank and selectors are finalizing their core for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Ravichandran Ashwin said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience, fitness, and IPL performances make him a strong option because the team is still searching for the right bowling combination.

The former Indian all-rounder also compared Bhuvneshwar with Mohammed Shami and said the biggest difference at the moment is fitness, with the RCB seamer managing to play continuously while also making a huge contribution to RCB’s back-to-back IPL title wins.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat,’ “Why not? The way our fast-bowling stocks are right now, there is some struggle there. I think it is worth considering Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Why can you not consider him? There is only one difference between Shami and Bhuvneshwar.”

Ravichandran Ashwin demands India chance for Bhuvneshwar Kumar after RCB heroics

The cricket pundit has pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s excellent performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over the last two IPL seasons. He took 45 wickets in 30 matches at an average of 21.87 and an economy rate of 8.56 and played a key role in RCB’s back-to-back IPL title wins.

Ashwin further added, “Bhuvi has been able to put himself on the park for two seasons together for RCB and has been able to keep himself fit. Both times, RCB won the title, and he was also among the top three reasons for that. He looks fit enough.

I am not saying to take him straightaway, but at least give him a chance and then decide. He can swing the ball, give you overs at the death, and bat a bit as well. He has a lot of batting ability.” Earlier, Kris Srikkanth called Gautam Gambhir “fool” after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking fifty in Zimbabwe.

India can’t rely only on youngsters: Ashwin’s big warning

He also expressed concern over India’s current pace options. He said young bowlers like Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, and Prince Yadav have talent, but they don’t have the experience needed for a tournament as big as the ODI World Cup. He feels India should combine experienced bowlers with youngsters instead of depending completely on an inexperienced attack.

Along with Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana, Ashwin believes that Bhuvneshwar can add valuable balance to the bowling unit. The former Indian spinner also said that with only around a year left before the 2027 ICC World Cup, this is not the right time to keep testing new fast bowlers.

Ravichandran Ashwin warns India against late experiments; backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 2027 ICC ODI World Cup

He believes that the team management should now finalize its main pace attack and identify the four or five bowlers from whom three will eventually play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.

Ashwin signed off by saying, “It is not the time to develop players now with 12 months to go. You gave Harshit an opportunity, and it is important to know his status now as he bats at eight. Gurnoor and Prasidh got opportunities.

But you cannot remove them and bring more bowlers now. It is important to identify who your four or five pacers are, out of which you will take three for the World Cup. That is why you must have someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in discussions as well.”

Raj Kundra files petition against Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale, alleges financial mismanagement

July 25, 2026July 25, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Former Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra has launched legal action against current owner Manoj Badale and Emerging Media Ventures. In a public statement, Kundra has filed a petition alleging shareholder oppression and financial mismanagement, warning Badale that the dispute will be settled in court.

The Rajasthan Royals were recently sold in a deal valued at $1.65 billion. A consortium led by Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla acquired a majority stake in the IPL franchise. The ownership change has since led to legal action in London from minority shareholders over the transaction.

Raj Kundra Alleges Financial Mismanagement in Rajasthan Royals Sale

Raj Kundra, who bought an 11.7% stake in Rajasthan Royals in 2009, has accused Emerging Media Ventures (EMV) of financial mismanagement and shareholder oppression. In a public statement, he alleged that key details about the final sale value of his shares were deliberately withheld from him.

“For years, I have remained silent while the truth surrounding my investment in Emerging Media and my shareholding in the Rajasthan Royals unfolded behind closed doors. That silence should never be mistaken for acceptance. It is my position that I have been deprived of the true value of my shareholding.”

Kundra’s association with the IPL came under scrutiny in 2013 after he was accused of illegal betting during the tournament. Following an investigation by the Justice Lodha Committee, which was appointed by the Supreme Court of India, he received a lifetime ban from all cricket-related activities in 2015.

The Justice Lodha Committee also suspended the Rajasthan Royals from the IPL for two seasons. As a result, the franchise did not participate in the 2016 and 2017 editions of the tournament.

Raj Kundra moves NCLT, writes to BCCI

Raj Kundra has filed a petition before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai, alleging oppression and mismanagement against Manoj Badale and others connected with Emerging Media Ventures. He also said he has submitted documents to the BCCI seeking an independent review.

“I have preserved documentary evidence supporting my position, including evidence which I allege demonstrates that the true value realised from the sale of my shareholding was not disclosed to me while attempts were made to settle my claim for substantially less. That evidence will be presented before the appropriate investigative and judicial authorities.”

England Court Ruling Adds Another Twist to Legal Dispute

Earlier this month, the High Court of England and Wales ordered Raj Kundra to repay $4.94 million to Emerging Media Ventures and barred him from pursuing proceedings in India over his former Rajasthan Royals shareholding.

The ruling came after EMV completed the sale of a controlling stake in the franchise at a reported $1.65 billion valuation. Kundra has continued his legal challenge and accused Manoj Badale of failing to protect his interests as a minority shareholder.

“While acting as a proxy and fiduciary in relation to my shareholding in the Rajasthan Royals, Manoj Badale had a duty to protect my interests. It is my case that this duty was breached and that my trust was betrayed. The truth does not fear scrutiny. The evidence will speak for itself. See you in court, Manoj Badale.”

Also read: “There is no question” – BCCI vice-president breaks silence on Rohit Sharma’s retirement rumours

Sanju Samson admits Rajasthan Royals exit was a huge risk

Sanju Samson represented Rajasthan Royals for 11 seasons before his move to Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026. The trade between the two franchises saw Samson head to CSK in exchange for allrounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, marking one of the most high-profile player trades in IPL history. Samson joined CSK for INR 18 crore, while Jadeja’s fee was revised to INR 14 crore and Curran’s fee remains INR 2.4 crore.

During his time with Rajasthan Royals, Samson led the franchise in five IPL seasons from 2021 to 2025. Under his leadership, Rajasthan Royals reached the final in the 2022 season. Across his IPL career, Samson scored over 4500 runs. Samson opened up about the decision to leave the franchise that had been his home for over a decade.

“Leaving Rajasthan Royals was a huge risk. Once you convey your feelings to the franchise, there is no going back. You could end up in a team you don’t want to go to or even in the auction with no certainty. There were two reasons behind this decision. First, I was sure that 2025 would be my last season with RR. I had long conversations with my family and my wife. They kept asking me if it was an impulsive decision or if I was really sure,” said Samson on JioStar’s Superstars.

“We discussed it for two or three weeks, and then we decided it was time. I was convinced it was the right call. Second, I am a confident person. I believe I can stand on my own. I am always ready to start from zero. Many people told me that my batting style might not suit the slow Chepauk wicket. Those thoughts did cross my mind. But then I told myself, ‘You are 30 years old. Go out and find a way.’ This IPL season, I went in with a lot of energy, thinking I had to achieve something. I discovered a new energy there, and it was working very well for me,” he added.

Adapting to CSK and overcoming early setbacks

Samson’s early CSK experience included three consecutive losses and personal struggles with form. However, he highlighted the unwavering support from the team management and his teammates during that difficult period. The batter emphasised that despite the pressure of joining a new franchise and the expectations that come with it, the backing he received from CSK proved invaluable in helping him navigate the challenging start to his IPL 2026 campaign.

“In T20 cricket, failure is common. In this format, you tend to fail more than you succeed. So, when you are going through a rough patch, you need people around you who understand that failure is part of the game. When I joined CSK, I failed in my first three games. We lost all three, and I didn’t score runs. I had just come off playing in the World Cup final, but I wasn’t able to carry that form into the IPL,” said Samson.

“In that situation, no matter how experienced you are, you know that the coach expects more, the captain expects more, and Mahi bhai is watching you. So I went to the nets, worked on my game, and stayed in my zone. I was more mature this time around and I knew what I had to do. But what really stood out was that the response from the team management and my teammates didn’t change even one per cent. When I failed three matches in a row, their faith in me never wavered. That meant a lot to me,” he added.

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‘It is not something you should ask for’

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed why he never asked for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy after joining the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. The Kerala batter said leadership is a responsibility that should be entrusted by the management rather than demanded by a player.

Samson joined the five-time champions in a blockbuster trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran before IPL 2026. The move came after he spent five seasons as Rajasthan Royals’ captain, where he led the franchise.

Samson reflected on his journey as captain and explained why he was happy to leave the role behind and focus solely on his batting.

“I really started enjoying captaincy at RR. It’s a different skill, and I was getting better at it every year. By the fourth year of captaincy, I had a clear idea of what it takes to lead a side in IPL and T20s. I was enjoying it completely. But more than that, I wanted to enjoy cricket more. If the environment changes and doesn’t suit you anymore, it’s okay to move on. Captaincy is not something you should ask for. It’s something that should be given to you because people believe you are the right person,” Samson said on JioStar’s Superstars show.

Samson captained Rajasthan Royals in 67 IPL matches between 2021 and 2025, winning 33 and losing 32, while one game ended in a tie and another produced no result.

The right-hander further revealed that he never requested the captaincy during his stint with Rajasthan Royals either, adding that the role was offered to him by franchise owner Manoj Badale. Samson also admitted that playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad was one of the reasons behind his decision not to seek the leadership role at CSK.

“Even at RR, I never asked for it. Manoj Badale sir, the owner of RR told me I was the next captain, and I said I was ready. I captained for five seasons and after that, I was confident enough to leave that role, start fresh, and enjoy my cricket again. But it was important to have the right people around me. Ruturaj was someone I knew I would enjoy playing under. I was ready to play under his captaincy and that was one of the thoughts that guided my decision of not demanding for captaincy after joining CSK,” he continued.

Samson also spoke about his approach towards selection and individual milestones, stating that he has never been driven by the pursuit of the Orange Cap or by lobbying for a place in the Indian team.

“I had already proven what I am in the IPL and I feel that if the Indian team needs me, I don’t need to score big runs and win the Orange Cap. There have been many instances where I was very close to getting selected in the World Cup team and someone else was picked. But I am not the kind of character who will tell my leaders, ‘Bhaiya, please select me, I will play.’ I am always like, ‘I am here. If you want me, call me.’ I will keep doing my training, I will keep doing my processes.”

“But when you feel that you need Sanju the most, that is the only time when my best will also come out. That is what happened in CSK as well, and in the World Cup too this time. It’s always best to be where you are comfortable, instead of moving out of it, I feel,” he concluded.

After joining CSK, Samson enjoyed an excellent IPL 2026 season, carrying his T20 World Cup form into the tournament and establishing himself as one of the franchise’s standout performers with the bat.

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Travis Head breaks silence on Virat Kohli handshake snub in IPL 2026

Australian opener Travis Head has downplayed the heated handshake incident with Virat Kohli following their May 22 clash in IPL 2026, stating there is no animosity that requires addressing between the two players.

The incident occurred during the SRH vs RCB match where SRH won by 55 runs. During RCB’s chase, Kohli and Head exchanged words on the field, and in the post-match greetings, Kohli walked past Head without shaking hands. Kohli had gestured toward Head to take up bowling duties and mimicked the Impact Sub signal.

“I don’t think there’s anything to patch over. That’s just that’s what it is. That’s yeah. No surprises with how the competition went or what went on. So as expected,” Head said as quoted by Code Sports.

What led to the on-field tensions between Travis Head and Virat Kohli?

Head initially challenged Kohli to play attacking shots during his brief stay at the crease, prompting Kohli to respond with sarcasm about Head’s role as an Impact Player, mockingly signaling the substitution and telling Head to come down and bowl himself. The confrontation intensified a competitive moment into a heated verbal duel between two of the IPL’s most aggressive players.

The fallout extended beyond the field when family members were targeted. Head and his wife Jessica faced online abuse from Indian cricket fans, with hateful comments and private messages sent to them, their friends, and family members.

“It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family,” stated Jessica.

Head’s measured response reflects his willingness to move past the episode as part of competitive sport. His composure during the controversy signals that both players view the incident as a momentary clash rather than a lasting rupture. With the IPL 2026 season now concluded following the May 31 final in Ahmedabad, the focus has shifted to the next international fixtures and upcoming franchise leagues.

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Manoj Tiwary hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India’s next superstar

Former Team India batter Manoj Tiwary heaped praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who registered his maiden T20I half-century for the India National Cricket Team against Zimbabwe in the first match of the ongoing 3-match away T20I series in Harare.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi claimed the half-century at the age of only 15, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record, who got his first fifty for the national side at the age of 16. Manoj Tiwary stated that he was impressed by the dedication, hunger, and will to score runs during Vaibhav’s batting.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored his first 50 for India at the age of 15

Ahead of the second T20I against Zimbabwe, the former India cricketer said that they have been watching a future superstar in the making since Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.

After making his IPL debut, there was no turning back for the Bihar-born batter. Back-to-back successful IPL seasons on an individual basis, credible outings for the domestic cricket team, memorable knocks for the Indian Under-19 team, and finally the national cricket team call-up.

Within a time frame barely covering a couple of years, Vaibhav’s rise in international cricket is like the emergence of a meteorite.

“What I see in him is the hunger, dedication, and wanting to do well. The desire is there to score in every innings. It’s a moment of joy and a celebration as well, and many congratulations to him and to his family members and to his coach as well, and all Indian fans as well,” Manoj Tiwary said through a PTI video.

“Just that from last year itself, the way he started in IPL, this year also, the way he dominated throughout the IPL, we all got to know what he is capable of doing and I was a little surprised that he didn’t get a start in Ireland series where he was not made to play in the first two games but eventually got his opportunity against England,” he added.

A super talented kid: Manoj Tiway on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Manoj Tiwary noticed that whenever Vaibhav was dismissed early in an innings, he looked extremely disappointed. This shows that the batter feels the hunger to score runs in every match he walks out into the middle, whether it is for India or Rajasthan Royals.

“So, it showed a lot of talent, pure talent, and what I see in him is the hunger, dedication, and wanting to do well. The desire is there to score in every innings when he goes into bat, and when he gets out, we all see how disappointed he gets. Literally, he cries while coming out from the 22 yards to the dressing room. A super talented kid,” Manoj continued.

“Wonder kid” 🌟

Manoj Tiwary heaped praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the 15-year-old became the youngest player in men’s international cricket to score a half-century.

📹: PTI #VaibhavSooryavanshi #TeamIndia #T20Is pic.twitter.com/j2Iex7L9m9

— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 24, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can go berserk again against Zimbabwe

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to continue in the playing eleven for the second match against Zimbabwe after securing the record-breaking half-century in the previous match.

As he has found his rhythm, Indian cricket fans will want to see more fireworks from his blade in the next game.

‘I always believed Shah Rukh is…’

Veteran Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has opened up about his admiration for India batter KL Rahul, revealing that he first met the cricketer as a fan long before Rahul became a part of his family.

A passionate cricket enthusiast who once dreamt of becoming a professional cricketer himself, Suniel saw his connection with the sport grow even stronger when his daughter Athiya Shetty married Rahul in 2023. The couple welcomed their daughter, Evaarah Vipula, last year.

Recalling his first interaction with Rahul, Suniel admitted that he was starstruck by the India batter and continues to admire his personality and influence.

“It was a fanboy moment. I met him as a fan much, much before they met each other. To this day, that’s how I look at him somebody who’s very well-spoken, soft, humble, and leaves a huge impact on the youth whenever and wherever he plays,” the actor said in an interaction with Mid-Day.

Suniel also shared that he avoids giving career advice to Rahul, just as he does with his son, actor Ahan Shetty. Instead, he said discussions within the family revolve around values and character rather than professional choices.

“I don’t give advice to both my boys. Like I say, we don’t discuss careers at home; we discuss character. We keep it very, very simple,” he said.

Despite his deep love for cricket, Suniel revealed that he never became part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a franchise owner, even though he believed he had the financial ability to do so in the league’s early years.

The actor explained that the lack of investors and financial backing at the time prevented him from pursuing the opportunity.

“I could’ve bought a team. If somebody would’ve backed me, I probably would’ve gone into it. In today’s time, you have funders, VCs (Venture Capitalists), and investors who are keen to invest with you. Back then, it wasn’t that way. We couldn’t even think of spending so much money,” he confessed.

Suniel also praised Shah Rukh Khan for identifying the opportunity early and successfully entering the IPL as the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders. He credited the Bollywood superstar’s vision and the support of his business partners for the franchise’s success.

“Shah Rukh was at the right place at the right time, and with the right people. And me, being an introvert, I was… like I said, Shah Rukh was in a better place,” Suniel admitted.

He concluded by lauding Shah Rukh’s foresight and business acumen.

“I always believed Shah Rukh is an absolute visionary. Whatever he’s done in life, he’s done it so beautifully,” he concluded.

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Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Shreyas Iyer’s unheard IPL 2019 offer to avoid Mankading

Other than spin bowling skills, Ravichandran Ashwin was infamously known for his intention to mankad the batters. In a recent Star Sports segment, the former India spinner revealed a conversation with Shreyas Iyer during an Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Because Ashwin tended to mankad the non-striker-end batters, even Shreyas Iyer was afraid of that. Ashwin mentioned that during an IPL season, Iyer requested him not to run out the non-striker-end batters by mankad.

Ravichandran Ashwin reveals a secret conversation with Shreyas Iyer

Ravichandran Ashwin revealed the chat from the IPL 2019 season, when he was leading the Punjab Kings and Shreyas Iyer was the captain of the Delhi Capitals. During the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings match toss in Mohali, Iyer went straight to talk with Ashwin personally.

The incident that Ravichandran Ashwin mentioned was an event that was never revealed before, so it came as a surprise for the hosts of the segment as well. Iyer came to talk to Ashwin before the toss, who then was Punjab Kings’ captain, as he sought assurance from the spinner whether he would go to mankand any of their batters in that match.

Shreyas Iyer came to Ravichandran Ashwin to avoid a Mankad

As Shreyas Iyer assured that none of their bowlers would apply the Mankad way to dismiss the opposing batters in that match, Ashwin said he couldn’t promise.

“I played for Delhi next year. I went to Delhi from Punjab. Ricky Ponting and Shreyas were the captains. Do you know what happened? We were playing in Punjab and Delhi came to Mohali to play the match. Shreyas told me during the toss that he won’t play that (mankad) and I won’t either. I replied i am not coming in for this pact,” Ashwin said.

“Next year I went to Delhi and asked him if he would appeal. He said no, he won’t,” he added.

In the same Indian Premier League season, in 2019, Ashwin mankaded Rajasthan Royals batter Jos Buttler and Punjab eventually won the match. So Shreyas Iyer knew that Ashwin would not hesitate to do that again, even against the Delhi Capitals, if he spotted any opportunity to dismiss the non-striker’s-end batter while bowling.

Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler via a controversial “Mankad” run-out during a 2019 IPL match, which caused widespread debate. As there were very few instances when a batter was dismissed for a Mankad run-out, the incident became a controversial move.

Mankad gradually became popular among new-age cricketers

Later, when the experts explained that Ravichandran Ashwin did that according to cricket’s rule book, the dismissal of Buttler was fine. Later, when Mankad gradually became popular across the globe, multiple cricketers, including Men’s and Women’s cricketers, tried to follow Ashwin’s footsteps.

Currently, a Mankad run-out is no longer a controversial act, and all the batters keep it in mind that if they go outside of the crease before the release of the ball from the bowler’s hand, then they could be dismissed for a Mankad run-out.

‘Don’t get into ‘but’ – Sanju Samson reveals MS Dhoni’s valuable advice after poor IPL 2026 start

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed how a timely conversation with MS Dhoni helped him overcome a poor start to his IPL 2026 campaign for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Samson entered the tournament on the back of a memorable T20 World Cup 2026, where he played a key role in India’s title-winning campaign and was named the Player of the Tournament. However, his return to franchise cricket did not go as planned, as he managed scores of 6, 7, and 9 in his first three outings for the five-time champions.

Despite the lean run, Dhoni advised the wicketkeeper-batter to remain calm and continue playing his natural game instead of trying to make unnecessary changes.

“I still remember, Mahi bhai met me after the first three matches when we went for practice. I usually sit right behind him, facing him. So, we sat down, and he looked at me and asked if I was fine. I said, ‘Bhaiya, I am fine.’ Then I kept saying ‘but’ and ‘yes’ without even realising it. Then he told me, ‘Don’t get into but. Just focus on doing what you do best. Everything will be alright.’ It was very subtle, but a huge lesson for me. He was telling me that everything is okay. Just because I was failing didn’t mean I had to change my batting style, look like I was stressed, or practice for three extra hours,” Samson said on JioStar’s Superstars show.

Samson said Dhoni’s words gave him renewed confidence and strengthened his belief that he only needed one good innings to get back into form. He also revealed that he reassured head coach Stephen Fleming that things would soon turn around.

“At that moment, I felt I really had to perform for them. Then I told Stephen Fleming, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll be fine in the next game.’ And in the next game, I scored a hundred against Delhi Capitals. From there, the momentum came back,” he continued.

The right-hander delivered on his promise in emphatic fashion, smashing an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls against Delhi Capitals in Chennai. His knock, which featured 15 fours and four sixes, came at a blistering strike rate of 205.35 and marked the beginning of a successful run with the bat.

Samson went on to enjoy an impressive IPL 2026 campaign after overcoming his slow start. In 14 innings, the right-hander amassed 477 runs at an average of 43.36 and an outstanding strike rate of 165.63, playing a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup.

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Ravichandran Ashwin revives Sunil Narine ‘chucking’ debate in 2026 with cheeky remarks

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has taken an indirect dig at former West Indies international Sunil Narine over his bowling action. If there has been one mystery spinner that has ruled the world of T20 cricket since 2012 till now, it has been Narine, as he continues to deliver match-winning performances across various franchise leagues till now.

Sunil Narine’s action has been one of the most talked-about, with debate over whether he is chucking. He was forced to revamp his action after he was first reported for a suspected illegal action on September 29, 2014, during the Champions League T20, and was soon scrutinized, prompting him to change his action.

While speaking on the Star Sports show, #CheekySingles, Ashwin was asked about bowling no balls and also chucking the ball; the hosts stated that the spinners are now allowed to chuck the balls. But R Ashwin replied hilariously, taking a dig at Narine, saying that not everyone is allowed, and everyone in the show laughed.

Ravichandran Ashwin takes indirect dig at Sunil Narine

Ashwin then later clarified that there is a huge difference between bat and ball, also jokingly saying that the fans and crowd applaud when batters hit boundaries and even when bowlers bowl no-balls, but there is a contrasting view when the bowlers pick wickets, as everyone goes silent.

Ashwin said, “No, not everyone is allowed. [Laughs] What all have I said? Tell me. No, no, I mean, it’s nothing. It just slipped out.”

“What I was trying to say is that there’s now such a huge difference between bat and ball. If a batter hits a four or a six, everyone applauds. If we bowl a no-ball, even that announcement gets applause. But when we actually take a wicket, there’s complete silence.”

Interviewer: I think these days, chucking is allowed for spinners

Ravichandran Ashwin (laughing): Not everyone is allowed 😂 pic.twitter.com/guURYiI5MI

— OldMonkofCricket (@OldMonkOfCric) July 24, 2026

Sunil Narine the undisputed GOAT of IPL

Sunil Narine was called into question again in 2015 when he served a brief ban from the IPL. However, five years later in 2020, he served a warning but was cleared soon. Despite all the struggles and changes in bowling actions over the years, Narine remains one of the greatest cricketers of all time to ever play T20 cricket.

The West Indies spinner is the only cricketer to win three Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, which is the Player of the Tournament prize in the history of the IPL, and all for one franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He won in 2012, 2018 and 2024.

He is the leading wicket-taker for a single franchise, picking 207 wickets across 202 matches. The veteran all-rounder became the first overseas bowler and the third player overall to reach the 200-wicket milestone in the tournament and also the third highest wicket-taker overall in the tournament’s history. This showcases his talent and the legacy he carries still now.

Sunil Narine’s recent form

Recently, Sunil Narine won the Player of the Tournament (Most Valuable Player) award in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026, with the sister franchise of KKR, which is the Los Angeles Knight Riders, in the MLC.

He picked 18 wickets in 11 matches as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the Los Angeles Knight Riders, who are the champions of MLC 2026.

Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma create rare record, become first India pair born on same day to open bowling

India’s new-ball pair of Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma created an unusual record during the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.

While both impressed with their pace, they also became the first Indian opening bowling pair in men’s T20Is to share the same date of birth.

Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma born on same day, script unique India T20I record

The opening T20I between India and Zimbabwe was memorable for more than just the result. India’s pace attack started the innings with Mayank Yadav and debutant Ashok Sharma, who were both born on June 17, 2002.

It is a rare occurrence in international cricket for both opening bowlers of a side to have the same birthday. As per Cricinfo, Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma became the first Indian pair to achieve the feat in men’s international cricket.

Only two other known pairs have previously opened the bowling after being born on the same date:

Timezeen Rapi and Matthew Faatea (Samoa vs Fiji, 2023) – both born on August 30, 2003
Edward Taylor and Guillermo Aburto (Chile vs Mexico, 2023) – both born on February 29, 1984

Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma, who opened the bowling for India in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, were born on the same day – June 17, 2002 😮

Other pairs born on the same date to open the bowling in an innings in men’s international cricket (where data available):
Timezeen… pic.twitter.com/FldZ4zQXKl

— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) July 24, 2026

The coincidence added another layer to an already special evening for the two young fast bowlers. While Mayank was making his return to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff, Ashok was fulfilling his dream by making his India debut. Together, they provided India with the perfect start and showcased the country’s growing pace-bowling depth.

How did Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma perform in 1st T20I vs Zimbabwe?

Mayank Yadav wasted no time in making an impact. Bowling the very first ball of the match, the express pacer dismissed Brian Bennett for a golden duck after India successfully reviewed the on-field decision. It made him only the third Indian bowler to claim a wicket with the opening delivery of a men’s T20I.

Operating consistently in the mid-to-high 140 kmph range, Mayank troubled Zimbabwe’s batters throughout his opening spell. He repeatedly beat Dion Myers with deliveries that shaped away before removing him for six with a sharp back-of-a-length ball. His opening burst left Zimbabwe reeling at 21/3, putting India firmly in control.

Although Tadiwanashe Marumani scored a few late boundaries in the final over, Mayank still finished with outstanding figures of 2/18 in four overs, conceding runs at just 4.50 per over. He bowled 17 dot balls and was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell.

Ashok Sharma, meanwhile, had a quieter but encouraging international debut. The Rajasthan speedster consistently touched the mid-140 kmph mark, troubling Ben Curran and Ryan Burl with sharp pace and disciplined lengths. While he went wicketless, he bowled several testing deliveries that beat the bat and kept Zimbabwe’s scoring in check through the middle overs.

Ashok ended his maiden spell for India with figures of 0/29 from four overs. The wickets may have eluded him, but his pace, control and composure suggested he has the tools to become a regular feature in India’s fast-bowling setup.

India win first match under captain Shreyas Iyer

India completed a dominant seven-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and hand Shreyas Iyer his first win as India’s T20I captain. The result also ended India’s seven-match winless run in the format and snapped Iyer’s own streak of seven consecutive toss wins without a victory as captain.

After restricting Zimbabwe to 125/7, thanks largely to Mayank Yadav’s fiery opening spell and two wickets each from Mayank and Prince Yadav, India’s chase was headlined by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenager smashed a breathtaking 50 off just 19 balls, reaching the landmark in only 18 deliveries, while Ishan Kishan added a fluent 35 off 24.

Captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 28, guiding India to 126/3 in just 13.2 overs with 40 balls to spare. The emphatic chase also became India’s fourth-fastest successful pursuit of a 120-plus target in men’s T20Is in terms of balls remaining.

Gujarat Titans coach faces abuse amid CJP Jantar Mantar protest

Former India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper and Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya has appealed to social media users to stop targeting him after being mistaken for former CJP spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya amid the ongoing Jantar Mantar protest controversy.

The confusion emerged after Vijeta Dahiya dominated headlines following his removal as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson. As abusive messages began reaching the Gujarat Titans assistant coach, Vijay Dahiya took to Instagram to clarify that he had no connection with the political activist.

Recently, Ishan Kishan broke the silence on the CJP Jantar Mantar protest, backing students with a heartfelt message.

Gujarat Titans coach Vijay Dahiya forced to clarify identity amid Vijeta Dahiya row

Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya shared an Instagram Story asking users to stop sending abusive messages, making it clear that he is not the individual involved in the CJP controversy. His Instagram Story read:

“Please stop sending abuses my way :))) I am not VIJETA Dahiya from the cockroach party!”

Gujarat Titans assistant coach Vijay Dahiya’s Instagram story, clarifying that he is not Vijeta Dahiya from CJP. 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/D4oe7p1VPZ

— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) July 23, 2026

The clarification attracted attention on social media as many users had mistaken the Gujarat Titans assistant coach for the sacked CJP spokesperson because of the similarity in their names.

Vijay Dahiya is a former Indian wicketkeeper who represented the national team in two Tests and 19 ODIs between 2000 and 2001. He was also a member of India’s squad that finished runners-up at the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy.

Born in Delhi on May 10, 1973, Dahiya enjoyed a successful domestic career before moving into coaching. He guided Delhi to the 2007-08 Ranji Trophy title, ending the team’s 16-year wait for the championship. He has also worked with Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL before joining Gujarat Titans as assistant coach. He currently serves as the head coach of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team and as Gujarat Titans’ assistant coach.

During his international career, Dahiya scored 216 runs in 19 ODIs, including one half-century, while also playing two Test matches for India.

Who is Vijeta Dahiya – the sacked CJP spokesperson?

Vijeta Dahiya came into the spotlight after being removed as the spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) following controversy surrounding the party’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

According to multiple media reports, Vijeta is an alumnus of Delhi Technological University (DTU) and has previously worked in political research, content creation and filmmaking. Reports have also stated that he was associated with YouTuber Dhruv Rathee’s team as a researcher and writer. He has authored two books, Power of Universe and To Hell With That Job, and has also written and directed Haryanvi films.

The controversy erupted after videos circulated online showing Vijeta away from the “Sansad Chalo” protest march during police action. Another viral clip showed him eating a burger while responding to criticism, triggering backlash on social media.

Announcing his removal, the CJP said his conduct was inconsistent with the movement’s values and described it as showing a lack of judgment. Vijeta has maintained that he participated in the protest before briefly leaving and intended to return after freshening up.

What is the CJP Jantar Mantar protest?

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest is a youth-led movement centred around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Initially emerging as an online satirical campaign, it later developed into a nationwide protest focused on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and broader concerns over the education system.

The movement gathered momentum following allegations surrounding the NEET-UG examination, with protesters demanding greater transparency in recruitment and examination processes. Among the key demands raised by the group are the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, structural reforms to examination authorities and strict action against those responsible for paper leak cases.

The protest attracted nationwide attention after clashes between demonstrators and police during the “Sansad Chalo” march. In the aftermath, the government agreed to hold talks with CJP representatives at the Constitution Club of India after the organization requested discussions at a neutral venue.

Hanuma Vihari questions Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya’s commitment to India

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Out-of-favour Indian batter Hanuma Vihari questioned the cricketers’ work ethic and fitness amid India’s tour of Zimbabwe. On July 13, Zimbabwe hosts India for the first of the three-match T20I series; ahead of the match, Vihari issued multiple questions as multiple key players missed recent matches for the India National Cricket Team.

Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Varun Chakravarthy are all currently out of the national side because of injury reasons. Hanuma Vihari claimed that nowadays, even for a slight niggle, players are most likely to miss matches.

Hanuma Vihari raises questions against Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah

Hanuma Vihari highlighted that Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, all of the team, played an entire Indian Premier League (IPL) season, but when the time arrived to serve the Indian cricket team, they were not available for selection because of injuries.

“I think an important question is that Hardik, Bumrah, Nitish, and Varun all played 14 matches in the IPL, but when it comes to international cricket, even if there is a slight niggle they are out. Harshit did not play the IPL but made a comeback and got injured again. What is the problem? It’s not too much cricket when it comes to the international level. Why are they breaking down? Hanuma Vihari raised the question in his YouTube video.

Hanuma Vihari issues a warning for the Indian cricket team

Vihari claimed that the permutations and combinations with the playing combination ahead of the next World Cup could put a bad impression on the team. On a higher note, the batter questioned the players’ will to represent the national team over their IPL commitments, where the top talents of the nation earn in crores.

“If these players are unfit and we have to keep changing the combinations before the World Cup, it will become difficult. Are players motivated enough to play international cricket? Or want to play the IPL for money and fame and take it lightly?” he questioned in a video on his YouTube channel,” Hanuma added.

‘Why are they not fit?’ a direct question to BCCI from Hanuma Vihari

Later in the video, Hanuma kept Jasprit Bumrah aside from the debate as the pacer played for India across all three formats with a history of injury management issues. It is well known that the Board of Control for Cricket in India closely monitors the workload of the bowler, as the board wants to keep its top talents fit for the flagship events.

So Hanuma kept Bumrah out of the conversation and pointed towards the other players who are currently not playing for the Indian cricket team because of injuries.

“Bumrah is an exception because he is coming back from injury and has had workload management, and is playing all three formats. But what about those who are playing only white-ball cricket? Why are they not fit? It is a disappointment, and it becomes difficult for the captain and coach to fit that combination,” he added.

Dinesh Karthik slams England’s ‘IPL blame game’, David Lloyd hits back in fiery exchange

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has defended the Indian Premier League (IPL) after young England batter Jacob Bethell came under heavy criticism for choosing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over county cricket.

Karthik made it clear that Bethell should not be made the villain. He admitted that the player is the one who always faces the heat. His comments came after several former England cricketers questioned Bethell’s decision to stay with RCB during IPL 2026 instead of returning to play county cricket for Warwickshire before England’s home Test series against New Zealand.

David Lloyd refuses to target Jacob Bethell, blames to ICC, BCCI and ECB in IPL controversy

Many former England legends and cricket experts believed Jacob Bethell should have prepared for the New Zealand Test series by playing county matches in England, as he was warming the bench at that time with the RCB during the IPL 2026.

After he struggled in the Test series and later picked up an injury, his RCB commitment in the IPL was blamed for the same. However, David Lloyd refused to blame Bethell. Amid this, Dinesh Karthik’s funny exchange with Dewald Brevis goes viral.

The iconic commentator and umpire pointed the finger at the cricket administrators, including the ICC, BCCI, and ECB, saying they were responsible for creating a packed schedule where the IPL and international cricket clash.

David Lloyd said on the Stick to Cricket Podcast, “I think it’s the schedule; it’s the administrators that put… I have no blame on Jacob Bethell. It’s under contract; it took a contract, but the administrators put the schedules together, and, you know, they’re quite stubborn in that they won’t change that. How many times have we said that? I’m not blaming the player.”

Dinesh Karthik fires back at David Lloyd

Well, Karthik agreed that Bethell was unfairly being targeted, but he attacked the England cricketers for finding reasons to blame the IPL whenever one of its players goes through the tough phase after the former England legend comments.

Dinesh Karthik said, “So, Bumble says it’s not on the player, but sadly the player feels the heat; it is the truth.” To which Lloyd said, “Oh, it’s a shame, because he’s not.”

Dinesh Karthik drops truth on Jacob Bethell’s criticism

Then, the real drama began as the former Indian cricketer lost his cool at the criticism of the IPL and RCB. He slammed the unfair criticism the IPL gets in England, saying people always blame the tournament whenever their player struggles after returning from India.

Karthik said on the podcast intensely, “England is getting to a point; for some strange reason, they’re finding a way to hate the IPL, and I think that can be a bit unfair.

I know it’s not watched voraciously in this part of the world, but the players do enjoy playing that tournament; it comes just before the summer, and I would like to think, if you do ask the players, that they do have a good time playing and they get better. I would like to think so.”

However, Lloyd disagreed with Karthik’s take on the matter. He defended the criticism by saying, “I’m going to disagree with you; I don’t think we dislike the IPL, I really don’t. Because we transmit it on TV here, and it’s very well watched. There are loads of people that watch the IPL and talk about the IPL; I don’t think we’re critical of that.”

“England is finding a strange reason to hate the IPL.” 😬 🇮🇳

Is the IPL disliked in England? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/QtU3hJrP5r

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) July 23, 2026

You can’t play it against RCB

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

London Spirit batting coach Dinesh Karthik shared a lighthearted moment with South Africa batter Dewald Brevis during a training session at The Hundred 2026. Dinesh Karthik offered to teach Brevis a new shot to add to his batting but jokingly told him not to use it against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.

London Spirit trained at Lord’s on July 22 ahead of their opening match of the 2026 season. The London-based side will face Manchester Originals at Lord’s on Thursday, July 23. Notably, the franchise hired the entire RCB coaching staff, including Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik.

Dinesh Karthik Jokes About Teaching Dewald Brevis a New Shot

During London Spirit’s training session at Lord’s, Dewald Brevis spent time batting in the nets before speaking with Dinesh Karthik. The South African batter told Karthik that he wanted to add a new shot to his game and asked for his help.

Brevis revealed that he had tried the shot while practicing with a bowling machine during his younger days. The batter said that he would love to master it under Karthik’s guidance during their time together at London Spirit.

“When I was younger, I used to try it in the nets with the bowling machine. I would love to.”

Karthik agreed to help Brevis learn the shot but added a condition. The former India wicketkeeper joked that Brevis could use the shot against any team, except Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“We’ll work on that when we have time. It’ll be a good shot to add to your arsenal. But the only condition is that you can’t play it against RCB. Other than that, it’s fine.”

IPL banter has reached the Hundred.
pic.twitter.com/lTnyyNMYsp

— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) July 22, 2026

Dinesh Karthik to Continue as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Batting Coach

Dinesh Karthik hinted that he is likely to continue as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting coach. Karthik signed a contract as a batting coach and mentor for the RCB ahead of the 2025 season, shortly after retiring from his playing career.

Earlier this month, several unconfirmed reports claimed that Chennai Super Kings were considering Karthik as a candidate to replace Stephen Fleming as head coach. The speculation gained attention after CSK ended Fleming’s long and successful spell with the franchise.

There has been no official announcement. Karthik’s joke also caught fans’ attention because Brevis represents Chennai Super Kings, one of RCB’s biggest rivals in the IPL’s popular “Southern Derby.”

London Spirit Bring RCB’s Coaching Team Together

London Spirit have strengthened their coaching setup by bringing in several key members of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s support staff ahead of The Hundred 2026. The franchise partnered with the IPL 2026 champions to improve its performances.

Head coach Andy Flower and batting coach Dinesh Karthik have taken charge of the team. RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, scout Malolan Rangarajan, and team analyst Freddie Wilde also joined the team.

London Spirit will hope the new coaching group can turn their fortunes around this season. They begin their The Hundred 2026 campaign against Manchester Originals at Lord’s on Thursday, July 23, with the match scheduled to start at 11:00 PM IST.

Also read: Rohit Sharma future update: Will veteran opener play India’s next ODI series?

Alastair Cook reopens discussion over Jacob Bethell’s IPL stint after England batter’s fitness concern

July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The tension between national duties and lucrative global franchise T20 leagues has surfaced once again, triggered by the news of all-rounder Jacob Bethell’s right knee injury. The 21-year-old rising star, set to captain Birmingham Phoenix, has been officially ruled out of The Hundred after sustaining the injury during the ODI series against India. Beyond missing out on the domestic 100-ball tournament, the setback casts serious doubt over his availability for England‘s Test series against Pakistan. This sudden turn of events has given former England captain Sir Alastair Cook a fresh platform to reignite his passionate stance on player priorities.

Alastair Cook revives questions over Jacob Bethell’s IPL stint amid England batter’s injury blow

Cook has never shied away from voicing his core belief: international cricket must remain paramount. During a recent episode of the Stick to Cricket podcast alongside Mo Bobat and Dinesh Karthik, the former opening batter revisited the controversial debate over Bethell’s decision to remain in India during the IPL season. Earlier this year, Cook questioned whether riding the bench for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) served Bethell’s development better than accumulating crucial game time back home in red-ball conditions.

“What I’m saying, I think this is where it’s really important. I’m here for the Test match in a week’s time, and one of our No. 3 players [is sitting on the bench]… I think it’s really important that English cricket is more important than an IPL or a franchise. That’s what I think, and apparently, I’m not allowed to think it, because the IPL is the best tournament in the world,” Cook remarked during the podcast exchange.

The legend’s frustration centers around England’s middle order. Bethell, who has rapidly established himself in England’s line-up, spent a significant chunk of his IPL stint on the sidelines before finding opportunities later in the tournament. Cook argued that sitting on the bench for consecutive seasons deprives a young batter of match sharpness, something an injury setback heading into an international Test summer only amplifies.

“So I’m taking it from Jacob Bethell, who sat on the bench the year before and learnt from all those players, who then also sitting on the bench is not playing, I’m sitting here going, my No. 3 to the side I actually really want to win, which is England… no disrespect to RCB and all those franchises, I want England to be the most successful side,” he added.

Also READ: Jacob Bethell ruled out of The Hundred Men’s 2026 due to knee injury

Franchise exposure versus long-term match fitness: The ongoing debate

The friction highlight’s a classic modern dilemma: high-intensity bench learning versus actual match overs. Earlier in the summer, Bethell pushed back against the criticism, explaining that there is “no right or wrong way” to navigate career growth. He maintained that absorbing elite tactical insights, training alongside international stars, and soaking in high-pressure atmospheres inside IPL dugouts accelerated his game in ways regular domestic fixtures couldn’t match.

However, with a crucial knee injury now delaying his rehabilitation, Bethell has lost crucial game time in The Hundred, and potentially his spot in the Test lineup against Pakistan. As English cricket continues to negotiate player availability with global leagues, Cook’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the tightrope administrators and young players walk between franchise commitments and international pride.

Also READ: Abhinav Mukund predicts India squad for ODI World Cup 2027; no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal

Alastair Cook clashes with RCB’s Dinesh Karthik, Mo Bobat over Jacob Bethell debate

July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

A big drama broke out during the podcast after England legend Alastair Cook had an intense discussion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mentor Dinesh Karthik and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat over young England batter Jacob Bethell’s IPL 2026 involvement.

The conversation between Cook, Karthik, and Bobat turned into a fiery clash over whether IPL commitments should come before national team preparations.

Cook stood behind England’s interests, while Karthik and Bobat defended the value of the IPL experience, leading to a tense but interesting exchange. Amid this, Andy Flower rejects England Test coach role, chooses RCB over ECB.

Mo Bobat brings up the Jacob Bethell controversy

It all started after Mo Bobat pointed out that there had been a huge debate over Jacob Bethell staying with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) instead of joining England early to prepare for the home Test matches against New Zealand.

He suggested that Cook had played a big role in the debate. Mo Bobat said on the Stick to Cricket Podcast, “There was a big fuss kicked up about Bethell, which Cookie kicked off, I think, about Jacob Bethell being at the IPL and not being here to prepare.”

Alastair Cook says England must always come first

The former England captain was tricked by the RCB’s Director of Cricket and made his stand crystal clear by saying England’s Test team should always come first. Amid this, Jacob Bethell suffers injury blow, pulls out of The Hundred 2026.

He questioned why one of England’s expected No. 3 batters, Jacob Bethell, was sitting on the IPL bench instead of spending valuable time preparing with the national side before such an important Test.

Alastair Cook interrupted and strongly said, “What I’m saying is I think this is where it’s really important. I’m here for the test match in a week’s time, and one of our No. 3 players (Jacob Bethell) is sitting on the bench… and you can see what I want to do.”

“I think it’s really important that English cricket be more important than an IPL or a franchise. That’s what I think, and apparently, I’m not allowed to think it, because the IPL is the best tournament in the world.”

Dinesh Karthik joins the debate

Dinesh Karthik quickly joined the debate and said that Cook was completely free to express his opinion. However, the RCB mentor and batting coach said that Cook’s point of view was fair and deserved to be heard, but everything has two sides.

Karthik noted, “No, it is not” (whether he should not make any comment on the IPL). I think you should by all means say what you said. And I think what you said is very fair.”

Alastair Cook refuses to back down in RCB vs ENG duty row

However, Cook stood by his argument. He explained that Bethell had already spent time learning from senior players while sitting on the bench in the IPL but felt there comes a stage when a player should focus on preparing for national duty.

Cook signed off by saying, “So, I’m sitting here going, my number three to the side, I actually really want to win, which is England; no disrespect to RCB and all those franchises and London Spirit, I want England to be the most successful side.”

One of Stick to Cricket’s most heated debates! 🔥

You will not want to miss this… 8am tomorrow. 📺 pic.twitter.com/NylsQZ1mTn

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) July 21, 2026

Tribunal grants relief to Lalit Modi, BCCI in IPL 2009 FEMA case

July 22, 2026July 22, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The former Chairman of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL), Lalit Modi, has been proven innocent and cleared of the principal proceedings that arose during the 2009 IPL season for hosting in South Africa. The Appellate Tribunal under SAFEMA removed all the penalties and charges imposed on him.

They also rejected the Enforcement Directorate’s claim of mishandling foreign money transfers which were claimed as capital account transactions. The announcement came after 16 years, as it is a huge relief for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and some of its office-bearers in the FEMA violation case of 2009.

Lalit Modi declared innocent

The judgment stated that the penalties that were imposed on Lalit Modi have been ruled out as he was not in charge of any kind of affairs and was framed in the case without any material that showed that he was involved in the case.

“The penalty has been imposed even on Shri Lalit Kumar Modi in ignorance of his position and even suspension. He was not in-charge of the affairs and otherwise he has been framed in the case without any material showing his responsibility. The penalty imposed on Shri Lalit Kumar Modi is wholly erroneous and thus interfered,” the judgment said.

“I was neither responsible”- Lalit Modi on false charges

Lalit Modi stated that the tribunal ruled that the IPL 2009 remittances were current account transactions, not capital account transactions. He also stated that he is happy that the Tribunal found that he is not responsible for BCCI’s statutory FEMA compliance.

Modi welcomed the verdict. “The Tribunal has rejected the central premise on which the Enforcement Directorate’s case against me had been built. It held that the principal foreign remittances relating to the staging of IPL 2009 in South Africa were current account transactions, not capital account transactions, thereby overturning the foundation of the earlier findings.

“The Tribunal also found that I was neither responsible for BCCI’s statutory FEMA compliance nor vested with the financial authority alleged by the Enforcement Directorate, and it has set aside the penalties imposed on me in the principal proceedings.”

N Srinivasan gets major relief as tribunal cuts penalties

Lalit Modi also stated that he is happy and for the past 16 years he has stuck to one position, acted in the best interests of Indian Cricket and the IPL, and has done nothing wrong that can harm the reputation of the country in terms of cricket.

“This marks the conclusion of what has been the single most significant legal matter arising from the 2009 South Africa IPL. For over sixteen years I have consistently maintained one simple position: I acted in good faith, in the best interests of Indian cricket and the IPL, and committed no personal wrongdoing.”

Apart from Lalit Modi, there were two sets of penalties on former BCCI secretary N Srinivasan and former treasurer Pandove. Srinivasan’s punishment was lowered from INR 1 crore to INR 10 lakh, while Pandove’s penalty of INR 50 lakh was reduced to INR 5 lakh. The penalty imposed on the BCCI was lowered from INR 4 crore to INR 1 crore.

Jacob Bethell opens up on sharing RCB dressing room with Virat Kohli

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Playing alongside one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era is an experience few young players get to enjoy early in their careers. England batter Jacob Bethell was one of those fortunate names after joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he shared the dressing room with Virat Kohli. While Kohli’s intensity on the field has been admired for years, Bethell offered fans a different perspective by revealing what the Indian batting icon is like behind the scenes and why his influence extends far beyond scoring runs.

The youngster also reflected on how much he learned from spending time around Kohli, describing him as a leader whose presence elevates everyone in the dressing room. From team meetings to match-day preparation, Bethell explained that Kohli’s professionalism and willingness to share knowledge left a lasting impression on him during his stint with the franchise.

Jacob Bethell reveals what Virat Kohli is really like inside the RCB dressing room

Speaking on the Super Over podcast, Bethell described Kohli as a calm and approachable personality away from cricket, despite his aggressive and animated presence during matches. According to the England batter, Kohli has an incredible ability to switch between being relaxed off the field and becoming fiercely competitive the moment training or a game begins. Bethell also highlighted how every aspect of Kohli’s lifestyle revolves around achieving peak performance, allowing him to consistently maintain the high standards that have defined his legendary career.

Although Kohli was not the captain during Bethell’s time with RCB, the youngster stressed that the former skipper remained one of the biggest leaders within the squad. He explained that Kohli regularly contributed during team meetings, offering valuable tactical insights and sharing experiences that younger players eagerly absorbed.

“Away from cricket and off the field, he’s actually a very chilled individual. Great to talk to and great to spend time around. But he has that ability to flip into that competitive nature around cricket and training. He wasn’t captain when I was there, but he’s a massive leader within the team. In team meetings, he shares unbelievable information. When you’re around people like that, you just want to soak everything in,” he said on podcast.

Also READ: Cricket fans brutally troll Shoaib Akhtar over his views on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

Bethell recalls unforgettable Chinnaswamy atmosphere alongside Kohli

Bethell also looked back on his first IPL appearance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, calling it one of the most unforgettable moments of his career. The left-hander admitted he was extremely nervous before walking out to bat, especially in front of RCB’s passionate home supporters. However, those nerves quickly turned into excitement once he stepped onto the field alongside Kohli. Bethell revealed that the atmosphere inside the stadium was unlike anything he had experienced before, with every corner packed with fans creating deafening noise.

He particularly remembered striking his second delivery for a boundary and being overwhelmed by the roar from the crowd, saying he had never heard anything as loud in his cricketing career. Sharing the crease with Kohli in front of a packed Chinnaswamy only made the experience even more special for the young England batter.

“I remember being really nervous before. But as soon as I got onto the ground, I just felt excitement. We were walking out to bat together and the place was bouncing. I hit my second ball for four and I have never heard a sound that loud,” he concluded.

Bethell’s reflections once again underline Kohli’s enormous influence within the RCB setup. While his performances with the bat continue to make headlines, the England youngster’s comments highlight the leadership, professionalism, and mentorship that have made Kohli one of the most respected figures in world cricket.

Also READ: 5 players with most international matches for Zimbabwe ft. Sikandar Raza

Justin Langer likely to leave LSG for England job, Ravi Shastri, Rahul Dravid OUT

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Justin Langer is the frontrunner to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s next Test head coach, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly making significant progress in its search for a new red-ball coach.

The former Australia opener is understood to be the leading candidate for the role, although his existing commitments with IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and The Hundred side Manchester Super Giants could complicate the appointment.

Meanwhile, former India head coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not part of the ECB’s recruitment process despite recent speculation linking them with the vacancy, as per a report in Times of India.

Justin Langer emerges as favourite for England job; Ravi Shastri, Rahul Dravid out of race

The ECB has identified Justin Langer as its preferred choice to succeed Brendon McCullum as England’s Test head coach after the New Zealander’s departure from the role.

According to a report in The Times of India, Justin Langer currently tops the ECB’s shortlist, with discussions expected to gather pace in the coming days.

However, his coaching commitments with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred remain the biggest hurdle. The report adds that there are strong indications Justin Langer could end his association with LSG if negotiations with the ECB move forward. Recently, Marcus Stoinis backed Justin Langer for England head coach role

The report also states that Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid are not under consideration for the position as the England Test head coach. Also, England are aiming to appoint their new Test coach before the start of next month’s home series against Pakistan.

Andy Flower rejected becoming England Test coach

Justin Langer’s chances of landing the England job improved further after former England head coach Andy Flower ruled himself out of the race.

Flower, who guided England to the No. 1 Test ranking and three Ashes series victories during his tenure between 2009 and 2014, held discussions with ECB Managing Director of Men’s Cricket Rob Key following McCullum’s exit. However, he decided against returning to the national setup.

The Zimbabwean is currently involved with London Spirit in The Hundred and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, whom he guided to the IPL title earlier this year. Speaking about his decision, Flower said he is happy with his current coaching roles and does not believe combining franchise commitments with an international coaching position is the right move at this stage.

His withdrawal has further strengthened Justin Langer’s position as the leading candidate, with the ECB now expected to focus its efforts on finalising a deal with the former Australia coach.

Why was Brendon McCullum sacked as England Test head coach?

Brendon McCullum’s stint as England’s Test head coach came to an end following a prolonged decline in the team’s red-ball performances.

McCullum made an immediate impact after taking charge in 2022, helping England win 10 of his first 11 Tests alongside captain Ben Stokes while introducing the aggressive “Bazball” approach. However, the team’s performances dipped significantly over the next few years.

England failed to win a Test series against either Australia or India during McCullum’s tenure and lost seven of their last nine Test matches. A 2-1 home series defeat to New Zealand, which also marked Ben Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket, proved to be the final setback.

Overall, McCullum finished with a record of 27 wins, two draws and 20 defeats as England’s Test coach. While he has stepped down from the red-ball role, he will continue as England’s head coach in white-ball cricket.

‘He’s a massive leader within the team’ – Jacob Bethell speaks highly of Virat Kohli in RCB camp

July 21, 2026July 21, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

England all-rounder Jacob Bethell has shared valuable insights on Virat Kohli’s personality within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dressing room. The pair played a crucial role in securing the Bengaluru-based franchise’s back-to-back Indian Premier League titles in 2025 and 2026.

Bethell has played only a handful of games for RCB during his two seasons in India, but has opened the innings alongside Kohli each time he was walked out to bat. The left-handed batter appreciated how the Indian superstar is approachable off the field. However, he also applauded Kohli’s ability to switch to his competitive side in an instant.

The England international also commented on Kohli’s leadership within the side despite no longer being the captain.

“Away from cricket and off the field, he’s actually a very chilled individual. You know, great to talk to, great to spend time around. But, it’s just that ability to then flip into that competitive nature in and around cricket or training. His lifestyle is very… Everything is… All the arrows are pointed in high performance, in a way of high performance, right? So he gives himself the best chance. But, yeah, he’s an ultra competitive person. He wasn’t captain, you know, when I was there, but he’s a massive leader within the team,” Jacob Bethell said on The Super Over podcast, via Cricket News.

Bethell played seven matches during RCB’s title-winning 2026 campaign, coming in as a replacement for the injured Phil Salt. Despite showing promise, the left-hander only managed to score 96 runs all season long at a strike-rate of 124.67 whilst averaging under 14.

Kohli, on the other hand, was once again the star of the tournament for RCB with the bat. He hit 675 runs at a strike-rate of 165.84 with multiple crucial innings along the way, including in the final. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 75 against the Gujarat Titans in the showpiece match to help his side retain the title.

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“Ultra-competitive:” Jacob Bethell makes honest admission about Virat Kohli’s personality

July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

England batter Jacob Bethell described Virat Kohli as a person on and off the field during a recent YouTube channel video. Bethell, the batter from England who played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the previous season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), got to know about how Virat Kohli was like as a person.

Across the cricket-playing nations, multiple stars are currently positioning themselves as the next possible big things of world cricket, but the aura around Virat Kohli remains as a few years ago. Virat is one of the most highly competitive characters on the ground.

Jacob Bethell breaks many misconceptions about Virat Kohli’s character

Based on his on-field nature, which could be pretty agressive in varying on the situation of the match, fans often judge him in the wrong way. Jacob Bethell also had some perspective about Virat before joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

As he became a member of the team, he got to know more about Virat’s persona. Bethell claimed that away from cricket, Virat Kohli looked like a very calm individual to him, and he spent a few moments with the Indian batting legend off the field as well.

Jacob Bethell found Virat Kohli to be a very chilled person off the field

Needless to say, Bethell received valuable words from the batting maestro. But the cool and calm nature that Virat carries outside the ground could be flipped whenever he enters a ground for a competitive match.

“Away from cricket and off the field, he’s actually a very chilled individual… great to talk to, um, great to spend time around. But you know, it’s just that ability to then flip into that competitive nature in and around cricket or training,” Jacob Bethell mentioned while speaking on ‘The Super Over’ YouTube channel.

Jacob Bethell further expressed that Virat’s lifestyle is mostly about keeping himself ready for performance for the team. He likes to keep himself ready for future endeavours through a well-maintained lifestyle.

“You know, his lifestyle is very—everything is—all the arrows are pointing in high performance… so he gives himself the best chance,” the England batter stated.

“Is an ultra-competitive person”: Jacob Bethell on Virat Kohli’s competitive nature

After that, the emerging English batter mentioned that he was not the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the previous season in 2026 when RCB defended their title successfully, but he remained one of the most influential characters inside the team, who is a very competitive person who wanted to dominate the opposing team.

“But yeah, he’s an ultra-competitive person. He wasn’t captain, you know, when I was there, but he’s a massive, um, leader within the team,” Jacob Bethell added.

“Yeah, and as you said on the field, he’s very animated, but in team meetings, that kind of stuff, he shares unbelievable information, which is just—when you’re around people like that, you just want to kind of be a sieve and take in all that information,” he mentioned further in the same video.

Delhi Capitals batter Ashutosh Sharma set to play for Hampshire in One Day Cup

July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Delhi Capitals star and uncapped Indian batting all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma secured a fresh deal in the UK’s domestic cricket. The emerging all-rounder will feature in this year’s One Day Cup for the Hampshire cricket team.

On July 20, Hampshire confirmed the signing of Ashutosh Sharma ahead of their One Day Cup tournament opener for the 2026 season against Yorkshire at Scarborough on Tuesday.

🚨 JUST IN🚨

Ashutosh Sharma, the Delhi Capitals all-rounder, has joined Hampshire for the One-Day Cup. pic.twitter.com/5GNdBCBbOI

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 20, 2026

Hampshire confirms Ashutosh Sharma for the 2026 One Day Cup

Ashutosh Sharma will join Hampshire after another blissful Indian Premier League season with the Delhi Capitals in 2026. Delhi Capitals, which is also co-owned by Hampshire owners GMR Group, spotted the raw talent and landed the deal easily on the table.

In the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 season, he played two straight seasons for the Capitals in 2025 and 2026. In the IPL 2025 and 2026 seasons, the 27-year-old has scored 204 and 171 runs, respectively, with strike rates of 160.62 and 181.91.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White stated that they found Sharma to be an extremely potent talent who did significantly well for the Delhi Capitals. His IPL 2026 performance hinted at a possible quality career for the batter ahead in the future. The UK club is hoping to see Sharma in crucial roles for the team in the upcoming One Day Cup.

“We’re really pleased to sign Ashutosh for the One-Day Cup. He is a player of great potential and has done well for Delhi Capitals in the IPL recently, so knows what it’s like to perform to a high standard.”

“We look forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing what he can do in a Hampshire shirt as we look to go one step further than last year in the competition,” Giles White stated in the official release.

Ashutosh Sharma has past experience playing for UK clubs

The talent from Madhya Pradesh has previous experience playing for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom. Ashutosh Sharma, who has scored 458 List A runs in 21 matches, showcased his batting skills by registering a century for Wigan just hours after landing in the UK in 2025 for the Liverpool League.

Sharma first featured in the nation’s club cricket back in 2017, when he stepped onto the ground for Middlesex Titans. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the lower-middle order batter was part of the Gravesend team.

Hampshire will be one of the leading contenders to win this season’s One Day Cup trophy after they finished the previous campaign as the runner-up team.

Hampshire secures two other signings as well

BBC, in their report on July 20, mentioned that Hampshire has secured the signings of Harry Petrie and Oli Williams, two pacers, in their squad for the upcoming One-Day Cup season.

Petrie, a 23-year-old fast bowler, joined the team backed by an impressive bowling performance for the Second XI this summer. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the Second XI T20 competition.

Another fresh face in the team, Williams, who is only 19, is in his second year in the club’s academy, according to the media report.

Delhi Capitals’ Abishek Porel faces arrest after Calcutta High Court’s latest order in rape case

July 19, 2026July 19, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Abishek Porel was accused of cohabitation on the promise of marriage. However, the cricketer denied the allegation, and now the Calcutta High Court has ordered the police to detain the Bengal & Delhi Capitals cricketer and seize his electronic devices on possible rape charges against him.

Last month, when he was accused of cohabitation on the promise of marriage, he denied all the allegations, calling them fake. A complaint was lodged against him at Magra Police Station in Hooghly district. He is a resident of Chandanagar.

What charges are filed against Abishek Porel?

Now, he has been charged under Mogra PS FIR No. 346/2026, which involves non-bailable BNS charges including rape and criminal assault. The court ordered the police to take the complainant’s personal devices in order to preserve his privacy and prevent the spreading of offensive information. The next hearing is scheduled on August 11.

The Calcutta High Court has directed police to urgently apprehend Bengal & Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel (the accused) and seize his electronic devices. This relates to Mogra PS FIR No. 346/2026, which includes severe non-bailable offences under the BNS, including rape… pic.twitter.com/BHUmfDv57N

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) July 19, 2026

The statement by the court said, “The petitioner submits that although a criminal prosecution has been initiated, being Mogra Police Station Case No. 346 of 2026 under Sections 64(1), 66, 69, 74, 75(2), 79, 115(2), 117(2), 124, 127(2), 109(1), 308(2), 351(2), 351(3), 316(2), 318(3), 61(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, read with Sections 66E and 72 of the Information Technology Act, against Respondent Nos. 6 and 7, further investigative steps are required.”

“Further steps are required to be taken by the concerned police authorities to seize electronic devices lying with the accused persons containing obscene photographs of the petitioner in order to protect dignity and privacy of the petitioner.”

“Various things are coming up”- Abishek Porel on rape charges

Previously, Abishek Porel was charged by a woman that she and Porel had been in a relationship for the last three years, and they had problems in the relationship last year when the cricketer started maintaining distance from the unnamed woman. She also accused the batter that they had sexual relations, and this was done on the promise of marrying her.

After the allegations, “We have received a complaint and started an investigation,” a police official told PTI. Later, Abishek Porel stated that these allegations came after he started playing well, and he asked the police to investigate the matter.

“I am playing well now, so various things are coming up,” Porel was quoted as saying by PTI. “I will talk about this when the police investigate. I have not spoken to the police yet,” he said.

Abishek Porel’s career in danger?

If Porel is found to be guilty, he would have a tough career ahead as the DC batter has been with the franchise and played some games in the IPL 2026 as well. The legal procedures and findings will chalk out the route of his future in the field.

Previously, Yash Dayal was also charged with rape allegations, and he was removed from the RCB side and did not play in the IPL 2026.

F1 driver Arvid Lindblad reacts to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise at 15

July 18, 2026July 18, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The wave Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made through his extraordinary batting has touched the fine asphalt tracks for the Formula 1 machines. Arvid Lindblad, another teenage sensation from a different corner of the planet, is among those who are influenced by the young Indian cricketer.

Arvid Lindblad, 18, the sole rookie on the 2026 grid, explains how youngsters like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and he himself can climb the ladder at a very young age. Lindblad mentioned that, because of the advanced technology across different sectors of sports, fresh blood is advancing fast in their respective fields.

Who is Arvid Lindblad?

Like Vaibhav, Arvid Lindblad has been stealing the spotlight from a very young age. The British-Swedish F1 driver was awarded in the junior rankings recently due to his rapid rise in the circuit.

At the age of 16, he emerged as the winner of Formula 3 and then claimed the number one podium of Formula 2 at 17. Now, at the age of 18, Arvid Lindblad gained his first shot at the latest Red Bull prodigy.

Arvid Lindblad explains why the young talents are progressing well in modern sports

Ahead of tomorrow’s (July 19) race on the Spa-Francorchamps track, the racing star expressed that in all sports, young talents are getting early opportunities because of the improved technology.

With better technology, sportspersons are receiving crucial inputs about their games and how to improve their game styles. Additionally, Arvid Lindblad mentioned that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is doing well despite being only 15,

“I think this is happening in all sports. The technology is improving around it. We get better information from an earlier age & that is why there are really good youngsters who are doing really well. This happens in all sports, even in cricket, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doing really well. He is so young. I think this is just the nature of sport,” Arvid Lindblad said via Sky Sports.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his India debut at the age of 15

Sooryavanshi made his Team India debut at the senior-most level at the age of only 15, breaking legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record, who debuted at 16. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played his first match for the India National Cricket Team against England at the Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester.

So far, the left-hander has played three T20Is for the Men in Blue and is poised to represent the nation in the near future as well, as he has been named in multiple other series, including the T20I series against Zimbabwe and the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Currently, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is arguably the best hitter across the top cricket-playing nations in the shortest format of the game. The Bihar-born has left his mark on positive notes for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and for the India A cricket team.

IPL 2026 proved to be the breakthrough season for the batter, scoring 776 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 237.30 in 16 matches. In this season, he posted one century to go with five half-centuries.

Former opener picks ‘best candidate’ to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK’s next coach

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially entered a new era after bringing an end to their iconic partnership with long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming. As speculation over the franchise’s next coach continues to grow, former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has thrown his weight behind Indian legend, terming him the ideal candidate to lead the five-time IPL champions back to the top.

The coaching vacancy has attracted plenty of attention across Indian cricket, with several experienced names reportedly under consideration. However, Ramesh believes the Indian icon’s personality, coaching credentials, and leadership style make him the standout choice to succeed Fleming.

CSK move on after historic Stephen Fleming era

CSK are searching for a new head coach after mutually ending their remarkable 18-year association with Fleming. The decision was officially confirmed on July 13, 2026, following an extensive review of the franchise’s recent performances. Fleming’s departure marks the conclusion of one of the most successful coach-franchise partnerships in IPL history. Alongside guiding Chennai to multiple IPL titles, the former New Zealand captain also stepped away from his coaching roles with sister franchises Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.

The responsibility of identifying Fleming’s successor now rests with CSK’s leadership group, with franchise icon MS Dhoni expected to play a significant role in the selection process. While the appointment is likely to take a few months, several high-profile names have already emerged as contenders for one of the most coveted coaching positions in franchise cricket.

Former opener picks the next coach of CSK

Amid the growing speculation, Ramesh has publicly endorsed VVS Laxman for the role. Speaking in an Instagram video, Ramesh explained why he believes the former India batter possesses all the qualities required to continue CSK’s celebrated culture.

“Many names are being mentioned as Fleming’s replacement. While options are aplenty, VVS Laxman is the best candidate to take over as CSK’s head coach. Among the three main reasons why he will work as CSK coach, the first is that he is a fantastic person,” Ramesh said.

He further highlighted Laxman’s ability to build relationships with players, something that has always been central to CSK’s success.

“He will be like a big brother to everyone in the team and take them to the next level. The CSK management has always looked at the team like a family. Such a wonderful culture will only get enhanced if Laxman becomes the head coach,” added Ramesh.

Ramesh also pointed to Laxman’s coaching background, noting his experience with India’s national team whenever Rahul Dravid or Gautam Gambhir were unavailable.

“He also has coaching experience at the highest level, having worked as India’s interim head coach several times when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable,” Ramesh observed.

Having spent years mentoring young talent at the National Cricket Academy and handling India’s developmental squads, Laxman has earned widespread praise for his calm leadership and player management skills.

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth names potential candidates to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach

What CSK must do to revive their IPL fortunes

Replacing Fleming will be only one part of a much bigger rebuilding project. CSK endured one of their poorest IPL campaigns in 2026, finishing eighth on the points table and missing the playoffs for a third straight season. The franchise struggled with recurring injuries, an aging core, and an underperforming bowling attack throughout the tournament. The absence of Dhoni for the entire season because of multiple injuries further complicated the transition to Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s full-time captaincy during Fleming’s final campaign.

Looking ahead to IPL 2027, CSK are expected to be aggressive in both the mini-auction and the trade window. Reports have linked the franchise with a potential move for an elite Indian all-rounder such as Hardik Pandya, while the increased salary cap of ₹157 crore provides greater flexibility to reshape the squad.

A new coaching staff will also be expected to modernize the scouting setup, strengthen the pace-bowling department with quality overseas quicks, and redefine player roles. If Dhoni remains involved in a specialist Impact Player capacity while also contributing to the leadership group, CSK could blend experience with fresh ideas as they aim to restore their dominance at Chepauk.

Also READ: Subramaniam Badrinath names 2 players CSK should target in the trade ahead of IPL 2027

Andy Flower rejects England Test coach role, chooses RCB over ECB

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

In a massive setback for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Andy Flower has reportedly ruled himself out of the race for the Test head coach job after holding discussions with the board.

Big blow for England as Andy Flower pulls out of Test coach race

Flower has decided against returning to the England national cricket team setup and will instead continue with his current coaching roles at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and London Spirit in The Hundred.

The former Zimbabwe captain was considered one of the strongest candidates to replace Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach because of his vast coaching experience and previous success with the England National Cricket Team.

However, Flower has now made it clear that he will stay committed to RCB and London Spirit, ending speculation about a possible return to the England dressing room. His decision is a big blow for the ECB, which is now continuing its search for a new Test coach ahead of the busy schedule.

Andy Flower has ruled himself out of contention for the vacancy as England’s Test coach following talks with ECB. Will continue roles with RCB and London Spirit

More @cricinfo shortly

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) July 17, 2026

Andy Flower confirms ECB talks but rejects the offer

Andy Flower said at London Spirit’s media day, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo: “The bottom line for me is that I’m very happy in the work that I’m doing at the moment… I’m really comfortable with what I’m doing. I have [ruled myself out], yes.”

The former England head coach has confirmed that he had discussions with the ECB about the vacant Test head coach position. However, he decided not to take the job because he is very happy with his current coaching roles at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and London Spirit.

The RCB coach insisted that he enjoys working with both teams and wants to continue with them. He said, “The bottom line for me is that I’m very happy in the work that I’m doing at the moment. I work for a couple of really good organizations. I’ve got really good teams around me and good people around me, and I’m really comfortable with what I’m doing at the moment.”

Had an amazing time, but don’t want to return: Flower

The former Zimbabwe captain further noted that coaching England in the past was a special experience, but at this stage of his career, he wants to continue with his current roles. Amid this, Joe Root crowns Virat Kohli ODI cricket’s greatest chaser, heaps praise on Rohit Sharma.

Flower further explained, “I’ve worked with England before, and I had an amazing time when I had the privilege to be England’s head coach and represent England as one of their leaders a number of years ago, and I remember those years really fondly, and it would be a privilege for me or anyone else to be the Test coach. But for me at this time, I’m really comfortable with what I’m doing. I’m going to stick with doing that.”

Andy Flower explains why he turned down England role

While the ECB said that they would allow the new Test coach to work in the IPL simultaneously, Flower felt it would not have been possible to handle both jobs at the same time.

He explained that the IPL takes place during the first couple of months of the English summer, and if he were England’s Test coach, he would want to be with the team, watching players and working closely with them.

He signed off by saying, “I can’t speak for other people, but I don’t think I could have done both. For me, that wasn’t a possibility.”

Sanju Samson explains why he left Rajasthan Royals for CSK

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has shared deeply personal reasons for his shock departure from Rajasthan Royals, a franchise that became his home across more than 11 seasons. The move to Chennai Super Kings through a trade before IPL 2026 forced the Kerala cricketer to confront difficult emotions, but also opened a door to fulfil a childhood dream. Samson recounted the mental journey that led to one of the franchise’s biggest departures.

The decision to walk away weighed heavily on Samson. He spent 13 years connected to Rajasthan since 2013, captaining them for five consecutive seasons from 2021 onwards. During that stint, he steered the team to their first final appearance since 2008. Over his IPL career, Samson has accumulated more than 4500 runs across multiple franchises. Yet loyalty to one team, even when it feels like your own, eventually has limits. After the 2025 season concluded, Samson recognised that the boys had matured and that the franchise no longer required him to lead them forward.

“Moving on from RR was a very big decision for me. I believe that after playing for a team for some time, you start to feel like this is your team and nobody can remove you. But, I always had the awareness that there is a limited time for everyone at one place. You do your part, and you move out and after the end of IPL 2025, a point came when I felt that I should move on. I told myself that the boys are ready, and RR is ready to play without Sanju Samson. That is when I thought of leaving,” Samson said on JioStar’s Superstars.

Why did Chennai Super Kings feel like the perfect destination?

When multiple franchises expressed interest, CSK emerged as his clear choice. Beyond the franchise itself, Samson saw something deeper in the yellow jersey. The presence of mentors, particularly Mahendra Singh Dhoni, combined with existing bonds with teammates like Ruturaj Gaikwad, made the opportunity feel like destiny. Conversations with other players who had experienced the CSK culture only strengthened his conviction.

“There were two or three options at that time. But honestly, CSK, Mahi bhai’s influence, the franchise itself, and my friends there, especially Ruturaj, meant I had great connections. Based on what I had heard about CSK from other players, I felt that this franchise was my type. If I go there, it will be very good for me. I had wished for that, but a trade is a tricky thing. I want to go there, but do they want me? And the original team needs to get what they want in return. Everyone has to agree. It was a major turning point. Luckily, I ended up in CSK. It was a great feeling,” Samson said.

The childhood hero who inspired every dream about cricket

Dhoni was never just a captain on television for the young Samson. The fearlessness, the aggressive intent, the way he carried himself on field, all of it left an indelible mark. Samson collected magazine clippings of his idol, sticking them into his diary and dreaming of a day he might share the crease with him. Now, with CSK giving him that chance, his adolescent fantasy edges closer to reality.

“The way he carried himself and his aggressive batting style really attracted me. He used to appear in the ads, and I would cut out his picture and stick it in my diary. Every kid has an idol, and Mahi bhai was mine. As a child, I used to watch India play every day. Mahi bhai would be captaining and winning matches. I would go to sleep thinking, ‘I have to play one day too.’ I used to dream of batting with him, building a partnership, and fielding alongside him,” Samson revealed.

Samson’s arrival at CSK signals the end of an era at Rajasthan and the beginning of what could be his most fulfilling chapter in the IPL. The franchise traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to bring him in, marking a significant shift in their squad structure.

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VVS Laxman backed as Stephen Fleming’s successor as CSK head coach

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are looking for a new head coach after Stephen Fleming ended his long association with the franchise following IPL 2026. As CSK’s search for his replacement continues, Sadagoppan Ramesh believes that VVS Laxman is the best man to take over the role.

Fleming and CSK recently ended their successful 18-year partnership after a disappointing IPL 2026 season. Under his coaching, CSK won five IPL titles, including the 2023 trophy. But after that, they failed to qualify for the playoffs for three seasons in a row. Amid this, Ravichandran Ashwin names MS Dhoni as next head coach of CSK.

Sadagoppan Ramesh explains why VVS Laxman is the perfect fit for CSK

The former Indian cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh feels the legendary batter and current NCA head VVS Laxman would fit perfectly into Chennai Super Kings’ culture. He said that Laxman has a calm nature, understands players well, and can create a family-like atmosphere inside the dressing room.

He also pointed out that Laxman has good coaching experience after serving as India’s interim head coach on several occasions when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable.

During his time with the India national cricket team, Laxman guided India to the 2023 Asian Games gold medal and a 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa in 2024. Amid this, Gautam Gambhir losing respect, faces dressing room concerns from seniors, youngsters.

He will be like a big brother to everyone: Sadagoppan Ramesh on VVS Laxman

Sadagoppan Ramesh said in a video on Instagram, “Many names are being mentioned as Fleming’s replacement. While options are aplenty, VVS Laxman is the best candidate to take over as CSK’s head coach.”

“Among three main reasons for why he’ll work as a CSK coach, the first is that he’s a fantastic person. He will be like a big brother to everyone in the team and take them to the next level.”

The former cricketer further explained, “The CSK management has always looked at the team like a family. Such a wonderful culture will only get enhanced if Laxman becomes the head coach. He also has coaching experience at the highest level, having worked as India’s interim head coach several times when Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir were unavailable. And India has achieved fantastic results each time he has taken over as coach.”

VVS Laxman-Sanju Samson combo could transform CSK: Ramesh

Ramesh has further noted that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could benefit the most if Laxman becomes CSK’s head coach. He highlighted how Samson scored back-to-back centuries during India’s 2024 T20I tour of South Africa under Laxman. He feels “Sanju’s mind was free under Laxman,” and that helped him to perform at his best.

After Fleming’s departure, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad could face the heat after the team’s poor performances in the IPL under his captaincy. Given that Ramesh feels Samson could be the ideal option to replace Gaikwad as the Chennai Super Kings captain.

The Indian wicketkeeper joined CSK after a mega IPL trade with the Rajasthan Royals, and he delivered with the bat. The right-hander was also CSK’s top scorer in IPL 2026, amassing 477 runs in 14 matches at an average of over 43 and a strike rate of 165.62.

Ramesh signed off by saying, “CSK’s trump card in the future is going to be Sanju Samson. If CSK turn to Sanju as their next captain, I believe Sanju and Laxman will have an excellent equation.”

AB de Villiers asks Gautam Gambhir to bring IPL stars ‘down to earth’

Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers issued some advice to the India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Ireland, followed by a 4-0 defeat against England in two consecutive T20I series.

As a reminder, AB de Villiers mentioned that scoring tons of runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and batting for the national cricket team is a completely different ball game where the players have no place to hide their weaknesses.

Back-to-back series defeats put questions over Team India in T20Is

With three T20I World Cup titles in the bag, including the 2026 T20 World Cup trophy, Team India has positioned itself as a supreme force in the shortest format of the game. Through the well-decorated domestic cricket ecosystem and, obviously, through the IPL, there is no lack of talent in Indian Cricket.

It was beyond imagination when they ended the two-match T20I series with a 2-0 defeat, and then England thrashed the Shreyas Iyer-led team by 4-0. Two consecutive series defeats hit the team hard, but as AB de Villiers said, it was a good lesson for the team.

“He (Gautam Gambhir) needs to take leadership and ownership of how this team will move forward. He’s got all the credentials to do so. Maybe this was not a bad thing to get a bit of a wake-up call. Bring those players who have scored so many runs in the IPL a little bit down to earth again,” AB de Villiers stated on his YouTube channel.

AB de Villiers compares IPL and international cricket

Without mentioning any name, the former international batter claimed that in the Indian Premier League, there were a lot of opportunities to score runs, unlike in international cricket, where cricket is at its best. De Villiers also stated that in international cricket, no one should expect to score runs always maintaining a top gear.

“Let them understand that this is international cricket; there’s no more weakness. In the IPL, there are always one or two bowlers you think you can score against. (In international cricket) there’s nowhere to hide, so you need to have more than one or two gears. You can’t always bat in the fifth gear,” AB de Villiers further said.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to impress

Multiple batters in the current Indian cricket team’s T20I squad got loads of runs in the previous season of the Indian Premier League with their respective franchises. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the prime example, who is on the national side after 776 runs in the IPL 2026 with the Rajasthan Royals.

He made his Team India debut in Manchester for the second T20I in the series against England, and played three matches before being dropped from the playing eleven. In three matches, the 5-year-old batter, who emerged as the highest run scorer in IPL 2026, could not cross the 15-run mark even in one match for India.

Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma- they also did well in IPL 2026 but failed for India against England.

Ravichandran Ashwin names MS Dhoni as next head coach of CSK

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have sacked former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming from the head coach’s role. Now, former CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has identified former CSK captain MS Dhoni as the next head coach for the five-time champions of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes Dhoni is the best choice for the Men in Yellow side.

Ashwin feels MS Dhoni can be the best choice only if the former India captain decides to take up the role. However, Dhoni is yet to retire from IPL, though he did not feature in a single game last season due to a knee injury he suffered during the pre-season.

Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni gave CSK glorious days

Under Stephen Fleming, CSK had their best years, as after his departure, it ended one of the longest and most successful partnerships between the coach and the franchise in IPL history. He was picked by the franchise as a player in 2008 before taking up the head coach role in 2009 and guided the team to five IPL titles, two Champions League Twenty20 titles, 10 IPL finals and 12 playoff appearances.

CSK had the best time when Fleming was the coach, and Dhoni was the captain; Ashwin stated that the partnership between the two has been amazing; however, now the Men in Yellow need to look forward.

“Fleming really understood what ticked Dhoni, and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo.

“There is no better person”: Ravichandran Ashwin on MS Dhoni being CSK next head coach

Ashwin feels MS Dhoni’s extensive knowledge of the franchise makes him the best choice to succeed Fleming if the former India captain is interested in coaching.

“If Dhoni is willing to do that, there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after,” he said.

At the same time, Ravi Ashwin warned that if CSK appoints a coach from outside, it might backfire because of Dhoni’s continued influence within the franchise. As the coach might not be able to work with freedom.

“If not, they need to find someone who will be able to operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions,” Ashwin said.

Will MS Dhoni become the next head coach?

As of now, it is unclear whether MS Dhoni will continue to play in 2027. He missed the whole IPL 2026 due to a knee ailment, and the franchise has been cautious and very low-key about his future.

“I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody that will walk into that dressing room,” Ashwin said. “Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name and he’s still very much a part of the discussion when you’re talking about a squad that will be picked to play.”

CSK finished at the 8th position in the league table as they failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. There have been questions on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy in the IPL as he has failed to deliver for the franchise as a leader since taking over the captaincy from Dhoni.

‘It was about time CSK looked beyond’

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has claimed that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made the correct decision to part ways with long-term coach Stephen Fleming following a disappointing 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

After spending 18 seasons in the dugout, CSK and Fleming have gone their separate ways following an extremely successful tenure. The former New Zealand captain guided the franchise to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns, becoming one of the most successful T20 sides in the world.

Despite the previous success, Ashwin feels it was the correct time for the Chennai-based franchise to move on from Fleming and look towards the future. The former spinner believes that MS Dhoni would be an ideal replacement for the Kiwi should the former captain be open to taking on the reins.

“Fleming really understood what ticked [MS] Dhoni and Dhoni understood that Fleming was a great lieutenant, and that partnership carried on for such a long time. I would say it was about time Chennai Super Kings looked beyond. If Dhoni is willing to do that [take over as coach], there is no better person that Chennai Super Kings can go after. If not, they need to find someone who will be able to operate independently and take accountability for his or her own actions,” Ashwin said on Cricinfo.

Ashwin also pointed out the magnitude of the task in front of Fleming’s replacement to not only be under the shadow of the New Zealander’s legacy but also wrong around the respect Dhoni gets from other members of the team.

“I think there is a small aspect of uncertainty for anybody that will walk into that dressing room. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a huge name and he’s still very much a part of the discussion when you’re talking about a squad that will be picked to play. And there is also going to be somebody who’s going to be sitting there as an elder brother or a mentor for that squad, which has been used to him for all these years. Which makes it very delicate for somebody who will walk into the dressing room and someone who will take over the reins from Stephen Fleming, because they do not understand what Fleming has given to that franchise. So they will have to seamlessly fall into that role, which can be very, very tricky,” Ashwin said.

As things stand, Dhoni is part of the CSK squad, though he did not play a single game in the 2026 season due to a calf injury. With the former India wicketkeeper turning 45 earlier this month, it is safe to assume that his playing days are numbered and could turn his attention to the vacant coaching role.

Since winning their fifth title in 2023, CSK have gone three seasons without qualifying for the playoffs. Last season, they finished eighth in the standings after ending 2025 at the foot of the standings.

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CSK exit could see Stephen Fleming join Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027, and it makes sense

Stephen Fleming’s exit from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could open a door to the Delhi Capitals (DC) as they are reportedly set to conclude their association with Hemang Badani.

Hemang Badani is rumoured to join CSK, while there is silence around the DC camp about their possible move ahead of IPL 2027. If Badani quits the Capitals to join CSK to replace Stephen Fleming, then who will be DC’s next head coach?

Why will Stephen Fleming, as Delhi Capitals head coach make sense?

Stephen Fleming could be in line to become Delhi Capitals’ next head coach if the DC coach switches jobs. Fleming’s coaching ideology, on paper, looks suitable enough to complement the Capitals’ set-up.

Multiple experienced cricketers strongly back Fleming’s highly decorated stint with the Chennai Super Kings at various stages. Whether it was MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Shane Watson, Devon Conway, or Mike Hussey, multiple experienced, well-established international cricketers provided the team and the coach support to win 5 IPL titles.

A familiar situation for Stephen Fleming, if he joins the Delhi Capitals

Photo Credit: Google

The former New Zealand captain-turned coach can receive the same facility in Delhi Capitals as they have KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi and David Miller as experienced cricketers in their team, who helped the team to mobilize the momentum from multiple tough situations in the previous season.

The ongoing form of KL Rahul and David Miller’s ability to play explosive knocks from the lower end of their batting order is among the strengths of the team. Axar Patel is another key player for the Delhi Capitals as the spin bowling all-rounder can be very effective both with ball and bat on his own days.

Before Hemang Badani, Ricky Ponting, Gary Kirsten, Eric Simmons, and Greg Shipperd served the franchise as their head coach. Since the inception of the league, the franchise has mostly relied on proven coaches, and Stephen Fleming is a proven one who easily matches the pattern.

Delhi Capitals need someone who could bring the best from the players, taking off excessive pressure

One of the biggest plus points in Fleming’s coaching ideology is his man-management skills. He knows how to get the best out of a player through conversation. When he took over the reins in CSK, Raina and Ashwin were emerging cricketers. Under the guidance of Fleming, they kept climbing high in the ranks to establish themselves as stalwarts of the league.

Delhi Capitals placed their playing combination in IPL 2026 around a bunch of young cricketers. Asutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Auqib Nabi, and Madhab Tiwari were some of their top-picked young talents. Asutosh and Sameer both have made their names as explosive hitters in the shortest format of the game. With proper guidance, they could become long-term investments for the team.

In the presence of Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings developed a reputation for being one of the franchises in the Indian Premier League where players are allowed to perform without any fear. In the previous IPL season, with Axar Patel as captain, Delhi Capitals repeatedly failed to perform under pressure. They could have easily gone into the play-offs if they had managed to win the close-fought contests.

Ravichandran Ashwin responds to England, CSK coaching speculation

Former India National Cricket Team off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed the growing speculation linking him with coaching roles involving the England Test team and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Speaking on his official YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’ alongside journalist Vimal Kumar, Ashwin briefly reacted to the reports before sharing his thoughts on England’s future following Brendon McCullum’s departure as Test coach.

Ravichandran Ashwin has recently been linked with England’s vacant Test coaching position, while several fans have also tipped him for a possible return to CSK in a coaching role after reports suggested Stephen Fleming’s long association with the franchise had come to an end.

Report and rumours link Ravichandran Ashwin to England, CSK coaching roles

Speculation around Ashwin’s future gathered pace after news aggregator Johns claimed on X that discussions had taken place regarding England’s vacant Test coaching role.

The post stated that Ravichandran Ashwin was among the names being considered and that meetings had reportedly taken place in the United States.

At the same time, Ashwin’s name also started doing the rounds among CSK supporters. With Stephen Fleming’s exit, there have been reports that the members of his coaching staff could leave the franchise. Many fans began predicting that the veteran off-spinner could return to Chennai in a coaching capacity after his playing career.

Ravichandran Ashwin addresses coaching speculation involving England

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin did not confirm or deny the England reports. Instead, he offered a brief response that left the door open without revealing any details.

“Give it a little time. I’ll tell you. Just give it some time,” Ashwin replied when asked by Vimal Kumar about becoming England Test coach.

That was the only direct comment the legendary spinner made regarding the England speculation before the discussion shifted to England’s Test team and its future.

Although he stayed away from discussing his own future, Ravichandran Ashwin spoke at length about the challenges awaiting England’s next Test coach.

He said England’s aggressive approach under Brendon McCullum had produced exciting cricket but also divided opinion because of the team’s refusal to adapt to different match situations.

“There were so many occasions when England had the game completely under control, but they ended up losing simply because they ignored common sense. You just can’t afford to play Test cricket like that.”

Ashwin added that the McCullum-Ben Stokes model had reached a stage where it would be difficult to sustain and believed England were entering a challenging transition period. The former India spinner also highlighted Joe Root’s importance in England’s rebuilding phase.

“It was becoming very difficult. It just wasn’t sustainable anymore. The model that McCullum and Stokes followed in Test cricket had reached a point where it became very hard to continue. Joe Root is a 24-carat gold Test batter, and his contribution will be incredibly important.”

Ashwin concluded by saying he hoped England could recover strongly because a competitive England side was good for the future of Test cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin avoids answering CSK coaching question

Towards the end of the conversation, Ashwin was also asked about the possibility of joining CSK’s coaching setup following Stephen Fleming’s exit.

Instead of giving a direct answer, the veteran off-spinner smiled, paused for a few moments and wrapped up the episode without addressing the speculation.

“I’d just like to thank everyone for joining us. Thank you so much for joining us on this episode,” he said.

Ashwin then announced that his channel would dedicate a separate episode to Stephen Fleming’s contribution to CSK before signing off. His response neither confirmed nor dismissed the rumours, leaving both the England and CSK coaching speculation unresolved for now.

MS Dhoni set to become CSK mentor after Stephen Fleming’s exit: Report

The departure of Stephen Fleming could open doors for MS Dhoni with bigger responsibilities for the Chennai Super Kings, not as a player, but as a staff member.

After the removal of Stephen Fleming from the team’s head coach position, the franchise is yet to decide who will be the next head coach of the team. Fleming might have left the franchise with a sour taste in his mouth, but Dhoni remains a close aide of the top brass of CSK, which may allow the veteran to take over new responsibilities in the future.

Why did CSK let Stephen Fleming go?

It is possible to see the former India captain as the mentor of the Chennai Super Kings. CSK, the 5-time IPL winners, last lifted the trophy in 2023. For three back-to-back seasons, under the coaching of Stephen Fleming, their efforts proved unfruitful.

In this season’s IPL, the team finished in the bottom half of the table. The former New Zealand skipper was also in charge of the franchise’s sister concern, Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket (MLC), where their performance was also below par.

Due to failures in IPL and MLC, the Chennai Super Kings bid adieu to Fleming. As the franchise wants to revive their form to claim their sixth IPL title, the officials are expected to take some time before reaching an agreement.

MS Dhoni can play a role in the head coach recruitment process

It is reported that MS Dhoni could play a role in the selection of the successor to Stephen Fleming. The final decision to appoint the next head coach can be dependent on Dhoni’s approval.

“According to an insider, however, the former captain is going to play a significant role in picking Fleming’s successor. The five-time IPL champions, who haven’t reached the playoffs since their title triumph in 2023, will take time to land their preferred candidate, and Dhoni will have a say in that”, RevSportz claimed in their report on July 15.

The legendary keeper-batter did not feature in a single match for the IPL 2026 season because of injury. He was with the team throughout with the team, supporting his teammates from behind the curtains.

CSK could appoint MS Dhoni as a mentor in the future

With years of experience and multiple awards in the trophy cabinet, MS Dhoni easily fits a coaching staff role. Will CSK appoint Dhoni as one of their coaches ahead of IPL 2027? MS Dhoni could be part of the coaching staff in the future, but may not be ahead of the IPL 2027 season, as he is still contracted with the team as a cricketer.

The franchise retained the legendary cricketer ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 4 crore. As per the report, he could stay with the team as a player in 2027 as well. And then, ahead of the 2028 season, a change in his role can be seen, probably as a mentor.

“Meanwhile, the idea to make him the team mentor could be a possibility; it is learnt. It might happen next season itself or at the start of the new cycle in 2028. According to sources, though, even without an official designation, Dhoni is set to be given control of the cricket side of the affairs. In crisis, CSK have turned to the man who has presided over their five IPL trophies,” according to the report.

Mumbai Indians to review captaincy, coaching, and trade plans ahead of IPL 2027

Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to hold a crucial season review meeting in England next week, with major decisions regarding the franchise’s future expected to dominate discussions. The five-time IPL champions will evaluate multiple aspects of their disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, including captaincy, coaching, and potential player trades.

The meeting is expected to involve the franchise’s ownership and senior management, who will assess head coach Mahela Jayawardene‘s post-season report before deciding the roadmap for the 2027 season.

As reported by The Times of India, Jayawardene’s position as head coach could come under scrutiny after MI endured another underwhelming season. The former Sri Lanka captain returned to the coaching setup ahead of IPL 2025, where the franchise finished fourth before slipping to ninth place in the 2026 edition.

While speculation around dressing-room unrest and Hardik Pandya’s future has dominated headlines in recent weeks, the report suggests the coaching setup will also be reviewed as MI look to rebuild and return to title contention.

Hardik Pandya’s future remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the review meeting. Several franchises are believed to have shown interest in acquiring the all-rounder, with the Mumbai Indians management expected to take a final call after assessing the team’s plans.

The report further added that trade discussions are unlikely to revolve around Hardik alone, as another former India captain has also reportedly attracted interest from multiple franchises. However, the player’s identity has not been disclosed.

Bumrah and Tilak Varma among captaincy options

Captaincy is also expected to be a major point of discussion, with the Mumbai Indians likely to reassess their leadership plans for the upcoming season.

Jasprit Bumrah has emerged as a strong contender for the role, having consistently been available for the franchise over the last three seasons. The pace spearhead also captained MI during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in the absence of Hardik Pandya and stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

Speaking at the toss before that match, Bumrah had hinted at his desire to lead the franchise.

“I didn’t think that I would be a Test captain before becoming MI captain,” he had said at the toss.

Young batter Tilak Varma is also reportedly being considered as a long-term leadership option. With the Mumbai Indians looking to bounce back after consecutive disappointing campaigns, the decisions taken during next week’s review meeting could shape the franchise’s future ahead of IPL 2027.

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Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 review to decide Hardik Pandya, Mahela Jayawardene’s future & new captain

The five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians are set to conduct a crucial post-season review in England next week, with several important decisions regarding the franchise’s future on the agenda.

According to a Times of India report, the meeting will focus on Hardik Pandya’s future, captaincy plans, head coach Mahela Jayawardene’s position and possible player trades ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

The review comes after another disappointing campaign for the Mumbai Indians, who failed to build on their playoff finish from the previous year. With the franchise looking to return to title contention, the management is expected to evaluate every major aspect of the team before taking key calls for the next season.

How was Mumbai Indians’ performance in IPL 2026

Mumbai Indians endured one of their poorest IPL campaigns in recent years, finishing ninth on the 10-team points table. After reaching the playoffs in IPL 2025, the five-time champions managed only four wins from their 14 league matches, losing 10 games to end the season with just eight points and a net run rate of -0.584.

The season began on a positive note with a win over Kolkata Knight Riders, but Mumbai failed to build any momentum thereafter. They lost six of their next seven matches before briefly reviving their campaign with victories over Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings. However, back-to-back defeats against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in their final two league fixtures ended any hopes of a late surge.

The disappointing finish marked a sharp decline from their fourth-place finish the previous year and intensified scrutiny over several areas within the franchise. Questions were raised over leadership, team balance, consistency and overall planning, prompting Mumbai Indians to schedule a comprehensive post-season review before beginning preparations for IPL 2027.

Mumbai Indians IPL review to discuss Hardik Pandya’s trade and Mahela Jayawardene’s future

According to the Times of India, Mumbai Indians’ senior management and owners will meet in England to assess every aspect of the 2026 season. The discussions are expected to include leadership, coaching, squad composition and possible player movements before the next edition.

One of the biggest topics will be Hardik Pandya’s future with the franchise. Reports suggest multiple teams have shown interest in acquiring the India all-rounder, and Mumbai Indians are expected to decide their position only after completing the season review.

The review will also examine Mahela Jayawardene’s role as head coach. After returning to the position, Jayawardene oversaw a fourth-place finish in IPL 2025 before Mumbai slipped to ninth in IPL 2026. The management will evaluate his post-season report and decide whether he remains the right person to guide the team’s rebuilding phase.

The report also stated that Hardik Pandya may not be the only high-profile player involved in potential trade conversations, with another former India captain also attracting interest from rival franchises. Any major decisions, however, are expected only after the management completes its comprehensive assessment of the season.

Jasprit Bumrah vs Tilak Varma: Mumbai Indians review to make future captaincy decision

Another major subject expected to dominate the review meeting is Mumbai Indians’ captaincy for IPL 2027.

With Hardik Pandya’s future yet to become clear, the franchise is understood to be evaluating long-term leadership options rather than making a temporary appointment. Jasprit Bumrah and Tilak Varma have emerged as the two leading candidates.

Jasprit Bumrah appears to be the frontrunner because of his vast experience and leadership credentials. The fast bowler has become one of Mumbai Indians’ most dependable players and he brings a plethora of experience with him.

His leadership potential was also on display during IPL 2026 when he captained Mumbai Indians against Punjab Kings in the absence of Hardik Pandya and stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Also, his leadership ambitions are out in open for everyone to see.

Tilak Varma, meanwhile, is regarded as one of India’s brightest young talents and has also entered the national leadership conversation. However, there remains a view within cricket circles that the left-hander is still developing as a T20 batter and that the added responsibility of captaincy at this stage could affect his growth, as per same report.

The decisions taken during next week’s review meeting are expected to shape Mumbai Indians’ direction for IPL 2027. Whether the franchise backs Bumrah’s experience, invests in Tilak’s long-term potential or continues with Hardik Pandya, the outcome could define the team’s next phase as it looks to return to championship-winning standards.

Kris Srikkanth names potential candidates to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are preparing for a new era after ending their long and successful association with Stephen Fleming, who served as the franchise’s head coach from 2009 to 2026. With one of the most influential coaching positions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) now vacant, discussions have already begun over who could take charge of the five-time champions.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has now shared his views on the matter, naming several candidates while explaining why he feels Chennai Super Kings should look towards an Indian coach to lead the franchise into its next chapter.

Kris Srikkanth backs Rahul Dravid as frontrunner for CSK head coach role

Speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth said Rahul Dravid would be an outstanding choice to replace Fleming, highlighting the former India head coach’s experience and long-standing association with the CSK ecosystem.

“CSK needs to follow an unorthodox approach also at times and needn’t always be orthodox. Rahul Dravid could be an excellent candidate as he’s well connected with the CSK group and India Cements. He has also coached Rajasthan. But whatever happens, they should go for an Indian coach,” Srikkanth said.

Dravid arrives with an impressive coaching resume, having guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title before taking charge of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. According to Srikkanth, his experience across both international and franchise cricket makes him one of the strongest contenders for the role.

Also READ: Chennai Super Kings announce the end of Stephen Fleming’s 17-year stint as head coach ahead of IPL 2027

More names emerge in CSK’s head coach conversation

Srikkanth also suggested that current CSK batting coach Michael Hussey could be promoted as Fleming’s successor. He believes Hussey commands immense respect within the dressing room and even proposed former CSK star Suresh Raina as a possible batting coach if the Australian is handed the top job.

“Michael Hussey might be an option though. The choice will probably narrow down to one of Rahul Dravid or Michael Hussey. These two are well respected by everyone. Suresh Raina is more of an IPL legend. But his international track record is average. So him becoming the head coach is probably not on. But he can become the batting coach and be part of the support staff with Hussey as the head coach,” he added.

The former India opener also mentioned Anil Kumble as another possible candidate, while admitting he was unsure whether Ravi Shastri or Ravichandran Ashwin would be suitable choices for the role. Srikkanth also dismissed speculation surrounding MS Dhoni becoming the next head coach, although he believes the legendary captain could still continue serving the franchise in a senior off-field capacity.

“MS Dhoni won’t become the head coach. He will be more of a mentor and be in the backend. He may also be in charge of CSK overall, like a director,” Srikkanth remarked.

Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury, leaving his playing future with Chennai Super Kings uncertain. However, Srikkanth believes the five-time IPL-winning captain could continue to play a significant role behind the scenes even if he is not involved as the franchise’s next head coach.

Also [WATCH]: Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares heartfelt words for Yuvraj Singh at Wimbledon 2026

Andy Flower sets condition for England Test coach role amid ECB interest

England and Wales Cricket Board has sacked Brendon McCullum from the role of Test head coach, with Andy Flower in the race to replace the former New Zealand captain. However, there is a condition for Flower, as per the reports, that he is not interested in taking up the head coach role if he has to leave the franchise job.

As per the reports from The i Paper on Sunday, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is keen to recruit Andy Flower after sacking Brendon McCullum as Test coach. But the Zimbabwean is not happy to leave the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) role, as he won back-to-back IPL wins with the side and other franchise team roles.

Can Andy Flower bring England’s lost glory in Test cricket?

During his tenure as head coach, the Three Lions had their best times as Flower led the side to No 1 in the Test rankings in 2011 and won series wins in Australia and India. He understands the pulse and knows what the team needs and brings out the best from every player.

However, he does not want to cut ties with RCB in the IPL or London Spirit in The Hundred. This is why ECB chief executive Richard Gould revealed on Sunday that the governing body is willing to be flexible and enable any new coach to continue working in franchise cricket while coaching England. But the former Zimbabwe captain has not completely ruled himself out.

ECB facing obstacles to appoint Andy Flower as new Test head coach

The ECB is considering whether he can work with the governing body yet again, as he worked in a wider role as a pathway coach after stepping down from the Test role in 2014, which may also be helpful. Now the ECB needs to overcome some obstacles to appoint Andy Flower as the head coach of the Test team yet again.

Flower, who earns more than £500,000 per year for three months’ work across both franchise RCB and London Spirit, who are sister franchises in different tournaments. He would be unable to step down as London Spirit coach this summer to take over the Test team as the Hundred begins just three days before the start of England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Why can’t Andy Flower and Brendon McCullum work together?

Apart from that, the ECB needs to wait till winter to appoint him, but there is some other obstacle as well, with the IPL 2027 auction expected to happen during the third week of December when England are touring in a three-Test series in South Africa, with the first game to start on 17 December and is likely to clash with the IPL auction.

The key problem will be the working relationship with Rob Key, who has survived as director of cricket, and McCullum, who remains the head coach of the white-ball side. As McCullum and Andy Flower have very different coaching styles, with the latter paying meticulous attention to detail and demanding that everything be exactly right.

Should MS Dhoni take over as CSK’s head coach after Stephen Fleming?

After 18 seasons in charge, Stephen Fleming’s tenure as the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) came to an end at the end of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The former New Zealand captain will go down as one of the greatest coaches in the tournament’s history, leading CSK to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 crowns.

Fleming and MS Dhoni formed a formidable coach-captain partnership, which resulted in the franchise attaining all the success. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter has played more than 270 matches for CSK, scoring upwards of 5,000 runs. The 45-year-old was part of the squad for the 2026 season but failed to make a single appearance due to a calf injury. It is extremely possible that the right-handed batter will not turn up for the 2027 season and call time on his illustrious career.

With Fleming no longer the coach, the ideal step up for Dhoni would be to take up Kiwi’s role from next year onwards and continue his long association with CSK should he retire from his playing duties.

However, Dhoni should not be considered for a coaching role at the Super Kings, and there are several reasons why the franchise should look elsewhere for an ideal candidate to replace Fleming.

Why should MS Dhoni stay away from a coaching gig at Chennai Super Kings?

Many might think that being a successful cricket captain would automatically translate to being a great coach. There are several examples which do not fit this narrative, including Anil Kumble, Greg Chappell and Daniel Vettori. This could happen to Dhoni as well if he becomes the CSK coach.

As things stand, the five-time champions are in a bit of a transition phase after finishing 10th and 8th in the past two seasons. Should Dhoni become the CSK coach, it is safe to assume that all the focus and limelight would fall on him, which would ultimately be harmful for the players trying to rebuild this great franchise.

Another reason management should not consider Dhoni as coach is due to not have previous coaching experience. CSK are one of the biggest franchises in world cricket and can easily lure a highly rated coach for the 2027 season, like Brendon McCullum or Rahul Dravid.

It is, however, worth mentioning that Dhoni was named India’s mentor ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates. The campaign, however, did not go well for the Men in Blue, who finished third in the group phase and failed to advance to the semi-finals. This included a 10-wicket defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan.

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CSK head coach replacement candidates after Fleming

Chennai Super Kings and head coach Stephen Fleming have mutually decided to part ways, ending a partnership that shaped the franchise’s identity for over a decade and a half. Fleming’s departure followed CSK’s eighth-place finish in the Indian Premier League 2026, their third straight season outside the playoffs after ending the previous campaign at the bottom. With the coaching position now vacant ahead of IPL 2027, CSK is weighing several high-profile candidates to lead the franchise into its next chapter.

The search for a new head coach comes at a critical juncture for CSK, which won their last title in the 2023 season by defeating the Gujarat Titans in the final and equalled the Mumbai Indians’ record of five IPL trophies. Fleming’s departure marks the first major change following CSK’s decline over the past three seasons. The franchise has identified several serious contenders for the role, each bringing distinct qualities that could shape the team’s direction for the coming years.

Here are three potential replacements for Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach

3. Hemang Badani

Hemang Badani (Source Pankaj Nangia /Getty Image)

Hemang Badani is one of the top contenders to be the next head coach of CSK, according to reports. Badani was the head coach of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, and his two-year contract has ended this year. The former India cricketer brings a mix of domestic and international franchise experience to the table. Badani, head coach of Delhi Capitals for the last two seasons, is in the running to join the CSK setup, with DC finishing fifth and sixth under him in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively.

Badani’s coaching record with emerging talent aligns well with CSK’s rebuild strategy. He has worked extensively with young players across multiple leagues, demonstrating an ability to develop systems and instil consistency. CSK has multiple emerging talents in their line-up, as the franchise has invested in long-time prospects such as batters like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan and Kartik Sharma, who can benefit if Badani joins CSK ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

England to allow Andy Flower to skip Tests for IPL as Stephen Fleming enters coaching race: Report

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is desperate to take Andy Flower on board as Test captain, in place of Brendon McCullum, who was sacked from his Test team duties days after a home series defeat against New Zealand. Flower will be allowed to skip Test matches for IPL if he takes up the England red-ball head coach job.

Stephen Fleming is also believed to be in the fray as his journey with the Chennai Super Kings came to an end on Monday. With Fleming joining the race to become England’s next coach for the Tests, ECB is ready to offer Flower a split coaching role.

England cricket board is willing to offer Andy Flower a split coaching role

ECB’s deep interest in Andy Flower reflects when Richard Gould, the England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive, said that they were open to offering the experienced coach a flexible role including a split-coaching structure.

Flower is associated with multiple franchises for different T20 leagues across the globe, including the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he won two IPL trophies in the previous two seasons.

As the ECB wants success in the Tests, their desperation for the Zimbabwe cricket legend makes sense, as he helped the England National Cricket Team to win three Ashes between 2009 and 2014. It was the period when the Three Lions became the No.1 in the ICC Test rankings as well.

Will ECB remain firm when Andy Flower joins RCB for IPL?

If ECB allows Flower to work on a split coaching condition, then the coach can carry RCB’s coaching responsibilities as well. But will he accept ECB’s offer even if he is allowed to carry his other responsibilities with the other teams? The question remains.

Former India keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who is also the batting coach of RCB, raises a crucial point. England cricketers like Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks are among England’s star cricketers who are associated with IPL teams. Most England cricketers like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett mostly prioritize national cricket team duties over the Indian Premier League.

Jofra Archer, who played the entire IPL 2026 season for the Rajasthan Royals, had to hear a lot of criticism from some former international cricketers for putting the franchise league ahead of England cricket team fixtures. If the ECB allows Andy Flower to carry on his IPL commitments, then what will be their stance on their players’ participation in the T20 league? It will be interesting to see.

“Flower is thought to be open to a conversation with England, but would not want to immediately walk away from his roles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he has won the past two IPLs, and London Spirit,” The Telegraph claimed in their report.

“Having previously worked with Trent Rockets, his first Hundred campaign with Spirit begins next week, and could end just three days before the first Test against Pakistan, at Headingley on August 19. England want to have their new coach in charge by then,” it added.

Stephen Fleming could also be in consideration as Brendon McCullum’s successor

Stephen Fleming’s departure from Chennai Super Kings makes the situation more interesting as he also carries a bag full of experience as a coach.

As the former New Zealand captain, he must also have a connection with Brendon McCullum, who played under his leadership. However, Stephen Fleming, as England’s Test team coach, currently remains only as a possibility, not as intense as Andy Flower’s chances.

CSK could part ways with Stephen Fleming’s assistants before IPL 2027: Report

As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have parted ways with their long-serving head coach Stephen Fleming ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL 2027), multiple other personnel from the exciting coaching set-up are likely to exit as well. Bowling coach Eric Simons could be the next after Fleming to have a golden handshake with the franchise.

For the last couple of seasons, the franchise has been going through a transition phase where Stephen Fleming was one of the main pieces of the setup, having served the franchise for about a couple of decades. According to the franchise, the decision to remove the former New Zealand international came through a mutual agreement.

Why did the CSK suddenly sack Stephen Fleming?

After Fleming’s departure, the franchise is expected to undertake multiple other key decisions to shape the team in the ongoing transitional phase.

According to a Cricbuzz report published on July 13, last month, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had informed that Fleming would remain with them for at least another year. If the reports are to be believed, then only a few weeks after the CEO’s assurance, CSK terminated their coach.

It is believed that Texas Super Kings’ poor form in this season’s Major League Cricket (MLC), seven defeats in 10 matches, could have become the moment of truth for the former cricketer. In IPL 2026, Super Kings finished in the bottom half of the points table, and on the other side, in MLC 2026, they are the bottommost team in the 6-team league.

The bowling and batting coaches also could take an exit after Stephen Fleming’s departure

As per the media report, as the franchise is considering some reformations in its core group, bowling coach Eric Simons also could leave the franchise, with doubts over batting coach Mike Hussey’s future with the Yellow brigade.

“It will not come as a surprise if bowling coach Eric Simons’ name is next. There is no information yet on batting coach Mike Hussey, but the Super Kings appear headed for a major shake-up,” Cricbuzz reported.

A CSK source close to the development has informed that the franchise had shown enough time and trust in Stephen Fleming for years. In return, the franchise received disappointment in the recent past. From the points table of the past few seasons, it was clear that CSK was not performing well under the experienced coach, who joined Chennai Super Kings as a player in the inaugural season of the IPL.

“He should voluntarily step down. He has earned enough with the franchise – much more than he could have earned as a New Zealand player or in any other role within the game,” the source told the cricket news website.

Who will be CSK’s next head coach?

It was also understood that Fleming was enjoying the backing of MS Dhoni, who remains a legend of the franchise. Since Dhoni gradually took himself out of the team, the Stephen Fleming-led team’s performance went down.

The franchise is yet to decide who will come in place of Fleming. There are certain names like Hemang Badani and Rahul Dravid in speculation, but the franchise is yet to finalize their next appointment.

Dinesh Karthik backs Andy Flower for England Test coach, reveals why RCB could block the move

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are searching for a new Test head coach after parting ways with Brendon McCullum, and former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believes that Andy Flower is the best candidate, but the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) job is the major hurdle.

Karthik said that the former England coach Andy Flower is one of the finest coaches in the world and has all the qualities needed to lead England’s Test team.

But he is not sure whether Flower can actually accept such a demanding role because of his busy coaching commitments around the world. Amid this, Jacob Bethell to open as England announce playing XI for 1st ODI vs India; Tom Banton dropped.

Dinesh Karthik picks Andy Flower for England job

During his discussion with Nasser Hussain on his podcast, Dinesh Karthik said that Andy Flower should definitely be among the candidates being considered by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

However, Karthik admitted that he would be surprised if Flower agrees to take the job because his calendar is already packed with franchise cricket.

Dinesh Karthik said in his social media video, “Genuinely now, in all seriousness, I think he’ll be a great candidate. But I would be very surprised if he took it, considering where England is and his packed schedule as well. He used to do a lot of leagues, and I’m sure he didn’t have time.”

Dinesh Karthik says RCB contract is biggest hurdle for Andy Flower’s England role

The commentator has further noted that Flower is currently involved in different T20 leagues and also has a coaching contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. Karthik believes that managing both roles together is almost not possible despite the ECB hinting that they are ready to allow the coach to do the IPL jointly along with the Test coaching.

Explaining his point of view, Karthik has recalled how England has already faced criticism a few months back when Jofra Archer and Jacob Bethell missed the Test matches against New Zealand because of IPL 2026 commitments. Amid this, Brendon McCullum opens up on Test sacking, blames poor results against India and Australia.

Karthik warns England could face IPL vs International Cricket problem again

So, the RCB mentor fears a similar issue could arise if Flower becomes England’s Test coach. Since he is already committed to RCB, there could be situations where he has to miss England’s preparations or even some Test matches during the IPL season.

Karthik further noted, “With Andy Flower, he would obviously already have a pre-signed contract with RCB, which would mean that he would miss parts of all those. How would it be? Will it be okay for England in the preparation for the Ashes if they don’t have a coach for one or two Test matches? I heard there’s a Test match against Bangladesh in May next year. And if Andy were doing RCB, that could be a challenge as well.”

Dinesh Karthik calls Andy Flower one of the world’s best coaches

Yet Karthik made it clear that the former Zimbabwe captain remains one of the best coaches in the world and would be a fantastic choice if both sides – he and ECB can find a way to manage the scheduling conflicts.

He signed off by saying, “Is he good? He’s probably one of the best in the world. Will he have time? That’s the question. I would be very surprised if the answer were a yes. But if they found a good partnership together with all of it being settled, why not?”

🔴 RCB COACH ANDY FLOWER REJECT ENGLAND? – DINESH KARTHIK DROPS BIG HINT 🤯

🎙️: When Nasser Hussain asked whether Andy Flower could become England’s Test coach.

– Dinesh Karthik called him one of the best coaches in the world and a strong candidate.

– However, he believes… pic.twitter.com/WVsKfPpzoW

— Sam (@cricsam02) July 13, 2026

Andy Flower could keep RCB role if appointed England Test coach after Brendon McCullum’s exit

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower could continue in his IPL role even if he is appointed as England’s next Test head coach. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reviewing its coaching structure after parting ways with Brendon McCullum on Sunday, July 12.

The vacancy opened after the cricket board sacked McCullum following England’s 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand. McCullum’s resignation, along with Ben Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket, has brought the Bazball era to an end and started a new chapter for England’s Test team.

We Need to be Progressive” – ECB Open to Andy Flower combining England and IPL roles

ECB chief executive Richard Gould said that the board is willing to consider candidates who want to continue coaching in franchise cricket. He stated that the ECB’s priority is to appoint the best coach, even if compromises are needed.

“We need to be progressive in these issues,” Gould said. “We’ve got players trying to balance between county, franchise, international cricket. It’s a really busy calendar. We may well have to do the same with our coaching staff and supporting staff; we already do, to an extent. But I think that is something that we will have to have a look at.

“One of the difficulties is the IPL dates are not a fixed thing, and there maybe will be some compromises that need to be made along the way. But the important thing is that we’ve got the best individuals that offer the best fit and we get them into those positions. It is something that we would certainly consider.”

Andy Flower’s Record Makes Him a Leading Candidate

Brendon McCullum coached England in 49 Tests after taking charge in May 2022. He recorded 27 wins, 20 losses, and two draws. However, England lost seven of their last nine Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia and a recent 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand.

Andy Flower is one of England’s most successful coaches. He guided the team to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings and famous away Test series wins in Australia and India between 2009 and 2014. He has also enjoyed major success in franchise cricket, leading RCB to back-to-back IPL titles.

Andy Flower signed a three-year contract with RCB before the 2024 IPL season. His leadership helped transform the team’s approach and deliver consistent success. If Andy Flower accepts the England role, the ECB could allow him to continue working with the IPL franchise, depending on scheduling commitments.

Results Mean That We Need to Make a Change” – Richard Gould On Brendon McCullum’s exit

Richard Gould said England’s recent results forced the board to make a coaching change. He added that with 10 Test matches before the 2027 Ashes, the ECB wanted to appoint a new coach as early as possible to begin preparations.

“The results have not gone the way that we wanted them to go. It’s always been a results-based business. Results mean that we need to make a change. At this particular time, we’ve got 10 Test matches until the Ashes start in 2027, and so whilst we have a significant amount of time to prepare again for that with a new coach coming in, we want to use as much time as we have available.”

England will need to find the next Test coach before the three-match series against Pakistan in August. According to reports, the shortlist includes Rahul Dravid, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, Mike Hesson, and Andy Flower along with English candidates such as Richard Dawson, Jonathan Trott, and James Foster.

Why Stephen Fleming and CSK decided to part ways

On Monday, July 13, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) confirmed that they and the legendary head coach Stephen Fleming have mutually decided to part ways, bringing an end to one of the most successful partnerships in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Stephen Fleming is regarded as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he guided the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL trophies and 2 Champions League Twenty20 titles.

The decision was reached with respect and gratitude – CSK on parting ways with Stephen Fleming

Although Stephen Fleming led CSK to a record 12 playoffs and 10 IPL finals, the recent performances of the team did not match the standards set by the Yellow Army.

In the official media release, CSK stated that the hard decision was reached with respect and gratitude, following a series of open and honest discussions between the two parties.

“The Super Kings and Stephen Fleming have decided to mutually part ways, bringing to a close one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in the history of the Indian Premier League.

“The decision was reached with respect and gratitude, following a series of open and honest discussions between Fleming and the Super Kings management,” CSK said in an official statement.

Talking about his exit, Stephen Fleming, who joined the Yellow Army as a player in the inaugural IPL, said that he was privileged to get the opportunity to spend 18 years of his coaching career at Chennai Super Kings and will leave the franchise with gratitude.

“Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever. CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come.”

Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit – Rupa Gurunath

In an official media release, Rupa Gurunath, Chennai Super Kings owner, labelled Stephen Fleming as the heartbeat of CSK. Rupa Gurunath stated:

“Stephen Fleming has been the heartbeat of our coaching unit for almost the entire journey of this franchise. For nearly two decades, he has helped shape our identity, vision, and pursuit of excellence.”

“On behalf of everyone at the Super Kings franchise, we extend our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment, passion, and leadership. While our journey together on the field comes to a close, he will always remain an integral part of the team’s legacy.”

Also, KS Viswanathan, the Managing Director of Chennai Super Kings, asserted that Fleming’s greatest strength as the coach was bringing out the best from individuals. He stated:

“From the earliest days of this journey, Fleming helped define not just how we played, but what we wanted to be as a franchise. He built a culture rooted in consistency, humility, and putting the team first. His ability to understand people and bring out the best from individuals across the team has been one of his greatest strengths.”

“His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together.”

Why did Stephen Fleming and CSK decide to part ways before IPL 2027?

Stephen Fleming’s departure from Chennai Super Kings comes after the franchise endured three disappointing IPL seasons in succession, a sharp contrast to the consistency that defined his 18-year tenure. While CSK backed Fleming through a squad rebuild after the MS Dhoni era began winding down, the results failed to justify that faith.

The warning signs first emerged in IPL 2024, when CSK finished fifth with seven wins from 14 matches and narrowly missed out on the playoffs. Expectations were higher in IPL 2025, but the franchise endured an even tougher campaign, ending at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 14 games.

Any hopes of a turnaround in IPL 2026 were short-lived as CSK again failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing eighth despite making significant changes to their squad and investing in a younger core. More concerning than the results was CSK’s inability to adapt to the modern demands of T20 cricket.

With three underwhelming seasons, only one playoff race, and no tangible improvement despite rebuilding the squad, the franchise felt a fresh direction was necessary. Although the official statement described the separation as a mutual decision reached with “respect and gratitude,” the sustained decline in performances and the need to modernize CSK’s cricketing philosophy ultimately brought one of the IPL’s most successful coach-franchise partnerships to an end.

Andy Flower emerges as McCullum’s replacement, ECB open to allow IPL stint

The cricketing world was put into a frenzy when Brendon McCullum‘s departure as England’s Test coach was announced in the late hours of Sunday, July 13. McCullum oversaw a 2-1 loss at the hands of New Zealand in a series which also saw skipper Ben Stokes announce his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Test at Trent Bridge.

McCullum, however, is set to continue as the coach of the England white-ball teams, with whom he oversaw a 4-0 thrashing of India in the recent five-match T20I series, also taking the team to the top of the ICC rankings. His departure brings to an end a four-year tenure, which saw incredible highs and upsetting lows. England’s fearless and all-out-attack style of cricket took the world by storm and also ended up being their undoing in the winter Ashes in 2025-26, losing 4-1 to Australia.

As reported by Cricinfo, a host of successors are being lined up for the job, who will also have the freedom to simultaneously work in the IPL despite the clash with the start of England’s domestic season. The move points to the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) interest in the return of former head coach Andy Flower.

Flower had overseen a golden period of success in English cricket, winning away Test series in India and Australia. He is currently the head coach of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, which he led to successive trophies in 2025 and 2026. The English board’s CEO Richard Gould said that they would be open to making accommodations for the new coach to manage their time between IPL commitments and Test duty, similar to players like Jacob Bethell and Jofra Archer.

“We need to be progressive in these issues. We’ve got players trying to balance between county, franchise, international cricket. It’s a really busy calendar. We may well have to do the same with our coaching staff and supporting staff; we already do, to an extent. But I think that is something that we will have to have a look at,” Gould said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

England have lost seven of their last ten Tests dating back to the series against India in 2025. McCullum’s place was under scrutiny after the 4-1 defeat in Australia, marred by a host of other off-field issues stemming from a mid-series trip to Noosa, but he managed to keep his place for the New Zealand series. Gould has stated that the results prompted his decision, despite not wanting to take ‘the easy option’ of not wanting to let the coach go after the Ashes debacle.

Up to 10 names to be shortlisted by ECB for McCullum’s successor

Gould further stated that there is a ‘six to ten’ member shortlist for names to replace McCullum, with these names coming from diverse global backgrounds. As reported in the Daily Telegraph, while local names such as Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott are also in contention, overseas names such as Justin Langer and Rahul Dravid are also being discussed. Langer also coaches the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

“It will be a targeted selection process. We often do a lot of work in terms of planning as to succession – I will always keep a shortlist going of coaches and various other positions and in truth, this position is probably one where the shortlist is no more than six to 10 names globally of a diverse nature. In terms of conversations, they will start to happen now and [managing director of men’s cricket] Rob Key will be leading on those,” Gould told BBC Sport

The Three Lions are set to play India in a three-match ODI series with the first fixture scheduled for July 14 at Edgbaston. Their next Test assignment will be a three-match series against Pakistan, with the ECB looking to lock down their coach and new captain before the start of the series.

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Hemang Badani likely to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK head coach: Report

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly identified former India batter Hemang Badani as the leading candidate to succeed Stephen Fleming as the franchise’s head coach. The development comes shortly after CSK and Fleming mutually agreed to end their 18-year partnership, bringing to a close one of the most successful coach-franchise associations in IPL history.

Ahead of the IPL 2027 season and players’ auction, the move came at a significant time as the franchise has a significant amount of time to redecorate its coaching set-up.

Hemang Badani emerges as favorite for CSK head coach role: Report

Who will be CSK’s next head coach in IPL 2027? It has been reported by the Times of India that Hemang Badani, the former Team India cricketer who served as the Delhi Capitals (DC) coach in the previous season, has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Fleming at CSK.

As per the report, the top officials of CSK are currently in Dallas, where they have been reviewing the team’s performance in the past few seasons.

“The franchise (CSK) is reviewing its cricket operations, with former India batter Hemang Badani emerging as a contender to join the coaching set-up. The franchise’s top brass is currently in Dallas, reviewing the last few seasons and planning the road ahead,” according to the media report.

Why is CSK moving away from Stephen Fleming?

Stephen Fleming and CSK were closely associated for about two decades. The former New Zealand star first joined the franchise as a cricketer in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League, and was then appointed head coach of the team in 2009. Since 2009, he has served as the franchise’s head coach in the IPL. Under his guidance, CSK reached 11 finals, 10 in the IPL and one in the Champions League, winning six titles.

During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, when the franchise was banned from the league, the former cricketer was with the Rising Pune Supergiant as head coach. In two seasons, he took the team to the final once, in 2017.

Fleming’s career as head coach started on a high note, but recently there was a significant dip in his career as the Chennai Super Kings finished 10th and eighth in the 2025 and 2026 seasons after narrowly missing the play-offs in 2024.

Why could Hemang Badoni become the next coach of CSK?

As it is reported, Hemang Badoni is in the race to become the next coach of one of the IPL’s most successful teams. The former India cricketer has a reputation for working closely with young talents. Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Sahil Parakh, and Abishek Porel are some of the uncapped Indian talents whom he managed in Delhi Capitals. South African batter Tristan Stubbs also did well under his observation.

CSK has multiple emerging talents in their line-up as the franchise has inviested on long time prospects. Batters like Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, and Prashant Veer can benefit if Badoni joins CSK ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

S Badrinath alleges Shreyas Iyer favoured Suryansh Shedge in India selection

India National Cricket Team captain Shreyas Iyer has been facing massive criticism after the team lost the T20I series in Ireland and the England series. Amid the criticism, S Badrinath has not only slammed Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy but also questioned one of his selection decisions.

A former India batter has questioned the young all-rounder Suryansh Shedge’s selection in the T20I squad. He said that the captain had a strong role in bringing the youngster into the team. Amid this, Dinesh Karthik highlights Shreyas Iyer’s tactical flaws after England’s whitewash.

S Badrinath slams Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy; questions Suryansh Shedge’s selection

S Badrinath accused Shreyas Iyer of favouritism as he slammed Suryansh Shedge’s selection call. He felt that if the captain has an important voice in selecting players, then he must also accept responsibility when those players fail to perform and the team does not get the results.

Shedge plays domestic cricket for Mumbai and represents Punjab Kings in the IPL, and that’s why he got selected for the Ireland and England tours, as claimed by Badrinath. Interestingly, the youngster got each chance in England and Ireland.

He scored only eight runs and did not take a single wicket across both games, and even he conceded runs at an economy rate of nearly 13. The former batter also criticized Iyer’s captaincy as India first got whitewashed by Ireland in the two-match T20I series and then suffered a 4-0 defeat in the five-match T20I series against England.

The first T20I was whitewashed in England, with Iyer losing six completed matches as a captain in a row. Subramaniam Badrinath said on his YouTube channel: “This looks like a Shreyas Iyer selection. Shreyas clearly has a say in selection, evidenced by this. So, he has to take responsibility for results even if he’s new to captaincy. He has been very poor as captain. The selection of Suryansh Shedge makes you question Shreyas.”

S Badrinath rejects tiredness claims, says players must take responsibility

S Badrinath also rejected the idea that players were tired because of the IPL or too much cricket. He said Indian cricketers are professionals who get the best facilities and support from the BCCI, so players cannot use tiredness or a busy schedule as a reason for poor performances.

He added, “I won’t accept excuses like IPL hangover and body tiredness. These are things those that work for daily wages can say. A high-level Indian professional cricketer can’t say these. If so, then sit at home and don’t play cricket. You are carrying the expectations of a billion people, and it’s a privilege to play for India. It’s not a right, so you cannot give these excuses.”

S Badrinath blasts India’s poor performance

The cricket pundit also expressed his surprise at the team’s miserable performances because India has the best T20 tournament in the world—the IPL—that produces many talented players every year. Earlier, “Never seen a more confused Indian team management”: Mohammad Kaif on Gautam Gambhir’s support staff.

S Badrinath signed off by saying, “I am shocked by these results, as we have the best T20 tournament in the world in the IPL, which breeds talent. The BCCI also provides the Indian cricketers with the best of things. So, when you go and perform like this, questions must and will be asked.”

Notably, India has not shifted focus to the 50-over format as they are gearing up to face England in the three-match ODI series, starting on July 14.

‘Don’t be fooled by the IPL’

Former batter Hanuma Vihari has criticised Team India following their 4-0 series defeat to England earlier this month. The loss meant that the Three Lions leapfrogged the visitors to now rank first in the ICC T20I Rankings.

Indian batters were visibly unable to grasp the foreign conditions in both Ireland and England, resulting in them losing six out of the seven matches played on the tour. The one match that they did not lose was rained off at Chester-le-Street.

Vihari stated that the performances on show during the Indian Premier League should be taken with a pinch of salt due to the friendly batting conditions on offer. The former Test player also said that experienced batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would not have made the same errors which led to India’s demise against England.

The value of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is clearly visible. Would they have gotten out like this to short balls? Don’t be fooled by the IPL. In the IPL, the grounds are smaller, flat wickets, impact player rule, everything is there. When you play an away series, yes, we cannot talk about just one series, but they lost six out of seven games, which is concerning. Definitely, it is an alarm bell,” Hanuma Vihari said on his YouTube channel.

Vihari also questioned the team selection during the T20I series against England. He was not initially convinced by the selection of Shreyas Iyer as captain, particularly after his poor showing in the IPL for Punjab Kings. He was also questioning whether the majority of the selection was made by the captain or coach, Gautam Gambhir.

“If the team management and selectors do not realise now, it will be too late. Shreyas Iyer as T20 captain in last 14 matches has lost 12 games. He returned to the team after two and a half years and was made captain. Was he given the team he asked for? Or was it Gautam Gambhir who gave the team, or did they take the decision together? If a captain is leading the side, I think at least 70-80% the power should be his. If the desired result does not come after that, then you can question it,” he added.

India will now need to put their T20I disappointment behind them and focus on the ODI series against England. The three-match series commences on Tuesday, July 14.

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Chennai Super Kings announce the end of Stephen Fleming’s 17-year stint as head coach ahead of IPL 2027

The end of an era has officially arrived in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a move that marks the conclusion of the tournament’s most enduring partnership, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced that head coach Stephen Fleming will step down ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The franchise confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that the decision was mutually agreed upon after a series of open, transparent discussions between the former captain and the team management.

Fleming’s connection with the Yellow Army spans nearly two decades, beginning as a player in the IPL’s inaugural season in 2008 before he transitioned into the head coach role in 2009. His departure signals a massive strategic shift for a franchise renowned for its stubborn loyalty and consistency.

CSK part ways with Stephen Fleming after 17 years as head coach before IPL 2027

While the split is framed as a mutual parting of ways rooted in deep respect, the reality of the gridiron cannot be ignored. The decision comes on the heels of a prolonged slump for the men in yellow. Since their last title triumph in 2023, CSK endured a difficult three-year stretch, failing to qualify for the playoffs in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons. For a fanbase and management accustomed to qualification as a bare minimum, three consecutive seasons outside the top four triggered immense pressure, casting a shadow over Fleming’s future and forcing the franchise to rethink its blueprint for the IPL 2027 cycle.

Despite the recent dip in form, Fleming leaves behind a legacy that is practically unmatched in global franchise cricket. Under his calm, tactical stewardship, Chennai transformed into a powerhouse, capturing five IPL titles and two Champions League Twenty20 trophies. His partnership with MS Dhoni created a culture that prioritized player security, role clarity, and emotional stability.

CSK owner Rupa Gurunath expressed deep gratitude to the departing coach, labeling him the “heartbeat” of the coaching unit. Franchise Managing Director KS Viswanathan also echoed these sentiments, praising Fleming’s unique ability to manage people, build a humble team culture, and extract peak performance from both seasoned veterans and unheralded domestic talents.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

The Super Kings and Head Coach Stephen Fleming have mutually decided to part ways.
Together, we shared one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in IPL history. The legacy you’ve built will continue to inspire us.

With immense respect and… pic.twitter.com/qjvb4oZUuU

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) July 13, 2026

Also READ: Subramaniam Badrinath names 2 players CSK should target in the trade ahead of IPL 2027

The dawn of a new era for Chennai Super Kings

Replacing a figure as monumental as Fleming presents a historic challenge for the Super Kings management. The Kiwi coach was the architect behind the scenes, known for his masterful handling of the mega-auctions and his ability to construct competitive squads regardless of changing dynamics.

Reflecting on his departure, Fleming shared an emotional farewell, describing his 18-year association as the privilege of his coaching career. He noted that the unforgettable victories and shared memories would stay with him forever, promising to remain a lifelong supporter of the franchise.

As the cricket world processes this seismic shift, the spotlight now turns to who will take the reins at the Chepauk. With a mega-auction on the horizon ahead of IPL 2027, Chennai Super Kings are standing at a fascinating crossroads, tasked with building a brand-new identity from scratch for the first time in nearly twenty years.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra reveals his ideal swap deals for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027

Head coach Fleming moves out of CSK

Stephen Fleming, the long-standing head coach of the Chennai Super Kings, has parted ways with the franchise and will no longer continue to be a part of their set-up. Fleming had joined CSK as a player in the inaugural Indian Premier League season in 2008 and transitioned to a coaching job the next season, a relationship that continued ever since.

CSK made the announcement official via a media release on Monday, July 13, stating that the two were engaged in a round of honest conversations regarding the future of the five-time champions in the IPL ahead of the 2027 season. CSK has not named a replacement for Fleming yet, and an announcement is expected to be made shortly.

“Eighteen years is a lifetime in sport, and I leave with nothing but gratitude. My time with Chennai Super Kings has been the privilege of my coaching career. I am proud of everything we have achieved. Together, we celebrated unforgettable victories, overcame difficult moments, and built memories that will stay with me forever.

“CSK will always be close to my heart, and I will be cheering the team on for years to come,” Fleming said in a franchise statement.

What is Stephen Fleming’s record as CSK head coach?

Fleming’s stint with the Chennai-based franchise as the head coach took off in 2009, and it did not take him long to find success. He led the side to their first title win in 2010, under MS Dhoni‘s captaincy, obviously, and repeated it in 2011, making them the first team to win consecutive titles in the cash-rich tournament. He was also at the helm when CSK won the Champions League T20 titles in 2010 and 2014.

For the next few years, the Super Kings’ cabinet remained as it is, but their comeback to the marquee league in 2018 saw them lift their third trophy, making a thunderous return. There was nothing for the next two years, but 2021 saw them beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the final to win their fourth and become the joint-most successful IPL team alongside Mumbai Indians when they lifted it for the fifth time in 2023.

However, since Dhoni relinquished the full-time captaincy, Fleming and CSK have looked a bit off colour under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Many cricket experts have also said that Fleming probably needs to change his approach or CSK will change him. Eventually, the franchise has moved on from him, and the future remains in ambiguity for both. It will be interesting to see where the two head from here.

“His influence extends far beyond the boundary, and we are proud to have shared this remarkable journey together,” the Super Kings chief executive officer, Kasi Viswanathan said.

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Sakib Hussain credits MS Dhoni for his breakthrough IPL 2026 season with SRH

Table of Contents

Sakib Hussain was one of the breakthrough talents for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the previous season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Bihar-born, who mostly served IPL teams as a net bowler, got to prove his talent for SRH in IPL 2026.

In a recent interview, the pacer claimed that it was the Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni who inspired him the most to grow as a better fast bowler over the years.

Sakib Hussain reveals how MS Dhoni helped him

Hussain revealed that he started playing cricket with proper attention because of MS Dhoni. When he was Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) net bowler, he got to get in touch with the former India captain. With Dhoni’s encouraging words during the net sessions, Sakib Hussain found the mojo to develop his bowling skills.

In the IPL 2026 season, which was his debut IPL season, Sakib Hussain picked up 15 wickets from 11 games for an economy rate of 9.45. In his debut match, he caught everyone by surprise as he secured 4 wickets for 24 runs against the Rajasthan Royals, the joint-best bowling figures by an Indian player on IPL debut. SRH won the match over the Royals by 57 runs.

“I used to bowl to Dhoni sir. He used to say that I have good talent. I will continue to do this and go ahead. He used to say that I have to do fitness and avoid injuries. Rest, I am bowling well, and everything is going well,” Sakib explained how Dhoni motivated him during his days with CSK as a net bowler.

For emerging cricketers like Sakib, Dhoni is among the icons whom they mostly watched on television screens during their childhood days. As they had never met him in person before, there are some perspectives about the person MS Dhoni. Sakib, 21, was surprised he found the legendary cricketer, one of the most followed persons in India, was so humble to the players and to him as well.

MS Dhoni is a good person: Sakib Hussain

Recalling the match, when the Sunrisers Hyderabad were up against the Chennai Super Kings, the uncapped Indian fast bowler mentioned how MS Dhoni came out on the ground after the match and greeted all of the players and the crowd.

“I liked him a lot. He is a good person and has a good mentality. I met him this year, and he recognized me. He said, how are you? Is everything okay? Is your body okay? He is a legendary player. He is recognizing me. It was a big day for me” he added.

‘MS Dhoni के लिए बॉलिंग करता था’ धोनी को याद कर भावुक हुए Sakib Hussain, क्या किस्सा सुनाया?

Watch full interview here:https://t.co/t4OJRkEaPs@Abhinav_Pan pic.twitter.com/nOygRbphVG

— News Pinch (@TheNewspinch) July 12, 2026

Sakib Hussain emerged as one of the key bowlers of SRH

While the batting unit of SRH was considered one of the most decorated combinations in the league, bowling was among their major concerns. In the absence of their skipper and premier pacer Pat Cummins, the team did not look properly balanced.

Ishan Kishan was the stand-in skipper during the initial stage of the IPL 2026 season, when Pat Cummins was not with the team. It was Ishan who showed the guts to include the young guns like Sakib Hussain in the playing combination. The inclusion of Sakib proved instantly effective. The seamer emerged as one of the prolific wicket-takers for the team in that season.

3 teams likely to bid for English all-rounder

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

England all-rounder Ben Stokes remains one of the biggest names in world cricket despite announcing his retirement from international cricket during the Test series against New Zealand in June 2026. While he has stepped away from the international stage, the 34-year-old still has plenty to offer in franchise cricket.

A proven match-winner with both bat and ball, Stokes has built a reputation for delivering under pressure. His ability to lead from the front, contribute in multiple departments, and thrive in high-stakes games makes him a valuable asset for any T20 side. If he registers for the IPL 2027 auction, several franchises are expected to be interested in acquiring his services.

Here are 3 teams that could bid for Ben Stokes in the IPL 2027 auction:

3. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals Team (Source: IPL)

Rajasthan Royals could emerge as one of the strongest contenders for Ben Stokes. The inaugural IPL champions have been searching for a reliable overseas all-rounder who can strengthen the middle order while also providing a few overs with the ball.

During the 2026 season, Rajasthan rotated Shimron Hetmyer and Dasun Shanaka in the fourth overseas slot, but neither managed to deliver consistently. Stokes would solve both problems with his batting and seam-bowling abilities.

The England all-rounder also shares a strong connection with the Royals, having represented the franchise in the past. His familiarity with the setup and ability to perform in pressure situations could make him an ideal fit for the Jaipur-based side.

CSK join KKR in race for Hardik Pandya after Pant-Kuldeep trade

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Chennai Super Kings have reportedly joined the race to sign Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027, setting up what could become one of the biggest trade stories in IPL history. The Yellow Army’s sudden interest in the star all-rounder comes after the blockbuster swap involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants just weeks earlier, signalling an aggressive trade window ahead of the next season.

The IPL trade market has exploded with activity since the season ended in May. Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals have completed a major player swap involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav, a deal that could significantly impact the balance of power in the tournament. Pant accepted a revised salary of INR 15 crore, significantly lower than the INR 27 crore contract he received after becoming the most expensive player in IPL history at the 2025 mega auction. In return, Lucknow acquired Kuldeep Yadav for his existing contract value of INR 13.50 crore. Now, CSK’s entry into the Pandya bidding war has intensified speculation about the franchise’s plans to rebuild.

CSK faces competition from multiple franchises for Pandya

According to reports, CSK have entered discussions after Kolkata Knight Riders had already emerged as serious contenders for the India all-rounder, with CSK now joining KKR in the race to sign Hardik Pandya for IPL 2027. The race for the star all-rounder is far from a two-horse affair, however. Seven IPL franchises have shown interest in Hardik, with only Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad reportedly not having approached Mumbai Indians.

CSK finished the 2026 season in eighth place with six wins from 14 matches, prompting urgent roster changes. The franchise views Pandya as a potential cornerstone signing to reshape their squad for the post-MS Dhoni era.

Despite growing speculation, no concrete agreement has been reached between any franchise and Mumbai Indians for Pandya’s services. Both sides are negotiating terms, but timelines remain unclear. CSK will need to act decisively if they are serious about landing one of India’s biggest T20 stars in what promises to be a landmark transfer window.

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‘They have lost the art of batting in T20’

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has blamed the Indian Premier League (IPL) for India’s recent poor performances in T20 cricket. The Men in Blue suffered a 2-0 series defeat at the hands of Ireland and are currently trailing 2-0 against the Three Lions in a five-match series.

Ali has criticised the Impact Player rule in the franchise tournament as one of the reasons behind India’s collapse against England at Trent Bridge. The Yorkshire star claimed that the ruling has forced Indian batters to continue slogging despite losing wickets at the other end, knowing they can call in an extra batter towards the end. There is an art to building an innings in T20 cricket; something seems lost due to the Impact Rule in the IPL.

Ali was also critical of India’s decision to send Harshit Rana ahead of a designated all-rounder, Shivam Dube, during their 125-run defeat in Nottingham.

“The impact player makes a big difference in the IPL. I think they have lost the art of batting in T20 cricket. Whether you are three down, four down, or five down in the power play. Dube coming in at number eight and sending Rana ahead of him, I know it’s because he is a right-hander, but you are picking a team full of left-handers; you can’t just do that,” Moeen Ali said on the Beard Before Wicket podcast.

“I will always come back to the impact player in the IPL. I think it is taking away the art of batting in conditions and situations more than anything. You can’t just come out and keep slogging from ball one. You have to pick the team well. With an impact player, you don’t have to pick the team well and can just put in a batter or bowler. But there’s no like after picking a side to these conditions,” he added.

Chasing 202 in the third T20I, India were bundled out for just 76 in the second innings, handing them a heavy defeat. The manner in which the Indian batters lost wickets, particularly in the powerplay, caught the eye, with players slogging despite the collapse happening at the other end.

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Phil Salt shares the story behind his first interaction with Virat Kohli during IPL 2025

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for intense rivalries, nail-biting finishes, and unexpected locker-room bonding. Amidst the India tour of England 2026, an unconventional and hilarious incident paved the way for an enduring camaraderie between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) powerhouse Virat Kohli and England’s dynamic opener, Phil Salt. While young or incoming cricketers often find themselves intimidated by Kohli’s towering stature in world cricket, Salt managed to break the ice in the most chaotic way possible, establishing a unique bond that has since become a talking point for cricket fans globally.

Phil Salt reflects on the ice-breaker moment with Virat Kohli during IPL 2025

Speaking on the Super Over Podcast with host Nikhil Uttamchandani, Salt candidly shared the backstory of his very first memorable interaction with the Indian batting maestro. The unexpected moment unfolded during an RCB open training session, where players were tasked with interacting with fans using promotional foam balls.

“It all happened from me hitting him in the head with a foam ball,” Salt revealed during the podcast.

Explaining the mechanics of the mishap, Salt detailed how hundreds of foam balls were placed in the changing room to be hit or thrown into the crowd. Attempting to prank his England teammate Liam Livingstone (“Livvy”), Salt launched a throw that went completely rogue.

Instead of hitting his intended target, the ball reversed trajectory and struck Kohli directly on the temple. Salt recalled Kohli looking around “fuming” while he desperately tried to play it cool by looking away. However, the cover-up failed. Kohli caught him red-handed, ran over, and tackled the English opener.

Reflecting on the incident, Salt noted that the accidental physical comedy served as the ultimate ice-breaker. He highlighted how most players tend to worship Kohli due to his legendary status, making it difficult for the icon to experience normal, relaxed interactions. By bypassing the usual reverence, albeit accidentally, Salt allowed Kohli to let his guard down instantly.

“It was the RCB open training. They gave us these foam balls and they were all in the changing room, there’s hundreds of them. And then you gotta either throw them into the crowd or hit them into the crowd with a tennis racket.

And I saw Livvy at the corner of my eye. I thought, “Right, he is getting it now.” And I’ve thrown this thing, reversed on me, straight into his temple. And he looked around, he was fuming. I just looked the other way, just kept walking as normal.

And then I just gave it the quick look around… he was staring straight at me, knew it was me. Ran at me, tackled me, and that was the best ice-breaker I think.

I think he’s so used to guys worshipping him—and rightly so with all he has achieved. So I think it actually is quite a job for him to sort of relax in front of these guys, because they’re not relaxed,” he added.

Also WATCH: Fan proudly flaunts Virat Kohli’s RCB jersey at FIFA World Cup 2026

Salt also opened about what Kohli is to him in RCB

Beyond the initial locker-room banter, Salt’s integration into the RCB setup allowed him to develop a deep tactical and personal understanding with Kohli. The English batter expressed immense gratitude for the mentorship and on-field chemistry he shared with the former Indian captain, drawing a parallel to one of football’s most lethal duos.

“Virat Kohli for me is what Kevin De Bruyne was to Erling Haaland. We’ve that level of relationship,” Salt stated.

This comparison speaks volumes about the dynamic the two share. In football, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is celebrated for his masterful vision and precision assists that perfectly feed Erling Haaland’s clinical goal-scoring instincts. By comparing Kohli to De Bruyne, Salt views him as the ultimate playmaker and anchor, someone whose immense experience, anchoring presence, and elite cricketing IQ create the perfect platform for an aggressive batter like Salt to play freely and destructively. This blend of mutual respect and lighthearted friendship highlights how modern franchise cricket bridges international boundaries, creating iconic partnerships both on and off the field.

Also READ: Kapil Dev offers his take on Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket

Subramaniam Badrinath names 2 players CSK should target in the trade ahead of IPL 2027

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Chennai Super Kings will head into the IPL 2027 season determined to turn the page after enduring another underwhelming campaign in 2026. The five-time champions failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third successive year, finishing eighth on the points table with just six wins from 14 league matches. For a franchise that has built its legacy on consistency and success, the recent decline has sparked discussions over the need for bold changes ahead of the next season.

With the trade window expected to generate plenty of speculation, former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has identified two marquee all-rounders he believes could transform CSK’s fortunes. According to him, Chennai should make every effort to pursue Mumbai Indians icon and England star to strengthen their squad for IPL 2027.

Subramaniam Badrinath picks 2 players CSK should target in the trade window

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath suggested that Chennai should not hesitate to enter trade discussions for Hardik Pandya, even though convincing Mumbai Indians to part ways with their captain would be far from easy. Mumbai Indians also endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, finishing ninth in the standings, leading to speculation about possible changes within the squad. While there has been no official indication that Hardik is available, Badrinath believes CSK should explore every possibility. He even proposed a potential player swap involving Shivam Dube, suggesting the Indian all-rounder could be offered in exchange if negotiations gather pace.

“MI won’t give away Hardik Pandya for nothing. They’ll want at least two players in return. CSK should trade Shivam Dube for Hardik as an all-rounder swap. CSK will be in the discussions for Hardik but they probably just don’t want to reveal it for now,” Badrinath said.

Apart from Hardik, Badrinath also highlighted Ben Stokes as another player who could fit perfectly into Chennai’s plans. The England all-rounder recently retired from international cricket, a decision that could allow him to focus more on franchise cricket if he chooses to continue playing in global T20 leagues. Stokes has already experienced life at CSK during the 2023 season, although injuries prevented him from making a significant impact. A fully fit Stokes, however, remains one of the most influential all-rounders in world cricket, capable of changing matches with both bat and ball while also bringing invaluable leadership qualities.

“It’ll be a dream situation for CSK if they can land Hardik and get Ben Stokes,” added Badrinath.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra reveals his ideal swap deals for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027

A deadly combination that could revive CSK’s glory days?

Should Badrinath’s vision become reality, Chennai Super Kings could enter IPL 2027 with one of the most formidable all-round departments in the competition. Hardik’s explosive batting, seam bowling and captaincy experience, combined with Stokes’ match-winning ability and big-game temperament, would instantly elevate the balance of the squad.

Both players have repeatedly delivered under pressure throughout their careers and possess the versatility that modern T20 cricket demands. Their presence would also ease the burden on CSK’s younger core while adding proven leaders to the dressing room.

Of course, signing both stars would be far easier said than done. Mumbai Indians may be reluctant to let Hardik leave, while Stokes’ availability for the entire IPL season would depend on his franchise commitments and fitness.

Also READ: Ben Stokes picks the next ‘Test captain’ of England after his international retirement

Aakash Chopra reveals his ideal swap deals for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027

July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Speculation surrounding the future of Hardik Pandya with the Mumbai Indians (MI) has gathered significant momentum ahead of IPL 2027. Reports have suggested that the five-time champions could consider trading their captain after a mixed three-year spell, prompting discussions over which franchises could emerge as realistic destinations. Amid the growing rumours, former India opener Aakash Chopra shared his views on the possible trade scenarios, outlining the ideal swap deals that could benefit both Mumbai and the interested teams.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra claimed that almost every IPL franchise, except Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), would be interested in signing Hardik if he becomes available. He then analysed each potential trade and identified the combinations he believes would make the most sense from Mumbai Indians’ perspective.

Aakash Chopra suggests ideal Hardik Pandya swap combinations

Chopra began with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), stating that Mumbai would require more than just Rinku Singh in return. According to him, the most attractive package would be Rinku alongside Harshit Rana, while Harshit with Anukul Roy or Rinku with Anukul would also be reasonable alternatives.

For Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Chopra felt Nicholas Pooran alone would not be enough. He suggested that Mumbai would also need left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan as part of the deal, while adding that LSG could even ask for Mitchell Santner if Mohsin was included in the exchange.

Discussing Delhi Capitals (DC), Chopra identified Axar Patel as the ideal player for Mumbai. He further stated that adding lower-order batter Ashutosh Sharma would make it an excellent trade package, giving MI both a quality all-rounder and additional finishing firepower.

When it came to Punjab Kings (PBKS), Chopra believed Mumbai would show serious interest if Arshdeep Singh was available. He suggested combinations involving Arshdeep with either Nehal Wadhera or Shashank Singh, while also mentioning Marco Jansen and Harpreet Brar as another possible package.

Also READ: IPL 2027: 3 players who can lead Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after Rishabh Pant’s departure

Chopra weighs options involving CSK, GT and RR

Analysing Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chopra admitted that Yashasvi Jaiswal would be a valuable long-term investment but felt the move would not address Mumbai’s immediate need for a bowling all-rounder and lower-middle-order stability following Hardik’s departure.

He also looked at Gujarat Titans (GT), suggesting Rashid Khan and Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada as players Mumbai would ideally want in return. However, Chopra acknowledged that Gujarat would be highly unlikely to part with either of their match-winning stars, making such a deal difficult to execute.

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Chopra proposed several combinations, including Shivam Dube with Anshul Kamboj, Dube with Khaleel Ahmed, Ayush Mhatre with Kamboj, and Urvil Patel alongside Kamboj. He felt these packages would allow Mumbai to strengthen both their batting and bowling departments.

While discussing the overall situation, Chopra noted that only RCB and SRH did not appear to be in the race for Hardik’s signature, with the remaining franchises reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing the Indian all-rounder into their squads ahead of the IPL 2027.

Also READ: Will Hardik Pandya play for CSK in IPL 2027? CEO Kasi Viswanathan breaks silence on blockbuster trade rumours

Will Hardik Pandya play for CSK in IPL 2027? CEO Kasi Viswanathan breaks silence on blockbuster trade rumours

Ever since the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya‘s future has dominated cricket discussions. Multiple reports have suggested that the Indian all-rounder could part ways with the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2027 following another disappointing campaign for the five-time champions. Several franchises have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the star all-rounder, sparking rumours of a blockbuster transfer before next season. Among the latest teams linked with Pandya was Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and the franchise has now responded to the growing buzz.

Will Hardik Pandya represent CSK in IPL 2027? CSK CEO responds

The Chennai Super Kings have firmly dismissed reports claiming they are planning a trade move for Pandya ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Fresh speculation emerged on Wednesday suggesting that the Chennai-based franchise was preparing to make a sensational move for the Mumbai Indians captain. However, CSK Chief Executive Officer Kasi Viswanathan rejected the reports, making it clear that no such discussions have taken place.

“We have not had any discussion. This will be done only after the season review, which will happen only after the MLC,” Viswanathan told Hindustan Times Digital.

His statement effectively puts an end, at least for now, to the rumours linking Pandya with a switch to the five-time IPL champions. CSK’s management is currently focused on their commitments in the United States, where the franchise also owns Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket (MLC). As a result, the franchise has not yet begun its formal review process for the IPL 2027 season.

Pandya’s name has been at the centre of trade speculation since Mumbai Indians endured another underwhelming campaign. Earlier reports claimed that Kolkata Knight Riders had already held multiple rounds of discussions with the Mumbai Indians management regarding a possible trade. Rajasthan Royals were also mentioned as interested suitors, although a potential swap involving Yashasvi Jaiswal was considered highly unlikely given Rajasthan’s long-term plans around Riyan Parag‘s leadership.

Also READ: Hardik Pandya eyes Rajasthan Royals move as Mumbai Indians prepare for major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027

A poor IPL 2026 campaign fuels speculation

The growing uncertainty surrounding Pandya’s future comes after one of the toughest IPL seasons of his career. The star all-rounder struggled to make his usual impact with the bat, scoring 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.25. His highest score of the season was 40, while he failed to register a half-century throughout the campaign.

Pandya also endured a below-par season with the ball, managing just four wickets in the tournament. His difficulties were mirrored by Mumbai Indians’ disappointing campaign. Under Pandya’s leadership, the franchise won only four of their 14 league matches and finished ninth on the points table with just eight points, missing the playoffs comfortably.

The result further intensified scrutiny over the team’s direction under his captaincy. Mumbai Indians have qualified for the playoffs only once in the last three seasons during Pandya’s tenure as captain, with their best finish being third place in IPL 2025 before slipping to ninth in 2026.

Also READ: Hanuma Vihari predicts Hardik Pandya’s next IPL destination as MI exit rumours gather pace

MI and CSK deny talks of potential trade involving Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2027

Both the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have categorically denied any involvement in talks surrounding the trade of Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL). This comes after the Indians’ poor 2026 season, which saw them finish ninth under the all-rounder’s captaincy.

Earlier this week, it was reported that both franchises were in advanced talks over a potential trade. However, both camps have denied the discussions taking place. Talking to Cricbuzz, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan claimed that any talks about a potential trade will only take place after the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Cricket, which involves the Texas Super Kings.

“We have not taken any decision, and it is definitely not on the table as yet. We are aware which player is up for trade and we will discuss it once we complete our review of the season, which will only be after the ongoing MLC. There is still a lot of time for that,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said to Cricbuzz.

MI, on the other hand, are involved in a deep review of their 2026 season, which commenced after the AGM of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). According to the aforementioned source, the review is set to be more hostile this time around after MI finished at the foot of the standings in two of the last three campaigns.

“Currently we are not engaged in conversations with regard to player trades, the same is only possible once the review is complete. We have just begun our post season review and will look into all aspects of the team. As with any review of this nature, a range of options and ideas will be evaluated before any decisions are made with regard to players,” MI spokesperson said in an official statement.

It is safe to say that MI will have an advantage in negotiations, with several teams interested in securing Hardik’s services for the 2027 season. These include the aforementioned CSK, along with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals. The trade will therefore depend heavily on what the five-time champions get in return, be it an all-cash deal or a player.

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Venkatesh Iyer spills the beans on Kohli-Head handshakegate episode during IPL 2026

One of the most heated moments that marred the 2026 Indian Premier League was the incident between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match on May 22 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

The two seasoned players were involved in a heated exchange during RCB’s batting innings, with Kohli also refusing to shake hands with Head after SRH’s 55-run win. In a recent revelation, Venkatesh Iyer, who was Kohli’s opening partner on the day, has shared details about what happened during the incident. Iyer, who was on song during the innings, revealed that he was unaware of what was happening and noticed that Kohli was not interacting much in between balls or overs when the batters met to tap gloves.

“I’ll tell you one thing honestly. I had no idea what was going on. I noticed that when I hit a four and went to speak to Virat, he was not even looking at me. I said, ‘I am playing well enough.’ I thought he probably did not talk much,” Iyer said, speaking on the 2 Sloggers Podcast.

Iyer further stated that he only got to know a while later that the two players did not shake hands and assumed that the events took place due to history or an incident between the two players.

“Afterwards, someone came and told me that they did not shake hands. I asked ‘why?’, and he said that he also did not know, and what happened, happened. India and Australia have a long history, so I thought it would be something from the past,” Iyer added.

Iyer was acquired ahead of the 2026 season for a fee of INR 7 crore by RCB. He started the season as a backup, filling in for injured players, but received a chance at the top of the order in the back end of the season due to an injury to Phil Salt and the poor form of Jacob Bethell. He scored 209 runs in seven games, striking at 186.61. He scored an unbeaten 73 off 40 balls against the Punjab Kings, his highest score of the season. RCB lifted their second trophy, defending the maiden title they won in 2025.

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Sai Sudharsan admits who he fears the most after his IPL 2026 campaign

Following a blockbuster IPL 2026 campaign, young Indian batting sensation Sai Sudharsan has been making headlines not just for his run-scoring appetite, but for his candid revelations off the field. The 24-year-old left-hander has grown into one of the most dependable top-order batters in the country, translating his blistering domestic and franchise form into the international arena. Fresh off a dominant Test victory against Afghanistan, where he compiled a fluent 81 runs, Sudharsan recently opened up about the dynamic personalities shaping his cricketing journey, revealing a surprising mix of fear and respect for his mentors.

Sai Sudharsan names the person he fears the most following IPL 2026

Despite his calm demeanor at the crease, Sudharsan admitted that certain figures in the dressing room can still send a shiver down his spine. Speaking on the Gobinath YouTube channel, the Chennai-born batter was asked who intimidates him the most in a team environment. Without hesitation, he named Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra.

“Ashish Nehra. He has an amazing cricketing mind. But sometimes he scares me. He is the most fun person also, yet, is like a father to all the players,” Sudharsan confessed with a smile.

Nehra, renowned for his animated boundary-line consultations and intense tactical approach, has been instrumental in GT’s roaring success. Under his guidance, the franchise won the title in 2022 and reached the finals in both 2023 and 2026. Sudharsan has been the primary beneficiary of Nehra’s high-octane coaching, crossing the 700-run milestone in each of his last two IPL seasons. While Nehra’s passionate outbursts can be daunting, the young batter emphasizes that it stems from a place of deep mentorship and care, establishing a unique father-figure dynamic within the squad.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar backs Gautam Gambhir and Shreyas Iyer after India’s historic series loss to Ireland

Sudharsan acknowledge Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir as the pillars of support and freedom

Beyond the tactical intensity of Nehra, Sudharsan credits his rapid maturity to and India captain Shubman Gill. Reflecting on his early days with the franchise, the southpaw recalled how Gill acted as a foundational anchor when he faced the frustration of being benched due to tactical combinations.

“He was the one who I looked at as a role model when I first came to GT. In my second year, even when I would be doing well, I would be dropped because of the team combination. He would always come and talk to me and point out small areas I can improve at,” Sudharsan shared.

He added that having a peer-turned-captain whom he can message anytime is a “blessing,” especially as they now share the dressing room for Team India.

This nurturing environment extends to the national team under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Sudharsan lauded Gambhir for instilling a culture of absolute psychological safety, which was on full display during India’s recent innings and 300-run victory over Afghanistan at New Chandigarh. According to Sudharsan, Gambhir’s coaching philosophy eliminates the fear of failure, allowing players to prioritize collective victory over personal milestones.

“The most important thing for a player in a team is having freedom to express. He’s a person who says do whatever you want and I’ll back you. He is creating an environment where players are more expressive. He is a really good person, who backs the players a lot,” Sudharsan noted. With the backing of Nehra, Gill, and Gambhir, Sudharsan looks poised to anchor India’s top order for years to come.

Also READ: Harry Brook reveals his plan to counter Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of the England vs India first T20I

Seven IPL franchises eye him in trade before 2027

July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

As many as seven IPL franchises have reportedly approached Mumbai Indians over a trade for captain Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2027 season, with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals understood to be furthest along in discussions with the five-time champions.

Mumbai finished ninth in the IPL 2026 points table with just four wins from 14 games, and Pandya struggled through the season with both bat and ball while leading the side. The all-rounder managed only 206 runs in 10 innings at an average of 22.89, while his bowling returns read four wickets at an economy of 11.43.

Kolkata, who have missed the playoffs for two seasons running, are believed to be looking past Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, while Rajasthan have reportedly floated a swap involving opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to bring Pandya to Jaipur instead. The identities of the other five franchises linked to the chase have not been detailed in reports so far.

“Rahane was always a temporary solution for KKR, everyone knew he’d be released after this season. Kolkata tried to get talks going with MI’s owners a while ago, but it was bad timing, with the Reliance AGM keeping everyone distracted. Now they’ve come back to the table, and real discussions are happening,” an IPL insider was quoted as saying by DNA India.

Why is Rajasthan Royals’ pitch for Hardik Pandya complicated?

Rajasthan have also opened talks, but their pitch comes with a complication of its own. The franchise is understood to see Riyan Parag as their long-term captain, meaning Pandya would likely arrive without the armband if he moves to Jaipur, a factor that could weigh heavily given his leadership ambitions and stature in the game.

Would Kolkata Knight Riders hand Hardik Pandya the captaincy?

Kolkata’s interest is understood to be tied specifically to leadership, with the franchise having gone without a settled long-term captain since Shreyas Iyer‘s title-winning stint in 2024. Pandya has led Gujarat Titans to the 2022 IPL title and captained Mumbai Indians since his high-profile trade back to the franchise in 2024, giving him more white-ball captaincy experience than most players currently in the trade conversation.

No official confirmation has come from the Mumbai Indians or any of the seven franchises reportedly in the race on any trade talks so far. IPL trade rules require sign-off from both franchises and the player, with any deal needing to be finalised before the window closes ahead of the IPL 2027 mini auction in December.

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Punjab Kings star Shashank Singh breaks silence on personal cook’s assault allegations

June 30, 2026June 30, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Punjab Kings batter Shashank Singh has responded to serious allegations levelled against him and his family by a former domestic cook regarding assault, wrongful confinement and abuse. The controversy surfaced after an FIR was registered in Bhopal based on a complaint filed by Vipendra Singh Tomar, who alleged that he was physically assaulted and mistreated while working at the cricketer’s residence.

Former cook alleges assault and wrongful confinement

The controversy began after Tomar, who was reportedly hired as a cook through a family acquaintance, accused Shashank, his father and their driver of assaulting him during his brief stint at the family’s bungalow in Nilbad, Bhopal. According to media reports, Tomar joined the household on June 25, with the promise of a monthly salary of ₹15,000 along with food and accommodation. However, he claimed that he decided to resign after just one day because of what he described as an abusive work environment and alleged mistreatment of domestic staff.

Tomar further alleged that his decision to leave angered the family. In his complaint, he claimed that his mobile phone was taken away and that when he asked for it back on June 28, Shashank, his father and their driver allegedly entered his room, confined him, assaulted him and later forced him out of the house.

Based on the complaint, the Bhopal Police registered an FIR under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to voluntarily causing hurt, verbal abuse involving obscene language and common intention. The case is now under investigation.

Also READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up on the reasons behind Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 failure

Shashank Singh reacts on the allegations against him and his family

As the allegations gained traction on social media, Shashank and his family issued a detailed response, categorically denying every accusation made against them. Speaking to PTI, the Punjab Kings batter claimed that Tomar had secured employment by falsely presenting himself as an experienced chef but later admitted that he lacked the necessary cooking skills.

Shashank also alleged that the family became suspicious after noticing Tomar entering private areas of the house, including bedrooms, where he allegedly recorded videos and took photographs without permission. The cricketer admitted that the family checked Tomar’s phone and deleted the videos, stating that the recordings violated their privacy and raised concerns about the family’s safety.

“Nothing like that happened. A person who comes on the evening of the 25th and leaves on the morning of the 28th – how can you call that keeping someone hostage? The man came to us saying, ‘I know how to cook. I can prepare all kinds of food.’ But then he himself admitted that he actually didn’t know how to cook properly. So how can you trust a person like that?” said Shashank.

“He came into the house and started recording videos of bedrooms. He even entered the bedroom, where expensive and luxury items were kept, recorded videos there, and sent them to other people. He had come through one of my father’s friends, who recommended him saying that he knew how to cook all these dishes. That’s why he was brought to the house, but as soon as he arrived, he demanded an advance payment of Rs 20,000,” Shashank alleged.

Also READ: RCB CEO shares major update on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise

When can Ben Stokes return to IPL after international retirement?

June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

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Ben Stokes’ surprise decision to retire from international cricket has immediately sparked fresh discussions about his future in franchise cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The England all-rounder brought down the curtain on a remarkable 15-year international career during the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. Having stepped away from international commitments, attention has now shifted towards whether Ben Stokes could make a return to the IPL after missing multiple seasons.

While there has been no official confirmation from the player regarding a comeback, recent developments suggest that the possibility cannot be ruled out.

Ben Stokes confirms he will continue playing cricket

Although Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket, he has made it clear that he is not retiring from the game altogether.

The outgoing England captain confirmed that he intends to continue playing county cricket for Durham and is also open to opportunities elsewhere in the franchise circuit. His comments have naturally fuelled speculation about a potential IPL return after several years away from the tournament.

Given his reputation as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation, he would still attract interest from multiple franchises if he chose to put his name back into the auction pool.

Why Ben Stokes stopped playing in the IPL

Stokes last featured in the IPL during the 2023 season for Chennai Super Kings. CSK had secured his services for INR 16.25 crore, but injuries prevented him from making a meaningful impact. He played only two matches before returning to England ahead of the international summer.

Before the IPL 2024 season, he voluntarily withdrew from the tournament to manage his workload and focus on England’s demanding Test schedule.

He then made a bigger decision ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction by choosing not to register at all. At the time, Ben Stokes explained that he wanted to reduce his cricketing commitments and take better care of his body. Having spent considerable time recovering from knee and hamstring injuries, the England all-rounder believed that limiting franchise commitments would help extend his career at the highest level.

His priority then was to continue representing England for as long as possible, particularly with major Test assignments and Ashes cricket on the horizon.

IPL rules delayed Ben Stokes’ possible comeback

Many fans expected Ben Stokes to return quickly after skipping the 2025 mega auction, but IPL regulations prevented that from happening.

Under the league’s current rules, any overseas player who does not register for a mega auction becomes ineligible to enter the following year’s player auction.

As a result, Stokes’ decision to skip the IPL 2025 mega auction automatically ruled him out of the IPL 2026 mini auction as well.

The regulation was introduced to ensure player commitment and discourage high-profile overseas cricketers from selectively entering auctions only when convenient.

When can Ben Stokes realistically return to IPL?

The earliest realistic opportunity for Stokes to return to the IPL is the IPL 2027 mini auction. Since he skipped the IPL 2025 mega auction, he was barred from participating in the 2026 auction cycle. However, the restriction only applies to the immediate next auction window rather than the entire cycle.

Provided he complies with the IPL’s registration requirements and decides to make himself available, Stokes can once again enter the auction pool ahead of IPL 2027.

That would place him at 36 years of age, but age alone is unlikely to discourage franchises given the value he brings as a genuine match-winning all-rounder.

Why IPL teams could still target Ben Stokes

Despite his limited appearances in recent years, Stokes remains one of the most decorated overseas players to have featured in the IPL.

Across 45 IPL matches, he has scored 935 runs, including two centuries, while also claiming 28 wickets. His most memorable season came in 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiant when he won the Most Valuable Player award after contributing heavily with both bat and ball.

His ability to influence matches in multiple departments, combined with his leadership experience, still makes him an attractive option for franchises looking for proven match-winners.

For now, there is no indication that Stokes is actively planning an IPL comeback. However, with international cricket no longer occupying his calendar and the IPL 2027 auction representing his next point of entry, the door is firmly open for a return.

Ben Stokes’ IPL future back in focus after international retirement

June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

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Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket has brought the curtain down on one of the finest careers in modern cricket. The England all-rounder confirmed that his ongoing Test against New Zealand would be his last international appearance, ending a 15-year journey with England.

While Ben Stokes’ exploits for England will define his legacy, he also left a significant mark on the Indian Premier League despite featuring in only 45 matches across seven seasons. From winning the Most Valuable Player award in his debut IPL season to his brief stint with Chennai Super Kings, Stokes’ IPL story has been filled with memorable moments, injuries, and long absences.

A dream start with Rising Pune Supergiant

Ben Stokes entered the IPL in 2017 when Rising Pune Supergiant secured his services ahead of the season. The move immediately paid dividends.

The England star enjoyed one of the best debut seasons by an overseas all-rounder in IPL history. Playing 12 matches, he scored 316 runs at a strike rate of 142.98 and also picked up 12 wickets.

His standout moment came against Gujarat Lions when he smashed an unbeaten 103 off just 63 balls, registering his maiden T20 century. He finished the season as the IPL 2017 Most Valuable Player, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after players in franchise cricket.

Rajasthan Royals years and the famous century

Rajasthan Royals broke the bank to sign Stokes ahead of IPL 2018, making him one of the most expensive players in that auction.

His first season with the franchise was modest by his standards, but he remained an important member of the side. Across the 2018 and 2019 campaigns, he contributed with both bat and ball while continuing to provide balance as a genuine all-rounder.

His finest IPL knock came in the 2020 season when he hammered an unbeaten 107 against Mumbai Indians. Ben Stokes shared a match-winning 152-run partnership with Sanju Samson that remains one of Rajasthan Royals’ most memorable stands. That season saw him score 285 runs in eight matches at an average above 40 and a strike rate of 142.50.

Injury setbacks and an inconsistent IPL run

Just when it appeared Ben Stokes had settled into a long IPL career, injuries and international commitments began to limit his participation.

A finger injury ruled him out after playing only one match in IPL 2021. He then opted out of IPL 2022 to focus on England’s Test cricket commitments as he prepared for life as captain.

By that stage, managing workload had become a recurring theme in Ben Stokes’ career, especially given his importance to England across formats.

The Chennai Super Kings chapter

Chennai Super Kings invested INR 16.25 crore to bring Stokes into their squad for IPL 2023. The move generated huge excitement, with many expecting him to become a key figure under MS Dhoni. However, things never really clicked.

A knee injury restricted his role throughout the tournament. He played only two matches, scoring 15 runs and bowling just one over without taking a wicket.

Ben Stokes later left the CSK camp before the playoffs as part of a pre-planned arrangement to prepare for England’s Test summer. Despite Chennai eventually winning the title, he had little opportunity to influence their campaign.

Why Ben Stokes skipped IPL 2024 and IPL 2025?

Stokes did not participate in IPL 2024 and IPL 2025. The England captain chose to prioritise Test cricket, manage his physical workload, and extend his playing career. He was also absent from the IPL 2025 mega auction pool, making it clear that international commitments remained his priority at the time.

Those decisions meant his IPL career effectively remained frozen at 45 matches, 935 runs, two centuries, 28 wickets, and a strike rate of 133.95.

Will Ben Stokes return to IPL?

That question has gained fresh attention following his retirement from international cricket. Speaking to BBC Test Match Special, Stokes confirmed that he has no plans to stop playing cricket altogether.

“Yes, I am… [I will be] going back and playing a little bit of county cricket and other opportunities that there is at the moment,” he said.

Those comments leave the door open for franchise cricket in the future. Ben Stokes has already confirmed he will continue playing for Durham, while opportunities in leagues around the world could now become more realistic without the demands of international cricket.

Nothing has been confirmed regarding a return to the IPL, but for the first time in several years, the possibility appears more realistic than before.

A short IPL career that still produced memorable moments

Ben Stokes’ IPL numbers may not match some of the league’s longest-serving overseas stars, but his impact was undeniable.

The unbeaten century for Rising Pune Supergiant, the MVP-winning debut season, and his match-winning hundred for Rajasthan Royals remain standout moments. Injuries and England commitments prevented him from building a longer IPL legacy, but whenever he was available, he remained one of the competition’s most influential all-rounders.

Now retired from international cricket, Stokes finally has the freedom to consider opportunities that previously had to take a back seat. Whether that includes one final IPL chapter remains a story worth watching over the next few auction cycles.

SRH owner Kavya Maran set to marry Anirudh? Family drops big hint

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

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Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner Kavya Maran is once again in the spotlight, but this time it has nothing to do with cricket. Just weeks after the end of IPL 2026, Kavya Maran is making headlines because of reports about her personal life, and fans cannot stop talking about it.

Social media has been flooded with reactions after fresh reports claimed that the Sunrisers Hyderabad co-owner is likely to marry popular music composer Anirudh Ravichander. Amid this, PCB gives green signal to Abrar Ahmed; set to join Kavya Maran’s Sunrisers Leeds team.

Anirudh Ravichander’s uncle breaks silence on wedding reports with Kavya Maran

However, neither Kavya Maran nor Anirudh Ravichander has spoken publicly about the reports, but a recent statement from Anirudh’s family has made the wedding rumors much stronger.

Veteran actor Y.G. Mahendra, who is Anirudh’s uncle, recently spoke about the reported wedding during an interview. He praised Kavya for the way she handles such a big business and cricket franchise at a young age. He also said that both Kavya and Anirudh would make a wonderful couple.

The Times of India quoted Mahendra as saying, “He’s a very soft boy. From what I’ve heard, they are going to get married. That girl is not just another ordinary girl. She has the capacity to handle such a big team (SRH). She has inherited her father’s business genes. They’re a good pair. Both of them should get together and indulge in musical business.”

Who is Anirudh Ravichander?

Meanwhile, Anirudh Ravichander is one of the biggest names in the Indian music industry. He became famous across the world in 2011 after his song ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ turned into a massive viral hit. Since then, he has delivered music for several blockbuster films and has become one of the famous composers in the country.

His hit movies include ‘Jailer,’ ‘Jawan,’ ‘Leo,’ ‘Jersey,’ and many more. Over the years, Anirudh has built a huge fan following across the world with his music and is now counted among the top composers in Indian cinema.

He also comes from a famous film background. Superstar Rajinikanth is his uncle, while Aishwarya Rajinikanth, Soundarya Rajinikanth, and Hrishikesh are his cousins. His family’s connection with art goes back many decades. His great-grandfather K. Subramanyam was a respected filmmaker, while his grandaunt Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam is a legendary classical dancer.

Kavya Maran’s cricket connection

On the other hand, Kavya Maran is the daughter of media tycoon Kalanithi Maran and is the executive director of Sun TV Network. However, she is most famous among the cricket fans for her Sunrisers Hyderabad association in the IPL matches. Her expressions from the stands often go viral on social media during the tournament.

Apart from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kavya also co-owns Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20 league and Sunrisers Leeds in England’s The Hundred tournament. She has become one of the most recognized young faces in the world of franchise cricket.

Well, SRH had a strong IPL 2026 campaign under captain Pat Cummins. The team reached the playoffs but could not go any further after losing to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.

KKR set to release Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2027

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are unlikely to explore any trade involving Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the next IPL season. However, the Kolkata franchise is expected to release the Sri Lankan pacer before the auction after his high salary and repeated fitness issues limited his availability throughout the campaign.

The Knight Riders endured another disappointing season in 2026, missing the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five editions. Although they stayed in contention with a strong run in the second half of the tournament, inconsistent performances and off-field setbacks ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

KKR Unlikely to Trade Matheesha Pathirana Ahead of Next IPL Season

Senior RevSportz assistant editor Subhayan Chakraborty claimed that Kolkata Knight Riders are not considering Matheesha Pathirana in any player trade ahead of the next IPL season. Chakraborty wrote, “Pathirana is not an option for any trade for KKR. Most likely he’ll be released.”

Pathirana is not an option for any trade for KKR. Most likely he’ll be released. https://t.co/iL2Oehsw6e

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) June 27, 2026

KKR’s decision is believed to be influenced by Pathirana’s repeated fitness concerns and his ₹18 crore price tag. The franchise built a strong spin-based bowling attack during IPL 2026, reducing its dependence on the Sri Lankan fast bowler.

Pathirana missed most of the first half of the tournament while recovering from an injury suffered during the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also had to wait for a No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket before becoming available, forcing KKR to alter their plans early in the season.

How Matheesha Pathirana’s Injury Hurt KKR’s IPL 2026 Campaign

By the time Matheesha Pathirana became fully available, KKR had already lost valuable ground in the tournament. The pacer made his much-awaited debut against Gujarat Titans (GT) but suffered a hamstring injury during his opening spell.

Pathirana bowled just 1.2 overs, conceding nine runs before leaving the field with the injury. KKR had expected the Sri Lankan pacer to lead the pace attack, but his setback forced the team to once again reshuffle its bowling plans.

The inexperienced pace attack, comprising uncapped Indian pacers Vaibhav Arora, Saurabh Dubey, and Kartik Tyagi, along with replacement signing Blessing Muzarabani, struggled to contain opposition batters, especially during the powerplay.

KKR recovered well in the second half of the season, winning six of their last seven matches. However, the poor start proved too costly. The franchise had to wait until April 19 for its first win and eventually missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five IPL seasons.

How Injuries and Off-Field Setbacks Disrupted KKR’s IPL 2026 Campaign

Kolkata Knight Riders faced a difficult build-up to IPL 2026 after several setbacks disrupted their plans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India directed the franchise to release Mustafizur Rahman despite signing him for ₹9.20 crore, forcing KKR to rethink their bowling combination before the season.

Matheesha Pathirana, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep struggled with injuries. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep were ruled out for the entire season, while Pathirana missed the opening phase as he recovered from an injury suffered during the 2026 T20 World Cup.

All-rounder Cameron Green was unavailable to bowl earlier in the season because of workload restrictions imposed by Cricket Australia. With several first-choice pace options unavailable, the franchise relied heavily on its spin attack throughout the campaign.

Also read: Ben Stokes questions Jofra Archer after wicket celebration moment

Shreyas Iyer’s sister says she received threat messages online

June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer’s sister, Shresta Iyer, has responded to the social media backlash over her controversial “ditta ek point” Instagram reel during IPL 2026. The 28-year-old dancer and choreographer defended the viral video, saying it was a light-hearted joke that many cricket fans misunderstood.

The old video went viral after Punjab Kings were knocked out of the recent tournament. In the reel, Shresta joked that Punjab Kings had “gifted one point” to Kolkata Knight Riders after their rain-abandoned league match, when KKR were struggling near the bottom of the 10-team points table.

Maine Kisi Ke Sentiments Hurt Nahi Kiye Hai – Shreyas Iyer’s Sister

Host Riteish Deshmukh asked Shresta about the controversial clip during the opening episode of the reality show Lock Upp. He said that her joke had upset many Kolkata Knight Riders fans. Shresta defended herself, saying the video was only light-hearted sports banter and was never meant to offend anyone.

“Maine kisi ke sentiments hurt nahi kiye hai (I did not hurt anyone’s sentiments). I think it was just fun banter. Sports mein aise fun banters hote rehte hai (Such fun banter is common in sports),” Shresta Iyer said.

The Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings failed to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Despite enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run in the first half of the season, the Kings lost momentum in the closing stages and finished fifth in the points table with 15 points.

I’ve Decided to Take Down My Recent Video – Shreyas Iyer’s Sister

Shresta later deleted the reel and revealed that she had received threatening messages from some social media users. The choreographer said she did not remove the video because it was wrong, but to prevent more negativity directed at her brother and Punjab Kings.

“I’ve decided to take down my recent video as it seems it was misunderstood by some. It was meant to be light-hearted banter, but I respect that not everyone saw it that way. However, it’s been quite upsetting to receive not just negativity, but also a few threat messages over it.”

“That’s something I didn’t expect, especially for something that was never intended to harm anyone. I’m not removing the video because I believe I did something wrong, but because I respect my brother and his team, and I don’t want this space to turn into one filled with negativity… Let’s try to be a little kinder and more understanding with each other,” Shresta Iyer wrote.

Shreyas Iyer’s India Captaincy Starts with Defeat Against Ireland

Shreyas Iyer left Kolkata Knight Riders after leading the franchise to the IPL 2024 title. Punjab Kings signed the right-handed batter for ₹26.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction and handed him the responsibility of leading the team.

Shreyas Iyer recently began his stint as India’s T20I captain with an unwanted record. His first match in charge ended in a disappointing 34-run defeat to Ireland in Belfast on Friday, June 26.

Abhishek Sharma was the only Indian batter to make an impact, scoring a quick 49 off 21 balls. The rest of the top order failed during the chase as India were bowled out well short of the target. India must now win the second and final T20I on Sunday, June 28, to avoid a series defeat against Ireland.

Virat Kohli to make debut in Tennis? Novak Djokovic reveals future plans

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Novak Djokovic makes some massive revelations about Virat Kohli and their plans as well. It is widely known that the Indian cricket great Virat Kohli and the modern-day tennis legend Novak Djokovic are ardent admirers of each other.

In a recent video, the Serbian Tennis star stated that he has been in constant touch with Virat Kohli, but never met with him in person. So, he wished to meet the batter soon in person.

Novak Djokovic reveals plans involving Virat Kohli

Djokovic reveals that both of them have been in constant touch via phone, texting, and messages for the last few years, and both of them are following each other as well. As there is a close bond between them, they have now become well-wishers to each other.

The Tennis star stated that he wished to meet Kohli soon in person, and play some tennis, and some cricket as well. Before concluding the video, Novak Djokovic said that he is planning to visit India soon, and maybe then he will be able to see Virat in person for the first time.

“We have not met in person, we’ve texted, so we’re in touch for the last few years and following each other, supporting each other, admiring each other’s careers and all. So, hopefully I’ll get a chance to meet with him in person and play some tennis, play some cricket. It would be nice, and I’m also planning to come to India soon, so maybe that’s where we get a link up,” said Novak Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic talking about Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/JOXmI2AE7g

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 27, 2026

Virat Kohli is currently dealing with a hamstring injury

Currently, Kohli is out of action because of a hamstring injury he received during the final of the IPL 2026 season against the Gujarat Titans. With another masterclass by Virat, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Gujarat Titans in the summit clash and successfully defended the title. The top-order batter of RCB played a match-defining knock in the final to earn the title for the second consecutive season.

After the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2026, the batter was about to face Afghanistan in a 3-match ODI series, but due to a hamstring injury, he was ruled out of the series entirely.

If the reports are to be believed, he may take multiple weeks to regain his match fitness. A few days ago, the Delhi-born was spotted at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Central to Excellence for the fitness Tests.

Virat Kohli says a big ‘No’ to Test return

Team India is scheduled to face England in England for a white-ball series, including the ODI contest, where Kohli can make his return after recovering from the injury. However, his participation is subject to his fitness. As of now, there are no official updates on the batter’s fitness.

On a different note, recently the batter was asked if he would like to reconsider his Test retirement. In reply, the former India captain mentioned that he is done with Tests and will not reconsider the retirement.

S Sreesanth takes fresh dig at Harbhajan Singh, labels him jealous after pacer’s hefty IPL deal

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The conflict between two former Team India cricketers, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh, unfolded again, as the controversial former pacer has made back-to-back scathing remarks on his former teammate.

During an exclusive interaction with ABP News, S Sreesanth again makes some surprising comments about his relationship with Harbhajan. According to the ex-pacer, Harbhajan was not very happy when the Kings XI Punjab (now the Punjab Kings) bought him for their team.

Shanthakumaran Sreesanth makes another shocking claim on Harbhajan Singh

During the interaction, Sreesanth, the former Team India pacer, says that when the Punjab-based franchise invested in him ahead of the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it came as a shocker to many. If the claims made by the ex-fast bowler are to be believed, then Harbhajan Singh was among those who were surprised by the move.

IPL में महंगे बिके श्रीसंत तो चिढ़ गए थे हरभजन सिंह?

चर्चा With चित्रा में भारतीय क्रिकेट टीम के पूर्व गेंदबाज एस श्रीसंत Exclusive

देखें शनिवार रात 10:30 बजे और रविवार दोपहर 1:30 बजे

सिर्फ abp न्यूज़ पर#CharchaWithChitra #ChitraTripathiOnABP #SreeSanth #ABPNews | @chitraaum pic.twitter.com/RMZpPNRlVN

— ABP News (@ABPNews) June 27, 2026

During the very first players’ auction of the league, for the 2007-08 season, Kings XI Punjab invested INR 2.50 crore to secure the signing of the seamer, who was then an active player for the Indian National Cricket Team.

When did the ‘Slapgate’ incident take place?

The first season with the franchise was brilliant for him, as he took 19 wickets from 15 matches and as many innings for an economy rate of 8.63. Sreesanth played a total of three consecutive seasons for the Kings, joining the Kochi Tuskers Kerala (now defunct), followed by a stint with the Rajasthan Royals.

While the pacer started his IPL career with Punjab, Harbhajan Singh was with the Mumbai Indians for straight ten seasons, before joining hands with the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively.

The infamous ‘slapgate’ incident took place during the 2008 Indian Premier League season, when the Mumbai Indians were up against the Kings XI Punjab for a match. Harbhajan Singh slapped his India and Kings XI Punjab teammate S Sreesanth on the field. The King’s Pacer was in tears after the incident. The Mumbai Indians spinner apologised for his actions openly on multiple occasions.

Years after the controversial incident, when everthing seemed closed, S Sreesanth made some shocking comments, pointing out an advertisement where the former spinner was with boxing gloves.

The former pacer claimed in a previous interview that through the ad, by referring to the slapgate incident, Harbhajan had earned a hefty amount of money. From nowhere, the controversial fast bowler challenged the Punjab-born for a real boxing match.

An open boxing match challenge to Harbhajan Singh

However, Harbhajan Singh did not issue any direct comments pointed towards his ex-teammate. But, he posted a meaningpost post via an Instagram post, where the legendary spinner stated that only the empty utensils make most of the noises.

“I am currently in the Bare Knuckle Fight League. I am challenging you, Bhajji. If you have this much of a problem with the slap thing and me, and you earn this much… let me earn too. Come into the ring,” the seamer said during a segment with Lallantop.

Now, in a fresh claim, he says that Harbhajan was not happy when Kings XI Punjab roped him in for a good amount.

‘There should be some logic and fairness’

Ravichandran Ashwin dismissed the possibility of a potential trade deal between the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which could see Ashutosh Sharma moving to the Men in Yellow in exchange for Rahul Chahar.

This potential trade is being speculated by fans after Delhi Capitals’ wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav went to the Lucknow Super Giants, allowing Rishabh Pant to return to his first-ever IPL franchise.

Ashwin said that DC won’t be foolish enough to give away Ashutosh Sharma, who is one of the best finishers in the league, in exchange for Rahul Chahar, who got just one game to play for the Super Kings this season.

“There should be some logic and fairness in a trade proposal. I understand CSK want Ashutosh Sharma. And sure, DC didn’t use him properly. Who are you giving back in the trade for Ashutosh Sharma? Someone you yourself didn’t play in the 11 in Rahul Chahar,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

“A finisher is a prized possession, and it’s so hard to get a good one, especially an Indian finisher. Will DC be so foolish to accept trading him for Rahul Chahar? Yes, DC need a spinner because they traded away Kuldeep. But they still have Vipraj Nigam and Axar Patel. How will trade for a Rahul Chahar, just to sit him on the bench, and give you a first 11 player in Ashutosh?” he asked.

“It’ll be one of the greatest heists in the history of mankind and IPL” – R Ashwin on a possible Chahar-Ashutosh trade

The former India off-spinner opined that giving Chahar in exchange for Ashutosh is almost the same as signing the explosive batter for free.

“If this trade does happen, it’ll be one of the greatest heists in the history of mankind and IPL. Even if DC look for a wrist spinner to replace Kuldeep, why would they try to get one that warmed the bench almost entirely last season? Even if they want Chahar, they’ll try to get him in the auction,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).

“Here, the proposal from CSK would be asking for arguably the best finisher in the league, who’s also an Indian player, and giving up a nobody in return. CSK might as well ask Ashutosh Sharma for free instead of giving them Rahul Chahar. It’s the same thing.”

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Ravichandran Ashwin on possible CSK-DC mega trade deal

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Since the Delhi Capitals (DC) gave away their star spinner Kuldeep Yadav to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to bring Rishabh Pant on board ahead of the IPL 2027 season, there is another possible trade rumor doing the rounds across social media platforms.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has dismissed the fact that DC will let their Indian finisher Asutosh Sharma go for Rahul Chahar, who was mostly unused in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League.

Ravichandran Ashwin raises doubts over a possible CSK-DC trade deal

Through his YouTube channel, R Ashwin opines that every trade deal comes with some logic. But, Rahul Chahar in place of Ashutosh Sharma will not make any sense from DC’s perspective. While CSK could get some benefits with Asutosh Sharma in their team, Rahul Chahar will not be helpful for DC, as Ashwin thinks.

“There should be some logic and fairness in a trade proposal. I understand CSK wants Ashutosh Sharma. And sure, DC didn’t use him properly. Who are you giving back in the trade for Ashutosh Sharma? Someone you yourself didn’t play in the 11 in Rahul Chahar,” Ravichandran Ashwin said in one of his YouTube videos.

Why should DC not allow Asutosh Sharma to go?

Delhi Capitals will need a spinner in place of Kuldeep Yadav, but will they accept Rahul Chahar in expense for Ashutosh Sharma? Ashwin has doubts. Ashwin points out that an Indian finisher like Asutosh Sharma is pretty rare, so he believes DC will not be so foolish as to accept Chahar in place of their designated finisher. Additionally, Delhi still has Indian spinners in the likes of Vipraj Nigam and Axar Patel.

“A finisher is a prized possession, and it’s so hard to get a good one, especially an Indian finisher. Will DC be so foolish as to accept trading him for Rahul Chahar? Yes, DC needs a spinner because they traded away Kuldeep. But they still have Vipraj Nigam and Axar Patel. How will trade for a Rahul Chahar, just to sit him on the bench, and give you a first 11 player in Ashutosh?” he expressed his doubts over the rumored trade deal ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

It’ll be one of the greatest heists: Ravichandran Ashwin

The proposed trade deal might sound less logical, but everything can happen behind the curtains ahead of a fresh season. So, Ravichandran Ashwin did not completely dismiss the possible deal. But he further emphasized that if a trade deal between CSK and DC takes place involving Deepak Chahar and Asutosh Sharma, it will be the greatest heists in the history of mankind and the Indian Premier League.

“If this trade does happen, it’ll be one of the greatest heists in the history of mankind and IPL. Even if DC looks for a wrist spinner to replace Kuldeep, why would they try to get one that warmed the bench almost entirely last season? Even if they want Chahar, they’ll try to get him in the auction,” the former CSK cricketer opined.

Ayush Mhatre hails Virat Kohli as legend

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Virat Kohli meets Ayush Mhatre: The India National Cricket Team are already on the tour of Ireland, as they lost their first T20I match against the Ireland National Cricket Team by 34 runs on Friday. Shreyas Iyer and his boys failed to chase down the target of 183 runs as Lorcan Tucker’s side created history by beating the reigning world champions.

The Men in Blue, following the T20I series against Ireland, will tour England for a white-ball tour comprising five T20Is followed by three ODIs. Ahead of the ODI series, former India captain Virat Kohli, who has been selected for the ODI series subject to fitness, visited the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for a fitness test.

Ayush Mhatre meets Virat Kohli at CoE

U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre, who is also in Bengaluru doing his rehab after he sustained a hamstring injury during the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while batting for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which ruled him out of the tournament, is now regaining his fitness at the very same place.

Ayush Mhatre met Virat Kohli and had a wonderful conversation with the former India captain. The coincidence is that both have been U-19 World Cup-winning captains: Virat in 2008 and Ayush in 2026. Ayush shared a picture on his Instagram account captioning it “An unforgettable conversation with a legend”, with a symbol of a heart in the end.

Ayush Mhatre calls Virat Kohli a ‘legend’

The conversation between the two is unknown, but as we assume that many young cricketers look up to Virat Kohli as an idol, and Kohli has always been on the side of the upcoming cricketers and helped them grow with his experience in the game over the years. He always tries to help, as young players have often shared their experiences meeting the greatest ODI batter of all time.

Ayush Mhatre has been known as a huge fan of Rohit Sharma, as he tries to copy the latter’s pull shot, and as both of them share the same dressing room while playing for Mumbai during the Vijay Hazare trophy, and has always looked up to Rohit as a batter and captain over the years.

Virat Kohli and Ayush Mhatre’s IPL 2026

Kohli had a stellar IPL 2026 season, as he was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) leading run scorer in the tournament. The former skipper finished off with 675 runs with an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. He was awarded the Player of the Match in the final after scoring 75* runs and helped RCB win their second trophy in consecutive seasons.

Ayush Mhatre was also one of the finest batters for CSK until 6 matches, as he scored 201 runs with an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 177.87. However, after suffering an injury, he could not contribute further in the tournament, and thus CSK also failed to win matches, losing a spot in the playoffs as well for the third consecutive season.

Kumar Sangakkara recalls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s first impression

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Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has recalled his first meeting with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during a Rajasthan Royals (RR) training session. The Royals’ director of cricket said the 15-year-old immediately caught everyone’s attention by taking on international fast bowlers in the nets with fearless strokeplay.

Sooryavanshi enjoyed a sensational IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The left-handed batter finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and earned his maiden India call-up. However, the southpaw is still waiting for his international debut after missing the first T20I against Ireland in Belfast on Friday.

I First Saw Vaibhav Sooryavanshi When I Came… – Kumar Sangakkara

Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket during the India-Ireland T20I broadcast, Kumar Sangakkara recalled his first impression of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at a training camp. He said the teenager volunteered to bat in the toughest practice net against Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, and the other fast bowlers.

“I first saw Vaibhav when I came in for a two-week period to Guwahati. There was this tiny, horrible little side net where the likes of Archer and Sandeep Sharma were bowling with the new ball, and no one really wanted to bat there. Then I saw Vaibhav walk in and say, ‘I’ll bat.’ Every time he hit the ball, I could hear the sound of his bat like a gunshot,” Sangakkara said.

Kumar Sangakkara recalls the first time he saw Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in action 🤯 pic.twitter.com/lMw8N7WLht

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Was Treating Jofra Archer With Absolute Disdain – Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting left even experienced international fast bowlers surprised during the practice session. He recalled that Jofra Archer could only laugh after the teenager repeatedly attacked him despite facing the new ball at high pace.

“And I think he just put Archer to the sword; he put Sandeep Sharma to the sword. So much so that at one time, I think Archer stopped and laughed. Because he was bowling quickly, and this 14-year-old kid was just treating him with absolute disdain,” Sangakkara said.

The former Sri Lanka captain revealed that he immediately told then-Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid that Sooryavanshi was ready for top-level cricket. Sangakkara said the teenager had already shown enough ability to earn a place in the playing XI.

“And that’s when I saw him, and my feedback to Rahul, walking out, was, ‘Yeah, ready to play anytime you want him to play. Kid’s just incredible,'” he added.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Eyes India Debut After Rewriting IPL Record Books

Despite growing calls for his inclusion, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not make his India debut in the opening T20I against Ireland. India failed to chase 183 and were bowled out for 148 in 18.5 overs at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

The teenager earned his maiden India call-up after a sensational IPL 2026 campaign with Rajasthan Royals. He scored 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a remarkable strike rate of 237.30.

Sooryavanshi also rewrote the record books by smashing 72 sixes during the season, breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in a single IPL edition. He also won the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Most Sixes awards.

If India retain the same opening combination for the second T20I against Ireland, Sooryavanshi could get his opportunity during the five-match T20I series against England next month. The 15-year-old recently smashed a record 11-ball half-century in a List A match for India A.

‘Every shot sounded like a gunshot’

Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara recalled a memorable experience involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the last edition of the Indian Premier League, when he was serving as Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket.

Sangakkara revealed that it was the first time he had watched Sooryavanshi bat in the nets, and what unfolded left everyone in awe.

“I first saw Vaibhav when I came in for a two-week period to Guwahati. And I went to the side, there was this tiny, horrible little side net in terms of facing up to the likes of Archer and Sandeep Sharma and all the fast bowlers with new balls, and no one really wanted to bat there. And I saw this, Vaibhav walking [and telling him], ‘I’ll bat.’ New balls on, and I could just hear the sound of his bat, like a gunshot every single time,” said Sangakkara on Sky Sports.

Sangakkara revealed that after watching Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking display in the nets, he immediately told then Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid that the teenage sensation was ready to play for the franchise. However, Sooryavanshi did not feature in India’s playing XI for the first T20I against Ireland, where the reigning world champions suffered a crushing defeat to the hosts at Stormont.

“And that’s when I saw him, and my feedback to Rahul, walking out, was, yeah, ready to play anytime you want him to play. Kid’s just incredible,” said Sangakkara.

Chasing 183 for victory, India were bundled out for 148 in 18.5 overs as Ireland registered a memorable win in the series opener at Stormont. The second and final T20I will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

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WATCH: Fan proudly flaunts Virat Kohli’s RCB jersey at FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has produced countless memorable moments on the pitch, but one off-field incident has caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide. During a match at Philadelphia Stadium, a supporter was spotted proudly displaying a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey featuring Virat Kohli‘s name and number, creating a unique crossover between football’s biggest tournament and the Indian Premier League.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has brought together supporters from across the globe. Amid the sea of national football jerseys inside the packed stadium, the familiar red and black colours of RCB stood out, quickly becoming a talking point on social media.

Virat Kohli’s jersey catches fans’ attention in FIFA World Cup

The viral moment unfolded at Philadelphia Stadium, one of the official venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As spectators enjoyed the action on the field, one enthusiastic fan held up an RCB jersey with the back facing the cameras.

The shirt featured Kohli’s name along with his iconic jersey number, making it instantly recognizable to cricket lovers. Smiling throughout the moment, the fan proudly showcased the jersey despite being surrounded by thousands of football supporters.

The clip soon began circulating online, with many fans appreciating the unexpected presence of an IPL franchise at football’s premier global event. The moment also reflected Kohli’s enormous worldwide fan following, with the former India captain continuing to attract admiration well beyond traditional cricket venues.

Here’s the video:

RCB jersey in FIFA WORLD CUP.

– The Craze of King Kohli & RCB.🥶 pic.twitter.com/eBGrhPILsX

— Aarya 🕊️ (@Vitamin_Vk18) June 26, 2026

Also READ: Hardik Pandya eyes Rajasthan Royals move as Mumbai Indians prepare for major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027

RCB’s stunning campaign in IPL 2026

The viral moment comes after another outstanding campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 under the inspiring leadership of Rajat Patidar. The Bengaluru-based franchise enjoyed one of their most successful seasons, finishing at the top of the league table with nine victories and 18 points from 14 matches.

RCB carried that momentum into the playoffs, where they delivered a dominant performance against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Their comprehensive 92-run victory secured a direct place in the final and reinforced their status as the team to beat.

Interestingly, Gujarat Titans earned another opportunity after progressing through Qualifier 2, setting up a rematch in the championship clash at Ahmedabad. However, the result remained the same. RCB once again outclassed their opponents, chasing down the target comfortably to register a five-wicket victory and lift their second consecutive IPL title.

Also READ: IPL 2027: 3 players who can lead Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after Rishabh Pant’s departure

Ravichandran Ashwin drops big verdict on Indian players joining overseas franchise leagues

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Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has addressed the question fans keep asking, will active Indian players ever be allowed to play in overseas T20 leagues? He does not think that will happen anytime soon, saying the BCCI is expected to continue with its current policy.

Over the last few years, many foreign leagues have grown rapidly, and fans have often wondered if India’s biggest stars could one day feature in tournaments like The Hundred, the Big Bash League, SA20, or Major League Cricket. But Ashwin believes that possibility is still far away.

Ravichandran Ashwin explains why the BCCI doesn’t allow active Indian players to play overseas leagues

The BCCI has always followed a strict rule when it comes to Indian players’ participation in the overseas franchise leagues. Any player who is still active in Indian cricket is not allowed to play in foreign leagues. To become eligible, a player has to retire from all forms of Indian cricket first.

Well, Ravichandran Ashwin feels there is a strong reason behind this approach. The IPL has become the biggest T20 league in the world, and one of the main reasons is that all leading Indian cricketers play only in the tournament. Keeping them exclusive to the IPL helps the BCCI to maintain its popularity and value, as opined by the former Indian all-rounder.

Ravichandran Ashwin was quoted as saying by BBC, “The honest answer is no. Whether you agree to it or not, the economic model means a lot to the game, and the IPL is standing at the cusp of probably having a valuation that’s more than some of the other leagues. The IPL is able to retain the quality of players, local players especially, and Indian players are heavily marketable in the country.”

Don’t think it’s going to happen: Ashwin on Indian players in overseas leagues

Interestingly, Ravichandran Ashwin himself is currently playing for a team in Major League Cricket in the USA. He became eligible only after retiring from Indian cricket. He had also planned to play in the ILT20 and the Big Bash League, but those moves did not happen.

However, the former Indian off-spinner believes that the retired Indian cricketers can be seen in overseas leagues, but he does not expect active or centrally contracted Indian players to get that clearance in the near future. Why Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t play alongside Haris Rauf in San Francisco Unicorns’ MLC 2026 opener?

Ashwin further added, “Enabling them to move on to another league, especially when they’re contracted to play for their country, I don’t think it’s going to happen. But you will see one-off cricketers here and there who will turn up and play in some of these leagues.”

BCCI mulls new rule to stop early retirements

This matter re-sparked the discussions after Vijay Shankar announced his retirement from Indian cricket and immediately signed up for the Lanka Premier League.

Soon after that, reports claimed that the BCCI is considering a new five-year cooling-off rule to stop players from retiring early just to play in foreign leagues, as many such cases, like those of Ambati Rayudu and Vijay, have been coming into the light.

RCB legend reveals why Rishabh Pant left LSG to rejoin Delhi Capitals

AB de Villiers said that Rishabh Pant returned to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027 due to frustration with the Lucknow Super Giants management. The former batter said that Pant’s post-match interviews suggested there were differences between the wicketkeeper-batter and the LSG’s owners and coaching staff.

Rishabh Pant will rejoin Delhi Capitals in exchange for wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the IPL 2027 season. The southpaw accepted a pay cut, signing for ₹15 crore. Lucknow Super Giants had retained him for ₹27 crore, but the move failed to bring the success that either Pant or the franchise had expected.

There Were Already Signs of Him Being Frustrated – AB de Villiers on Rishabh Pant

AB de Villiers said that Rishabh Pant looked frustrated during the IPL 2026 season. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star felt the pressure came not only from the team’s poor results but also from the LSG management and coaching staff.

“No surprises there after the season they’ve had and looking at some of his post-match interviews, there were already signs of him being frustrated and maybe the frustration is coming from the ownership and coaching staff as well. So he is returning back to DC,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Rishabh Pant endured a disappointing IPL 2026 season with the Super Giants. He scored 312 runs in 13 innings at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05. The team struggled to produce consistent results and finished at the bottom of the table.

It Is Also Interesting How Rishabh Pant Skipped… – AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers also questioned the changes taking place at the Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027. The franchise has handed operational control to the JSW Group for the next two years under its rotation agreement with co-owner GMR Sports.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has returned as director of cricket, while Yuvraj Singh has joined as batting coach. De Villiers said frequent changes in management and coaching staff make it difficult for players to settle and perform with confidence.

“Sourav Ganguly joins DC now as the director of cricket, Yuvraj also there as batting coach, with Pant returning. So we’ll see the dynamic with that. I feel it is a bit wishy-washy, doing this whole ownership change, the coaching staff comes and goes, it’s really difficult for players to react to that and have a positive mindset with all these changes taking place,” De Villiers said.

“It is also interesting how Pant skipped the two-year GMR cycle. JSW coming back in now, we’ll see how they go with their two-year ownership. All confusing, you know, I am not a big fan of that,” he added.

Rishabh Pant Returns to Delhi Capitals After a Successful First Stint

Rishabh Pant began his IPL career with Delhi Capitals in 2016 after the franchise signed him for ₹1.9 crore. He spent nine seasons with the team, becoming a key player for the franchise and later taking over as captain.

The left-handed batter is Delhi Capitals’ highest run-scorer. He scored 3,284 runs in 110 innings at an average of 35.31 and a strike rate of 148.93, including one century and 15 half-centuries during his first spell with the franchise.

His best IPL season came in 2018 when he scored 684 runs in 14 matches at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate of 173.60. He also registered his highest IPL score of an unbeaten 128 during that campaign.

Pant also enjoyed success as captain, leading Delhi Capitals to 23 wins in 43 matches. His best season as skipper came in 2021, when Delhi finished at the top of the points table before losing in the playoffs.

‘You lack all-rounders’ – Aakash Chopra suggests trade between LSG and MI involving Hardik Pandya

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has suggested a trade involving the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL). The trade deal involves all-rounder Hardik Pandya moving to the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise with West Indies international Nicholas Pooran going the other way.

Hardik’s future with the five-time champions looks bleak after they finished ninth in the standings under his captaincy. MI, therefore, could be in the market to trade their prized all-rounder to secure a couple of players from other franchises, something Chopra suggests could happen with the Super Giants.

The former player-turned-expert suggests a potential trade which could see MI get Pooran and Mohsin Khan from LSG, with Hardik going the other way, something that could benefit both franchises. The left-handed batter has been part of the MI family for several years now, having represented MI Cape Town, MI New York and MI Emirates in three other franchise competitions worldwide.

“MI can think about giving Hardik Pandya. You (LSG) can keep him as a captain or a middle-order batter. You lack all-rounders, and you will get an all-rounder, but we need two things from you in return. Give us Nicholas Pooran because he is part of the MI setup. So they know how to handle Nicholas Pooran. The Wankhede Stadium will suit him as well. We need Mohsin Khan along with him. They won’t let Prince Yadav and Mayak Yadav go. Mohsin is a tall bowler and gets extra bounce. Can they ask for him from them?” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra also stated that instead of getting just Hardik, LSG could also ask for New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who would be a threat on the slowish Ekana pitches.

“Then LSG might also turn back and say that Hardik alone won’t do, but we need Mitchell Santner as well. It is not a bad thought because they have Kuldeep Yadav, but if they get Mitchell Santner as well, with Kuldeep, Santner, and Hardik, suddenly LSG will start looking like a robust unit,” he added.

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Shreyas Iyer’s ‘Second DOB’ Instagram bio explained

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While we take a look back on Shreyas Iyer’s career, it was not a cakewalk for him. From seeing a lot of highs and lows to multiple injury setbacks, the batter has witnessed a lot before being appointed as the captain of India’s T20I team.

But there was one particular instance that has left a massive impact on Shreyas Iyer’s career and his own personal thoughts, which has been helping him to develop himself into a more polished human being and a character on the field.

Shreyas Iyer sustained a devastating injury in 2025

On October 25, 2025, Shreyas Iyer picked up a serious knock to his abdomen while fielding during the third ODI against Australia. The devastating injury forced him to rule him out of action for several days before making his stride back into action for competitive matches.

“Iyer sustained a blunt injury to his abdomen while fielding during the third ODI against Australia on 25th October 2025, resulting in a laceration of his spleen with internal bleeding. The injury was promptly identified, and the bleeding was immediately arrested following a minor procedure. He has undergone appropriate medical management for the same,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed this on November 1.

How can an injury motivate a cricketer?

It was a challenging situation for the batter. The devastating injury cast a cloud of uncertainty on his professional career. From there, he not only bounced back but bounced back in style, which eventually led him to the captaincy role for the national cricket team.

Standing on the present reality, it is believed that the number 25 holds a special place in his heart. If you ever noticed the bio of Iyer’s official Instagram account, there is mentioned, “Second DOB: 25.12.2025.” The Mumbai-born, whose original date of birth is December 6, 1994, would have mentioned the ‘second DOB’ in his bio.

Meaning behind the second DOB of Shreyas Iyer

That’s only because the date, 25.12.2025, holds significant values to him. A fan explained how December 25 was the day Iyer picked up the bat again after recovering from his serious injury.

“25.12.2025 was the day Shreyas Iyer picked up the bat again after recovering from a life-threatening injury. It wasn’t just a return to cricket; it was the start of a new chapter for him. Maybe that’s why the 25th holds a special place in his heart, and he put that date on his bio. Shreyas Iyer has become more spiritual, finding strength in his faith. His journey is a reminder that faith, discipline, and hard work often go hand in hand,” Soman, one of the Indian cricket fans, wrote this in his ‘X’ post.

25.12.2025 was the day Shreyas Iyer picked up the bat again after recovering from a life-threatening injury. It wasn’t just a return to cricket, it was the start of a new chapter for him. Maybe that’s why the 25th holds a special place in his heart and he put that date on his… https://t.co/cfrH794Mm1 pic.twitter.com/AwFB5cl8KV

— Soman. (@Shreyasian96) June 25, 2026

When the modern cricket world demands more aggression from the cricketers on the ground, Shreyas Iyer is among the rare personalities who carry a cool, calm, well-composed behaviour on the ground, under any circumstances. Away from controversies, Iyer could be an ideal for those emerging cricketers who want to develop without making any fuss.

The IPL 2026 season was not easy for Shreyas as the Punjab Kings failed to book a berth in the play-offs. There was immense pressure on the team, on the captain as well. Punjab eventually knocked out of the title race from the group stage, but Iyer concluded the season with a masterful century, which was proof of the quality of his mettle.

Gujarat Titans star quits first-class cricket with immediate effect

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Tom Banton has decided to put his first-class career on hold, with the Gujarat Titans batter signing a new limited-overs contract with Somerset until the end of the 2028 season. The decision marks a major shift in the 27-year-old’s career as he looks to prioritize white-ball cricket amid an increasingly demanding international and franchise schedule.

Tom Banton was once regarded as one of England’s brightest red-ball prospects and even rewrote Somerset’s record books by scoring a historic 371 against Worcestershire in 2025. However, after extensive discussions with the county management, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton has decided that focusing exclusively on white-ball cricket is the best way forward at this stage of his career.

Tom Banton has put his first-class career on hold

Tom Banton’s previous contract with Somerset was due to expire at the end of the ongoing season, but the county have secured his services on a fresh deal that keeps him at the club until 2028. The new agreement, however, only covers limited-overs cricket, with the England international stepping away from the County Championship for the foreseeable future.

The decision follows a challenging period in red-ball cricket. After his record-breaking triple century early last season, Banton managed just one half-century across his next 16 first-class innings. He has also missed County Championship action this year.

Despite his decision, Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry made it clear that the club fully supports Tom Banton’s choice.

“We respect Tom’s decision to concentrate on maximising his white-ball development and we very much look forward to him continuing to be an integral part of our limited-overs success moving forward.”

Before stepping away from red-ball cricket, Tom Banton built a respectable first-class record despite being better known for his explosive white-ball batting.

Across 52 first-class matches, the right-hander scored 2,758 runs in 84 innings at an average of 34.47, including four centuries and 14 half-centuries. Tom Banton’s first-class numbers also underline his naturally aggressive style. He struck 349 fours and 32 sixes, showing his ability to score quickly even in the longest format.

Red-ball cricket has played a huge part in helping me develop my game – Tom Banton

While Tom Banton is stepping away from first-class cricket for now, he stressed that it was far from an easy decision given the role red-ball cricket has played in shaping his career.

“I’m delighted to have extended my stay with Somerset although this has been a really difficult decision because red-ball cricket has played a huge part in helping me develop my game, and some of my best memories have come in the County Championship,” Banton said.

“The win over Surrey at home a few years ago [in late 2024] was so enjoyable, and achieving the club’s highest first-class score is something I’m really proud of.

“I know how much the County Championship means to our members and supporters and I’m not closing the door permanently on four-day cricket. My decision has come after a lot of open and amicable discussions with Andy Hurry [director of cricket] and Jason Kerr [head coach] over a considerable period of time.

“Given the demands and challenges of playing in and moving between all formats, I believe that focusing on white-ball cricket is the right approach for me at this stage of my career.”

Tom Banton’s Gujarat Titans journey and IPL links

Banton returned to the IPL this year after a four-season absence when the Gujarat Titans bought him for his base price of INR 2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. However, he failed to make a single appearance before a finger injury ruled him out of the tournament.

GT subsequently signed South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as his replacement for INR 75 lakh. Esterhuizen arrived after an impressive start to his international career, having scored 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of nearly 146 during South Africa’s T20I series against New Zealand.

Before joining Gujarat Titans, Banton had featured in just two IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2021 season. Away from the IPL, he continues to establish himself as one of England’s premier white-ball batters, while Somerset will hope his full focus on the shorter formats helps the club defend its T20 Blast title and regain momentum in the competition.

Avesh Khan announces India comeback after IPL horror show

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Avesh Khan was considered one of the finest pacers for the India National Cricket Team. However, despite making his debut in the national side, his stint was cut short due to injuries and he was thus dropped from the Men in Blue side. He had a strong TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), but this season, he was not up to the mark.

After a tough IPL season, Avesh Khan had opened up about making a comeback to the India team by performing in domestic leagues and formats. He is hoping to ask questions to the selectors with strong Ranji Trophy performances this season. In this IPL, six wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 11.06.

“I am trying to play the full domestic season” – Avesh Khan

Currently, the pacer has been featuring in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League (MPL) for the Chambal Ghariyals Cricket Team. He also opened up playing in the league for the first time and is happy to represent the franchise. Apart from the franchise league, he will look to perform for the Madhya Pradesh state side in the upcoming domestic season.

“Last year, I had surgery after the IPL, so unfortunately I couldn’t play the entire domestic season and went straight into the IPL. This year, I am trying to play the full domestic season,” Avesh told PTI about his surgery and the horrific IPL performance.

VIDEO | Avesh Khan endured a tough run in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, but the Madhya Pradesh pacer is aiming to make a comeback to the Indian side through the domestic route.

Avesh, who is currently representing Chambal Ghariyal in the Madhya Pradesh T20… pic.twitter.com/7WmEtSqeB4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2026

“I want to play red-ball cricket. I want to win the Ranji Trophy for my team and my goal is to return to the Indian team, and that will only be possible if I perform well in domestic cricket. I need to take wickets and win matches for my team. That is my main objective,” he added.

“Become the highest wicket-taker” – Avesh Khan eyes domestic return

Avesh Khan stated that he intends to focus on strength and conditioning while carefully regulating his workload to guarantee an injury-free domestic season. As the speedster last featured for India back in November 2024 in a T20I match against South Africa in Gqeberha. He has played 25 T20 Internationals and eight ODIs for the national team.

“I will play both white-ball and red-ball cricket, especially Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy. My approach is not to think too far ahead. I just think that when Vijay Hazare comes around, I need to help my team win, make my team champions and become the highest wicket-taker. That is my aim,” Avesh Khan said.

“I focus on the process” – Avesh Khan opens on India comeback hopes

He stated that his primary goal is to return to the Indian team and expressed confidence over strong performances and picking wickets.

“And after that, I will come back to the Indian team as a fast bowler. Because that is my aim right now. My main goal is to come back to the Indian team. And it will be possible. Whenever I bowl well at home. I will take wickets. I will win matches for my team. This is my main goal.”

“For that, whatever I need to do, whether it is fitness, diet, training or bowling workload management, I will do it. I don’t think about getting selected for the team. Instead, I think about how I can take wickets because wickets are what will get me selected.

“And I can only take wickets if my body supports me. So I focus on the process. Whenever I play a match, I want to give 100 per cent effort and at the end I should feel satisfied with my bowling and my effort,” the pacer said.

Rahul Dravid calls Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a ‘unique talent’ ahead of possible T20I debut

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the big stages, as he had a stellar TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), breaking several records in the recently concluded rich cash league. The 15-year-old sensation won every possible individual award after his stunning IPL 2026 season, which first earned him his India A ODI call.

Later on, he was fast-tracked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as he had been selected for the upcoming Ireland and England T20I series and also named in the Asian Games 2026 squad. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was picked by the Royals in the 2025 season, when Rahul Dravid was the head coach. Under the former India head coach, he made his debut.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s meteoric rise has been breathtaking

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, onr his debut match, struck a first-ball six to Shardul Thakur and scored 34 runs off 20 balls. In the same season he smashed 101 off 38 balls in the same season, making him the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket. However, this season he was completely different as he finished off as the leading run getter in the tournament.

Vaibhav won the Orange Cap after scoring 776 runs in the tournament, and he also won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, which is the player of the tournament, for his exceptional performances and for becoming the youngest to achieve these milestones.

“Don’t think there’s a recipe for making a Sooryavanshi”- Rahul Dravid heaps praise Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Vaibhav might be on his way to make his senior team debut on Friday in Belfast, against Ireland. Ahead of that, former Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has shared his views on the young prodigy as he had some of the best views of the former’s batting during IPL 2025.

Speaking to the BBC, Dravid described Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as “a really unique talent”. “I think it’s an incredible combination of ability to pick up a bowler’s speed and then cricket smarts, fearlessness. It’s a whole combination of things.”

Dravid added: “I don’t think there’s a recipe for making a Sooryavanshi, I don’t think you can take any kid and say, do this, and he will become that good. There are certain things they are just gifted with.”

He’s worked very hard as well- Rahul Dravid on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s work ethics

Dravid, however, pointed out that Sooryavanshi’s success is not only down to talent. He recalled working with him at Rajasthan Royals in 2025, when the youngster made his IPL debut at the age of 14.

“But he’s worked very hard as well, so it’s not just a gift. From a young age, he’s hit a lot of balls. I saw that at Rajasthan,” Dravid has cautioned Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar over managing the 15-year-old boy wonder’s and asked for development to be handled carefully as he begins his international career from Friday.

“I just hope that he’s supported and helped along the journey to be able to actually achieve that potential.” He added, “You need to protect someone like him, but it’s always going to be that fine line because sometimes you need to let somebody fly.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up on the reasons behind Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 failure

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season concluded with an unfamiliar script for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Renowned for their tactical brilliance and consistency, the five-time champions faced a bruising campaign, finishing with six wins and eight defeats. Missing out on the playoffs for the third consecutive year left the Yellow Army disheartened. Breaking his silence on the underwhelming campaign, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad opened up to Sportstar regarding the core issues that crippled the franchise’s strategy. He detailed a cascade of internal struggles while reflecting on his own dip in form.

Ruturaj Gaikwad explains what went wrong for CSK in IPL 2026

In a candid assessment, Gaikwad strongly defended the squad, pointing out that external critics often overlook critical squad dynamics. The skipper emphasized that a massive wave of injuries completely unhinged their consistency. Core components of the line-up, including legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni (calf and thumb injuries), bowler Nathan Ellis, and Ayush Mhatre, either missed the entire season or sat out crucial phases. Other impact players like Jamie Overton, Dewald Brevis, and Khaleel Ahmed also faced lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Gaikwad highlighted that losing four to five key individuals from an optimized playing XI creates a severe ripple effect that disrupts roles and matching options. Defending the franchise’s trajectory, he drew a direct comparison to the 2026 champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

“Even if you look at the successful teams like RCB, if you take away three or four major players, it is definitely going to have an impact. Those are factors a lot of people don’t take into consideration.”

Acknowledging that the IPL is a results-driven tournament where fans expect standard-setting excellence every single year, Gaikwad asked the loyal fan base for patience. He assured them that the team is executing a rigorous long-term plan to navigate this transitional phase and return to their clinical best.

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth suggests blockbuster Hardik Pandya-Ruturaj Gaikwad trade ahead of IPL 2027

Gaikwad’s dismal run in IPL 2026

Compounding the team’s structural problems was the individual form of the captain himself. Typically a highly reliable anchor at the top of the order, Gaikwad struggled significantly to mirror his prolific numbers from previous iterations of the tournament. The added weight of tactical changes and shifting combinations clearly impacted his usual fluid rhythm.

His comprehensive performance breakdown for the IPL 2026 season illustrates a difficult run at the crease:

MetricStatMatches / Innings14 / 14Not Outs2Total Runs337Highest Score (HS)74*Batting Average28.08Balls Faced (BF)273Strike Rate (SR)123.44Milestones (100s / 50s)0 / 2Boundaries (4s / 6s)29 / 12Catches (Ct)5

Failing to cross the 400-run mark and operating at a strike rate of 123.44 meant that CSK often lacked the explosive, steady platform required to chase down big scores or post daunting totals. Despite flashing moments of class, such as his unbeaten 74, the inability to consistently convert starts mirrored the broader narrative of Chennai’s disrupted campaign. Heading into the next cycle, resetting both his personal batting baseline and restructuring the squad’s depth will be vital goals for Gaikwad.

Also READ: Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal posts a heartfelt note following the Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav trade deals

Avesh Khan breaks silence on Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav blockbuster trade ahead of IPL 2027

The Indian Premier League witnessed one of its biggest player swaps ahead of the 2027 season as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) agreed to a blockbuster trade involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav. The deal sees Pant return to Delhi Capitals after spending a brief stint with Lucknow, while Kuldeep joins the Super Giants to bolster their spin attack.

Pant, who was acquired by LSG for a record ₹27 crore before the 2026 season, moves back to his former franchise on a revised contract worth ₹15 crore. Kuldeep, meanwhile, heads to Lucknow at his existing salary of ₹13.5 crore. The move has generated significant discussion across the cricketing world, with both franchises hoping the trade will help reshape their fortunes after contrasting campaigns last season.

Avesh Khan shares his take on the blockbuster trade

Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Avesh Khan believes the exchange is a positive outcome for both teams and expressed complete faith in the management’s decision-making process.

Speaking to ANI, Avesh said, “That was a management decision based on their needs. I believe it’s a good deal for both teams. Delhi got Rishabh Pant back, and we got Kuldeep, whose experience as a world-class spinner will be very beneficial for us on our large home ground.”

The pacer highlighted Kuldeep’s experience as one of India’s premier wrist-spinners and believes his arrival could significantly strengthen LSG’s bowling attack, particularly at the Ekana Stadium, where the large boundaries often favour quality spin bowling.

Avesh also made it clear that the decision was driven by the franchise’s long-term planning rather than individual preferences. With Lucknow looking to recover from a disappointing 2026 campaign, the addition of an experienced spinner like Kuldeep is expected to add greater balance to the squad.

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Jofra Archer reveals the toughest batter he has bowled to

Why the Trade Could Be a Win-Win for Both Franchises

The trade has the potential to benefit both teams in different ways. For Delhi Capitals, bringing Pant back represents much more than signing an explosive wicketkeeper-batter. Pant has been closely associated with the franchise for nearly a decade and has previously captained the side. His return restores a familiar leader around whom the team can rebuild its batting unit and dressing-room culture.

For Lucknow, acquiring Kuldeep addresses an area that required strengthening. The left-arm wrist-spinner has consistently delivered in the IPL and international cricket, offering wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. His variations could prove particularly effective on Lucknow’s slower home surface, where spin has traditionally played a decisive role.

The move also gives LSG greater financial flexibility by reducing their overall salary commitment, allowing them additional room to strengthen other departments before the IPL 2027 auction. However, Pant’s departure also leaves the franchise searching for a new captain, making the leadership decision equally crucial in their rebuilding process.

Also READ: Hardik Pandya eyes Rajasthan Royals move as Mumbai Indians prepare for major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027

RCB Director Mo Bobat identifies Devdutt Padikkal as a potential future captain

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bopat has dropped a bombshell, revealing Devdutt Padikkal as RCB’s potential future captaincy option. Currently, Rajat Patidar is leading the franchise, who has led RCB to two consecutive IPL titles.

Padikkal was one of RCB’s standout performers as the Bengaluru-based side clinched its second consecutive IPL trophy under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.Batting at No. 3, the left-hander amassed 464 runs in 15 innings at an impressive strike rate of 168.73.

His aggressive approach complemented the explosive starts provided by openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, helping RCB maintain momentum through the powerplay and middle overs. Padikkal’s performances have not only strengthened his position in the batting lineup but have also earned him praise from the franchise management.

RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat was full of appreciation for the 25-year-old, highlighting both his impact with the bat and his leadership qualities.Bobat revealed how the team wanted Padikkal to adopt a more attacking role and credited him for embracing the challenge.

“We wanted him to really push the boundaries of his intent, and to really deliver an impact. We had Salty (Salt) and Virat going pretty hard at the top, and we wanted Dev (Padikkal) to continue that momentum when he came to the crease. And to his credit, he’s totally bought into that and embraced that. And he’s batted very selflessly, and I think that’s huge credit to Dev,” Bobat said in RCB’s documentary series RCB’s Trophy Quest.

The RCB official further went a step ahead and hinted that Padikkal could emerge as a leadership candidate for the franchise in the future.

“I’ve also been really impressed with him as a character. I think he’s very leaderful, actually. I think he’s a potential captain of the future,” Bobat further added.

While Rajat Patidar has guided RCB to unprecedented success with back-to-back IPL titles, Padikkal’s rapid development has made him one of the franchise’s most valuable long-term assets. Having already spent multiple seasons with the Bengaluru outfit and being a local talent, the left-hander is viewed as someone who understands the culture and identity of the team.

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IPL franchises demand big change as BCCI faces pressure over player agents

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have reportedly asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring player agents under a proper registration system. With the league becoming bigger every year, teams want more clarity about who represents players and how they operate.

The BCCI is planning to introduce the fresh rules and regulations for the next season in 2027. All the IPL franchises have also asked the board to create a proper registration system for agents who represent cricketers due to the lack of transparency.

IPL franchises push for major agent registration rule

There is currently no official database that shows which agent is linked to which cricketer. Even though there is no official available database of the centrally contracted Indian cricketers’ representatives, business managers, commercial partners, or the system in which they operate.

Because of this, franchises feel there is a lack of transparency in certain areas of the league. Now, as reported by CricBlogger, the IPL franchises want the BCCI to introduce a system where every player agent is officially registered and monitored.

“There has to be a system to ensure things function in a more transparent and professional manner and to avoid bitterness later,” a franchise official was quoted as saying by CricBlogger.

Teams demand greater transparency in player representation

A similar suggestion had been made earlier by the Lodha Committee, but it was never implemented by the Indian cricket board. Now, team owners and officials feel this creates confusion and makes it difficult to maintain transparency in the league.

They feel a registration process would help franchises know exactly who is dealing with players and would bring more accountability to player-related negotiations and activities. The franchises reportedly raised concerns with the BCCI over sensitive team information being shared with outsiders.

The IPL teams are demanding the process like England and Australia, where player representatives operate under more structured guidelines. Team officials believe a similar model would help create a cleaner and more professional environment in the IPL.

IPL franchises seek stricter monitoring of player activities

Apart from agents, franchises are also pushing for closer monitoring of player-related activities during the tournament. There are discussions about keeping better track of what IPL players post on social media and the external agencies they work with during the season.

The discussions do not stop there. Franchises also want players to reveal if they are working with PR agencies, media managers, or other professional agencies. Franchises believe that such information should be openly available to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a more transparent environment.

Ian Botham blames IPL boom for West Indies’ decline

Former England legend Ian Botham believes the growing influence of the IPL has hurt West Indies cricket. He also feels the BCCI should share its health to help struggling nations like the West Indies become stronger and more competitive.

Botham said on the podcast The Overlap: Stick to Cricket, “I think the reason is that the best players in the Caribbean nowadays are going to the IPL and other formats because they’re not getting paid the amount they should be.”

IPL 2027: 3 players who can lead Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after Rishabh Pant’s departure

The IPL landscape witnessed a dramatic shake-up as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) completed one of the biggest trades in recent league history. Former LSG captain Rishabh Pant has officially returned to Delhi Capitals, the franchise where he spent nine memorable seasons before his move to Lucknow. In exchange, India’s premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav will now represent the Super Giants heading into the IPL 2027 season.

Pant joins Delhi on a revised contract worth ₹15 crore, significantly lower than the ₹27 crore deal that made headlines during the previous auction cycle. Kuldeep, meanwhile, moves to Lucknow at his existing salary of ₹13.5 crore. While the trade strengthens LSG’s bowling department and provides additional auction flexibility, it also creates a significant leadership vacuum following a disappointing 2026 campaign that saw the franchise finish at the bottom of the table.

With team director Tom Moody determined to oversee a fresh start, Lucknow must now identify a captain capable of guiding the team through its next chapter. Among the available options, some overseas stars stand out as leading contenders.

3 players who can lead LSG after Rishabh Pant’s exit

1) Mitchell Marsh

If recent performances are anything to go by, Mitchell Marsh appears to be the strongest candidate for the role. The Australian all-rounder was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season for Lucknow, consistently delivering impactful performances with the bat.

Marsh scored 563 runs during the 2026 season at a blistering strike rate exceeding 163, underlining his value at the top of the order. Across his IPL career, he has accumulated more than 1,292 runs while also contributing over 37 wickets with the ball.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Marsh brings substantial leadership experience. As Australia’s T20I captain, he has built an impressive record and earned praise for his aggressive yet calculated decision-making. His long-standing association with LSG head coach Justin Langer and director Tom Moody could also prove crucial.

The shared cricketing philosophy among the trio may help establish a clear direction for the franchise. Given that Marsh is virtually guaranteed a place in the playing XI, appointing him captain could provide both stability and a strong cultural foundation for the rebuilding process.

2) Nicholas Pooran

Another serious contender is Nicholas Pooran, who already serves as Lucknow’s vice-captain and remains one of the franchise’s most important players. Retained for a massive ₹21 crore, Pooran is central to LSG’s plans moving forward. The West Indian batter has played over 70 IPL matches, scoring more than 1,700 runs at a strike rate above 155, making him one of the most destructive middle-order batters in the competition.

Perhaps his biggest advantage is familiarity. Pooran understands the dressing room environment, has worked closely with the management group, and enjoys the trust of teammates. His previous leadership roles with the West Indies and various franchise teams further strengthen his case.

While his batting numbers dipped slightly during the 2026 season, few doubt his ability to influence games single-handedly. For a franchise looking to maintain continuity amid significant changes, Pooran could represent the safest and most seamless captaincy choice.

Also READ: Hardik Pandya eyes Rajasthan Royals move as Mumbai Indians prepare for major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027

3) Aiden Markram

The third option is Aiden Markram, a leader whose credentials speak for themselves. Widely respected for his calm temperament and tactical awareness, the South African has established himself as one of the most successful captains in franchise cricket.
Markram’s leadership journey includes guiding Sunrisers Eastern Cape to multiple SA20 titles and leading South Africa to a historic appearance in a T20 World Cup final. His reputation as a thoughtful strategist has only grown over the past few years.

Importantly, Markram is already a trusted figure within the broader Super Giants ecosystem, having captained affiliated teams in global leagues. That familiarity could make his transition into the LSG leadership role relatively smooth.

As Lucknow prepare for a new era following Pant’s departure, the franchise faces a crucial decision. Whether they opt for Marsh’s aggression, Pooran’s continuity, or Markram’s championship pedigree, the appointment could shape the direction of the team for years to come. For a franchise eager to bounce back from a disappointing season, choosing the right captain may prove just as important as the blockbuster trade itself.

Also READ: Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal posts a heartfelt note following the Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav trade deals

Kumar Sangakkara blames IPL workload for Jofra Archer’s pace concern in ENG vs NZ 3rd Test

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The workload management of Jofra Archer has again become a topic for discussion. The conversation around the England pacer’s workload management comes under the scanner after Kumar Sangakkara’s comment on Sky Sports during the England vs New Zealand 3rd Test match commentary.

Jofra Archer, who was on fire in the previous Test match of the ongoing three-match Test series, from the very first ball of the innings, has applied a different approach in the third match at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

Jofra Archer takes a different approach in the 3rd Test vs New Zealand

Instead of maintaining the body line to keep the New Zealand batters constantly under pressure, the fast bowler bowled a few outside the off stump in his first over today. New Zealand skipper and opener Tom Latham faced no difficulties facing Archer in the first over.

As of now, the seamer has delivered 4 overs for an economy rate of 3.75. Why are there differences between the Jofra Archer in the second Test and the Archer in the third Test?

Does IPL cause trouble for the England pacer’s workload?

The former Sri Lanka captain and the head coach of the IPL franchise, Kumar Sangakkara, said that Archer’s bowling could be affected by the heavy workload. The workload of the fast bowler has been under scrutiny since his return with the England national cricket team for the Tests against New Zealand.

While most of the England cricketers chose to skip the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) to maintain their focus on their international career, Jofra Archer was an exception who played the entire franchise league with the Rajasthan Royals.

Kumar Sangakkara, who is also the Director of Cricket of the franchise, played a pivotal role in maintaining communication between the Rajasthan Royals and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

After the conclusion of the IPL 2026 campaign, Sangakkara claimed that the ECB tried to get their premier pacer back as soon as possible, but it was the Royals management who convinced Archer to continue playing in IPL 2026. After representing the Rajasthan Royals in 16 matches, Archer missed the opening match of the three-match Test series against New Zealand.

“There’s misalignment from the three key individuals [Key, Stokes, McCullum] in this England environment!”

Kumar Sangakkara analyses the last couple of weeks for the England Test team 👀🔎 pic.twitter.com/dG5I7QSW61

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 25, 2026

Archer came back in action as Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were ruled out of the match due to a controversial nightclub incident. Archer took 5 wickets in the match in a promising way. As he delivered with pure pace and sheer aggression, expectations were heavy on him in the lead-up to the series decider.

While most of the cricket fans were expecting another flamboyant spell from the 31-year-old, the former Sri Lanka skipper shared different thoughts on air during his commentary work. Shedding a light on Archer’s workload, Kumar Sangakkara expressed some doubts over the seamer’s possible performance at Trent Bridge.

Kumar Sangakkara raises doubts over Jofra Archer’s performance in the third Test

Matt Roller, a senior correspondent of Cricinfo, highlights the comments made by the Sri Lankan cricket legend during the England vs New Zealand third match.

“Jofra Archer’s pace might be down this morning due to his heavy workload at the IPL, suggests, err, Rajasthan Royals DoC Kumar Sangakkara on Sky commentary,” Matt Roller wrote in his ‘X’ post.

Jofra Archer’s pace might be down this morning due to his heavy workload at the IPL, suggests, err, Rajasthan Royals DoC Kumar Sangakkara on Sky commentary

— Matt Roller (@mroller98) June 25, 2026

Avesh Khan breaks silence on Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is over, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) securing their second title by beating the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final. Ahead of the next season, the teams are already active and securing some trade deals.

As Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) were involved in an exchange of Kuldeep Yadav with Rishabh Pant, with INR 15 crore. The trade deal of Pant and Kuldeep has happened, as now both cricketers will be featuring for their newest franchise in IPL 2027.

Is Kuldeep Yadav-Rishabh Pant the best trade for both franchises?

After two disastrous IPL seasons for LSG, Rishabh Pant stepped down from the captaincy role this season and has made his move to his former franchise, the Delhi Capitals. While LSG got the local boy Kuldeep Yadav. Rishabh Pant goes back to the franchise where he started his IPL career.

Kuldeep Yadav comes from Unnao village, a district in Uttar Pradesh, and he will be playing for the very same state for the Lucknow-based franchise. He has been a part of the DC franchise for the past five years and performed excellently except in the 2026 season, where he failed to pick wickets in the middle overs.

Avesh Khan opens up about Kuldeep Yadav-Rishabh Pant trade

Now, LSG pacer Avesh Khan has opened up about the trade deals that happen and also about the blockbuster Pant-Kuldeep deal as well. The pacer believes that sometimes the players’ switch disturbs the balance of the squads as well.

VIDEO | Avesh Khan endured a tough run in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, but the Madhya Pradesh pacer is aiming to make a comeback to the Indian side through the domestic route.

Avesh, who is currently representing Chambal Ghariyal in the Madhya Pradesh T20… pic.twitter.com/7WmEtSqeB4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2026

While speaking on PTI, Avesh Khan said, “As you can see, your team does not always have an advantage in the trades. Because if a team trades someone, they also ask for a player. Like DC has asked for Rishabh. LSG has also asked for Kuldeep. So, in order to balance both the teams, the players switch.”

“It will be a tough decision to let Rishabh go”- Avesh Khan on LSG letting Rishabh Pant go

Avesh Khan spoke about the difficulty of letting go of Rishabh Pant as he was the captain of LSG for the last two seasons, and his contribution to the team was fantastic. The Southpaw always carried the team together and guided the young players as well. Apart from that, the LSG pacer wished Rishabh Pant all the luck and feels that Kuldeep is also a brilliant addition, keeping the ground dimensions and pitch conditions in mind.

“I think it will be a tough decision to let Rishabh go for LSG. Because he was our captain for 2 years. Our team could not do so well in 2 years. But his contribution was enough. As a player, as a captain. Taking the team together. Always guiding the players. Always giving your input. So, good luck to him.”

“I want him to play for Delhi or any other team in his career. He plays for India, so he should do well. As far as Kuldeep Yadav is concerned, he will be a good addition for LSG. Why? Because we have a big ground. We play 7 matches in Ekana. Where IPL’s biggest ground is mentioned in terms of dimensions. So, he will be a good addition.”

Avesh Khan breaks silence on targeting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in IPL

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in a grand manner as he became the youngest cricketer to win the Orange Cap in the recently concluded season, where he scored 776 runs in the tournament and nearly single-handedly carried Rajasthan Royals (RR) on his shoulders to the playoffs. He also won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took charge against some of the greatest bowlers in world cricket at present, from the likes of Jasprit Bumrah to Mitchell Starc. He smacked everyone out of the park and impressed former and current cricketers with his incredible bat swing and ability to strike the ball hard at a mere age of 15 years.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is turning the headlines yet again

Every cricketer turned commentator, and current cricketers have provided several interviews on the young prodigy from Bihar. Even franchises have planned separately for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as he has given headaches to some of the greatest bowlers this season.

After his impressive performance, he was fast-tracked to the India National Cricket Team for the Ireland and England Tour and also the Asian Games 2026. Ahead of the tour, he played in the India A team in the Tri Series in Sri Lanka, where he smacked the Sri Lanka A bowlers in the final, scoring 94 runs off 29 deliveries.

“His hitting ability is very surprising”- Avesh Khan on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s hitting ability

Now Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Avesh Khan has opened up about planning against the boy wonder while speaking with PTI as he spills the secret of how LSG prepared for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and also wished him luck for the upcoming UK tour, where he has been named in the squad for the Ireland and England series. Avesh expressed his awe at Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting

“Yes, we plan a little against him. But his hitting ability is very surprising. And he hit very well. He impressed everyone in the IPL. We also made plans against him. But we were successful in one match. We were not successful against him in another match,” Avesh Khan told PTI.

VIDEO | Avesh Khan endured a tough run in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, but the Madhya Pradesh pacer is aiming to make a comeback to the Indian side through the domestic route.

Avesh, who is currently representing Chambal Ghariyal in the Madhya Pradesh T20… pic.twitter.com/7WmEtSqeB4

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2026

“So, it feels very good. A budding cricketer, a young cricketer, has been called up for India at the age of 15-16. And I would like to wish him good luck. May he play well wherever he plays. May he play on his strength.”

“We always try to find the weakness”- Avesh Khan on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s weakness

Avesh Khan also spoke about how he planned against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi while discussing with the video analyst and finding the Southpaw’s weaknesses and strengths. However, despite being out on a bouncer, Vaibhav has also struck the same ball out of the park.

“And as far as planning is concerned, we always think that when we sit with video analysts or coaches, we always try to find the weakness of the batsman. Where can we find his weakness? And we try to bowl there. Because whenever there are meetings, the video analysts always tell us that this particular player’s scoring shot is less at this place. Or it is difficult to score here.

“So, we work more on those things. Where to put the line and length? Where to aim at the pad line or the wide line? Is it weak in the bouncer or is it weak in the slower? So, we watch all those things sitting with video analysts. And we make a particular plan for every batsman. And we try to execute it in the match.”

‘Only player comes to mind is…’

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has given his thoughts on the potential trade for the current Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

There have been rumours circulating online about a possible trade between the two highly successful franchises for Hardik Pandya, with KKR co-owner reportedly wanting Pandya in the KKR side for the upcoming season.

Highlighting the same development, Aakash Chopra stated that even if KKR wants Hardik Pandya, MI won’t do the all-cash deal and would want someone in return for the star all-rounder. And believes that the three-time champions does not have a suitable player to offer in exchange.

“Who will Mumbai want? Mumbai don’t do all-cash deals. They might take someone, but they won’t want to give anyone. They will want someone in return. They will need a lower-middle-order batter who can bat like Hardik Pandya. Do Kolkata have someone like that?” Chopra said on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’.

Hardik Pandya is primarily a finisher with the bat, therefore Rinku Singh remains the only viable option for a possible trade. But, with Tilak Verma’s presence it will not make sense, according to Chopra.

“The only player who comes to your mind is Rinku Singh. Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma are almost like-for-like, and Tilak Varma also plays at No. 5 or No. 6 now. So with Tilak being there, they won’t gain much by Rinku coming in,” he added.

He further believes that MI management would love to have Varun Chakravarthy in their bowling unit.

“You can correct one weakness, and that is bowling. They need a spinner and a fast bowler. Kolkata, you have Varun Chakaravarthy, but will you give him? Varun Chakaravarthy’s numbers at the Wankhede aren’t very good, but he is a gun bowler. So you assume he will adjust and will be an asset,” he further continued.

The other option he suggested was KKR pacer Harshit Rana. He believes that Harshit is an upgrade over Hardik in bowling and will give MI a solid option.

“The second is Harshit Rana. He is not like-for-like, but a definite upgrade in bowling if you compare him with Hardik Pandya. He doesn’t bat as well, but he can do a job at the end like Corbin Bosch. More importantly, you definitely need a bowler. You can still manage with overseas players in batting,” Chopra concluded.

Hardik Pandya had a poor IPL 2026 both as batter and as captain for MI. He only managed to score 206 runs with a strike rate of 138.26, while picking up just four wickets.

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Sourav Ganguly reveals Greg Chappell wanted to coach KKR after India coaching controversy

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly revealed that former Australia captain Greg Chappell emailed him expressing interest in becoming the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Ganguly said that Chappell wanted to join the Kolkata-based franchise only if he continued as captain ahead of the IPL 2011 season.

The revelation surprised many because Ganguly and Chappell shared a strained relationship during Chappell’s tenure as India head coach in the mid-2000s. Their public fallout remains one of Indian cricket’s biggest controversies. The left-handed batter tried hard to get back into the XI after Rahul Dravid took charge.

Sourav Ganguly Recalls Greg Chappell’s Unexpected Email

Speaking on the AddaGB podcast, Sourav Ganguly recalled the morning he found an email from Greg Chappell. The former India captain admitted that he initially thought the message was fake and carefully checked the sender’s name and email address before believing it was genuine.

“He (Chappell) had emailed me in 2011, when I was KKR captain. I was checking my mail one morning at my England home. I saw his mail and thought, ‘Am I still sleeping?’. Then I checked it properly, checked the name and checked the ID, because a lot of fake mails come.”

The rift between Ganguly and Chappell began after Chappell became India’s head coach in 2005. Ganguly eventually lost the captaincy, with Rahul Dravid taking over as India’s skipper.

Chappell’s tenure as India head coach ended after the team’s disappointing exit from the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. India failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Greg Chappell Wanted to Coach KKR With Me as Captain – Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly revealed that Greg Chappell’s email expressed his desire to coach Kolkata Knight Riders. The former India skipper admitted that the proposal surprised him because of their well-known differences during Chappell’s time as India’s head coach.

“He wanted to coach KKR. With me as captain!” Ganguly revealed.

“(People) must be thinking that Dada couldn’t be that big of a fool. He might have been a fool once, but surely he couldn’t be fooled again.”

Ganguly also stated that he no longer responds to Chappell’s messages. The former skipper said that the former India coach had not been honest during their previous working relationship.

“I don’t answer him. I don’t answer people who are not honest,” he said.

Sourav Ganguly’s KKR Journey Ended in 2011

Ganguly also had a difficult relationship with Australian coach John Buchanan, who removed him as Kolkata Knight Riders captain in 2009. Kolkata Knight Riders released Ganguly before the 2011 IPL auction. The franchise later appointed Gautam Gambhir as captain.

Ganguly initially went unsold in the 2011 IPL auction before joining Pune Warriors India as a replacement player. He represented the franchise during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Recent reports suggest the former India captain could return to the IPL in a management role. Delhi Capitals have reportedly approached Ganguly to become the franchise’s Head of Cricket ahead of IPL 2027.

Ganguly previously worked with the franchise as Director of Cricket for JSW Sports. While there has been no official announcement, reports suggest he could return to a leadership role before the next IPL season.

Hardik Pandya’s KKR links grow as Shah Rukh Khan gets involved

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The IPL trade window has opened, and Hardik Pandya has become the biggest name in the rumour mill. The Mumbai Indians captain is reportedly set to leave the five-time champions, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), co-owned by Shah Rukh Khan, came strongly into the picture.

After a terrible IPL 2026 season for the Mumbai Indians, where the team struggled throughout the tournament and finished near the bottom of the table, big changes are already on the cards. There are strong indications that Hardik is searching for his new home in the IPL, and KKR are exploring the possibility of bringing the star all-rounder to Eden Gardens before IPL 2027.

Shah Rukh Khan joins Hardik Pandya transfer buzz as KKR seek fresh start

The reason behind KKR’s interest is understandable. Ever since lifting the IPL trophy in 2024, the three-time champions have failed to maintain that winning momentum. The last two seasons have been frustrating for the Kolkata Knight Riders, with the team unable to make any impact.

Those disappointing campaigns have forced the franchise to rethink its plans. KKR need a proven Indian star around whom they can build their team for the future, and Hardik Pandya fits that requirement perfectly. Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan’s name has now been linked to the trade rumours despite fitness concerns around Hardik Pandya.

As reported by MyKhel, Shah Rukh Khan, the KKR co-owner and Bollywood icon, is personally very keen on bringing Pandya on the board to strengthen the franchise after two underwhelming seasons.

SRK not happy with KKR’s direction, wants Hardik Pandya to lead new era

The report further suggested that King Khan has generally stayed away from cricket-related decisions, but Kolkata Knight Riders’ recent performances in the IPL have increased his interest in the future direction of the franchise.

The report further reads, “SRK is unhappy with the lack of long-term vision and strategic direction shown by the team management in the last couple of seasons. As a result, the KKR co-owner is now keen to acquire a proven leader capable of rebuilding the franchise around a strong Indian core.”

Hardik brings something very few players in world cricket can offer. He is a captain, a finisher, a fast-bowling all-rounder and a player who thrives in pressure situations. And most importantly, the all-rounder played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026. That is exactly why the Bollywood megastar sees Hardik as more than just another signing.

Shah Rukh Khan ready for all-cash deal to sign Hardik Pandya

Interestingly, the same report revealed that Shah Rukh Khan is ready to make an aggressive move to sign the Indian all-rounder ahead of the IPL 2027 mega auction. KKR and SRK are exploring an all-cash trade deal to secure Hardik’s services.

If the move eventually happens, it could give the Kolkata Knight Riders a superstar around whom they can build the team for the future for the title battle.

Earlier, there were rumours of the Hardik Pandya-Yashasvi Jaiswal swap between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. But KKR’s interest has added a new twist. With the KKR willing to explore a cash-only deal, they could emerge as a serious contender in the race for the star all-rounder.

Not Rishabh Pant! Ravichandran Ashwin names his choice to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2027

One of the biggest player exchanges in IPL history has reshaped the plans of both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2027 season. Former Delhi skipper Rishabh Pant has returned to his old franchise after a high-profile trade deal that saw premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav move in the opposite direction to Lucknow.

Pant, who captained LSG during the 2026 campaign after joining the franchise for a record fee, will now once again wear Delhi colours. Kuldeep, meanwhile, is set to begin a new chapter with LSG as they look to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season. The trade immediately sparked discussions about Delhi’s leadership group, with many fans expecting Pant to reclaim the captaincy. However, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has a different candidate in mind to lead the franchise in IPL 2027.

Ravichandran Ashwin picks next captain of DC

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he believes KL Rahul should be handed the captaincy despite Pant’s return to the franchise. Delhi were led by Axar Patel during IPL 2026, but the team struggled for consistency and failed to mount a serious challenge for a playoff berth. As a result, there is widespread speculation that the franchise could appoint a new captain before the next season.

With Pant back in the setup, many assumed he would naturally step into the leadership role. After all, he previously captained Delhi Capitals and most recently led Lucknow Super Giants. Ashwin acknowledged that Pant may have viewed the move back to Delhi as an opportunity to return to captaincy duties.

“DC had a very ordinary 2026 season, where they made mistakes after mistakes. Yet, they still ended up in a decent place. There was no need for them to make any change. If you just picked the proper side and have KL Rahul captain, the side would have been in a good place next year because Axar Patel was very average as captain this year. I really don’t understand why they let go of Kuldeep Yadav,” Ashwin said.

He further suggested that Pant would have been aware of the leadership possibilities upon rejoining Delhi.

“DC went till 23 crores even in the auction where LSG signed Pant for 27 crores. So they were always keen on Rishabh Pant. He also captained DC before Axar Patel. The captaincy aspect would have stayed in Rishabh’s head. He would have known that he has a greater chance to captain if he goes to Delhi,” Ashwin added.

Also READ: Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal posts a heartfelt note following the Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav trade deals

DC looking for a fresh start after disappointing 2026 campaign

Delhi Capitals endured a frustrating IPL 2026 season, finishing sixth in the standings with 14 points from seven wins and seven defeats. While they remained in contention for a playoff spot for much of the tournament, inconsistency ultimately proved costly.

Their bowling attack struggled to deliver regularly, the team failed to make the most of home conditions in Delhi, and constant changes in the batting order disrupted momentum. Amid the turbulence, Rahul emerged as the franchise’s standout performer, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and securing the Orange Cap.

The arrival of Pant is expected to significantly strengthen Delhi’s squad heading into IPL 2027. However, the departure of Kuldeep has raised questions about the balance of the team.

With a revamped squad, a potential captaincy change, and heightened expectations from fans, Delhi Capitals are entering a crucial phase. Whether the franchise chooses Pant, Rahul, or persists with Axar, the leadership decision could play a defining role in shaping their quest for a maiden IPL title in 2027.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav exchange franchises in high-profile deal ahead of IPL 2027

Kuldeep Yadav likes hate post against Rishabh Pant after DC exit

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Rishabh Pant’s blockbuster return to Delhi Capitals has already created huge buzz across the cricket world, but now an unexpected social media activity from Kuldeep Yadav has added spice to the story that nobody expected following the surprising IPL deal.

The high-profile trade between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants was finally completed, with Pant returning to his old franchise and Kuldeep Yadav moving to Lucknow. This left many fans surprised, but it was Kuldeep’s activity on social media that shocked almost every Indian cricket fan. Interestingly, Axar Patel ignored Rishabh Pant’s calls after DC deal.

Rishabh Pant back at DC, Kuldeep Yadav joins LSG in a big IPL trade deal

Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals marked the end of his short and disappointing stint with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The Indian wicketkeeper-batter had joined LSG for a record-breaking ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player in league history.

However, Pant decided to move on after two tough seasons with both bat and captaincy. Delhi Capitals brought back their former captain and long-time star at a reduced salary of ₹15 crore. He played for the franchise from 2016 to 2024 and became one of the biggest faces of the team. During that period, he played 111 matches for DC and also captained the side across four seasons.

On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav’s Delhi journey ended after five successful seasons where the spinner scalped 72 wickets in 65 matches and became one of the team’s most reliable bowlers. He will now begin a new chapter with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026.

Kuldeep Yadav likes reel mocking Delhi Capitals and Rishabh Pant reunion

Soon after the trade was officially announced, fans noticed that Kuldeep had liked a social media reel that criticized both Delhi Capitals and their decision to bring Rishabh Pant back. The video questioned the franchise’s strategy and suggested that the team management was once again going back to an old formula instead of building something completely new.

The reel compared Delhi’s move with Punjab Kings’ approach of building a fresh setup around new leadership. It also mocked the DC’s decision to reunite with Pant despite the team’s struggles under his captaincy in previous seasons in the league.

The video mocked the move by saying, “Fir wahin Rishabh Pant, pehle haarkar tassali nahi mili kya, bade dheedh log hain ye.” And Kuldeep likes this reel that quickly became a talking point on social media because he was part of the trade deal between DC and LSG.

Wtf..mc Kuldeep yadav liked this reel. I can understand if you are not happy with DC’s management but this reel is clearly targeted agains Pant. pic.twitter.com/rzf5U6gGQO

— Sourabh (@1handed6) June 24, 2026

Many fans started wondering whether the Indian spinner was sending a message after leaving the Delhi Capitals. It looks like the Indian spinner was not happy with the DC team management and Pant.

Rishabh Pant’s 3-word Goodbye to LSG goes viral

Interestingly, Rishabh Pant kept his farewell message to Lucknow Super Giants short and simple after his return to Delhi Capitals was officially confirmed. The wicketkeeper-batter shared LSG’s goodbye post on his Instagram Story and wrote, “Thank you team.”

Notably, Pant has been dropped from the Indian team in the white-ball formats because of his poor form with the bat. He was also stripped from the vice-captaincy of the Test team.

David Warner’s brutal take on Rishabh Pant trade goes viral

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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals has now become one of the biggest talking points among the cricket fraternity across the world. The latest one is the former Delhi Capitals captain and Australian icon David Warner, who mocked Rishabh Pant’s return after Kuldeep Yadav on social media.

Pant has left Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after two tough seasons and is back with the franchise where he spent most of his IPL career and got success at the highest level. In the blockbuster trade deal, Kuldeep Yadav left the Delhi Capitals and joined the Lucknow Super Giants, while the Indian wicketkeeper-batter returned to his first franchise in the IPL.

Parth Jindal welcomes Rishabh Pant back, thanks Kuldeep Yadav after blockbuster IPL trade

Former Australia opener David Warner hit the headlines with his response to a post from Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal. After the trade was completed, Jindal thanked Kuldeep for his contribution to Delhi Capitals over the last five years and wished him success for the future.

The DC co-owner also welcomed Pant back to Delhi and expressed hope that the wicketkeeper-batter would rediscover his best form in a familiar atmosphere. But following the deal, the current captain Axar Patel ignored Rishabh Pant’s calls.

Parth Jindal posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Dear Kuldeep, thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals; you have been a core part of our team, and you will be sorely missed. Go well—you are a champion player, and I am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh, Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi. @IPL”

‘It was always going to happen’: David Warner takes dig at Parth Jindal and DC over Rishabh Pant return

Soon after the post went viral online, Warner couldn’t help but laugh at the Delhi Capitals and Jindal over the Kuldeep-Pant swap. Since Warner was part of the DC side on two stints, he knows many things others don’t know, so he made the most of this to roast Jindal and DC.

Warner replied to Jindal’s post by saying: “It was always going to happen. Auctions can get out of hand, and if there is a dip in form and one owner wants to get rid of you while the other wanted you but was unfortunately outbid, you can bide your time.”

It was always going to happen. Auctions can get out of hand, and if there is a dip in form and one owner wants to get rid of you while the other wanted you but was unfortunately outbid, you can bide your time.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) June 23, 2026

₹12 Crore pay cut and fresh start for Rishabh Pant

Pant went through the rough phase after becoming the most expensive player in IPL history when Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bought him for ₹27 crore. Well, the expectations were sky-high, but the left-hander struggled to deliver both as a captain and batter.

He managed only 269 runs in the 2025 season and then amassed only 312 runs in the recent season while his average was under 25 across the two seasons. LSG also finished at the bottom of the table with only four wins in the IPL 2026, leading to his exit from the side.

Now, Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals after accepting a pay cut of ₹12 crore. Now, it remains to see whether the wicketkeeper once again leads the franchise in the IPL 2027 because he is already struggling badly for form with the bat.

Aakash Chopra explains why Lucknow Super Giants have gained more from Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav trade

The IPL transfer window witnessed one of the biggest moves in recent memory as Rishabh Pant completed a switch from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to Delhi Capitals (DC). Pant, who was purchased by LSG for a record ₹27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, will now represent Delhi for ₹15 crore, while Kuldeep Yadav heads in the opposite direction on his existing ₹13.5 crore contract.

The trade has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts, with many discussing which franchise has emerged stronger from the deal. Former India opener Aakash Chopra recently shared his views on the transfer and explained why he feels Lucknow have gained more from the exchange.

Aakash Chopra backs LSG as the biggest winners of the trade

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra acknowledged that Pant’s move involved a substantial reduction in salary and highlighted just how significant the difference was.

“If you were thinking about pay cuts, layoffs, and limited job opportunities in your life, just think about Rishabh Pant. A guy was earning ₹27 crore and will earn only 15 now. One gets slightly surprised while saying only 15, but only 15 because he was at ₹27 crore. It means a pay cut of ₹12 crore. People are not able to earn as much in their entire life,” Chopra remarked.

The former cricketer then explained that Pant’s presence had complicated Lucknow’s batting combinations over the last two seasons. According to Chopra, the franchise struggled to find an ideal position for the wicketkeeper-batter because of the number of top-order and overseas batting options already available in the squad.

“I genuinely feel that Lucknow have benefited more. Their batting order wasn’t getting settled because all four of their overseas players were batters, and then among the Indian batters, they had Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, and Mukul Choudhary. So you weren’t able to bat him before No. 5, and if they tried to bat him before No. 5, an overseas batter had to go down, and the combination was not getting set,” Chopra observed.

Also READ: 5 players Delhi Capitals might release ahead of IPL 2027

Questions remain over Pant’s role at Delhi Capitals

While Chopra acknowledged that Pant’s return would undoubtedly strengthen Delhi Capitals, he admitted that he remains uncertain about where the left-hander fits into their batting lineup. The analyst noted that DC already possess several batting options, including Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Sameer Rizvi and Ashutosh Sharma. As a result, he questioned whether Pant’s arrival addresses a major issue within the squad.

“From Delhi’s point of view, I am still intrigued as to where he would bat because they have many opening options, Nitish Rana had started doing well at No. 3, and then they have a good middle order in Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Sameer Rizvi, and Ashutosh Sharma,” Chopra said.

He further emphasized that replacing a bowler of Kuldeep’s quality will not be straightforward for the Capitals. Chopra described Kuldeep’s acquisition as a major boost for LSG, highlighting that quality Indian wrist-spinners remain one of the rarest commodities in franchise cricket. He even suggested that Lucknow could make further changes to their overseas setup in the future, with the arrival of Kuldeep helping them achieve better squad balance heading into IPL 2027.

Also READ: Is Yuvraj Singh set to join Delhi Capitals? Reports suggest major coaching reshuffle ahead of IPL 2027

LSG to appoint new batting coach amid batting rebuild ahead of IPL 2027

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are poised to have a huge rebuild to their batting lineup ahead of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL). The process has begun with the surprise trade of Rishabh Pant to the Delhi Capitals for Kuldeep Yadav, and they are now close to appointing a new batting coach, G Jayakumar.

According to reports from Cricbuzz, the franchise that finished at the foot of the standings is also looking to secure a power-hitting batter in the mini auction ahead of the new season. However, before the search commences, LSG will also develop the skills within the players in their ranks by roping in Jayakumar as the batting coach.

Despite being a medium pacer during his playing career, Jayakumar has tremendous goodwill as a batting coach in Chennai. The former Kerala player is widely credited for the development of Sai Sudharsan, who has scored more than 700 runs in the IPL in each of his last two campaigns.

The deal is reportedly close to being finalised, with Jayakumar set to join LSG’s backroom staff, which consists of Tom Moody (director of cricket), Justin Langer (head coach) and Bharat Arun (bowling coach). With the 59-year-old set to join the Uttar Pradesh-based franchise, former South African player Lance Klusener will leave the coaching duties ahead of the new season.

LSG have already commenced their preparations for the next season of the IPL. According to the aforementioned source, the franchise is set to send its domestic batters to Perth to train under Langer before coming back to India and spending time with Jayakumar. These include the likes of Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi and Arshin Kulkarni.

It is worth mentioning that following Pant’s move to DC, LSG will enter the 2027 auction with a hefty purse under their belt, consisting of more than INR 23 crore. This will give them enough funds to sign a couple of batters and possibly an Indian wicketkeeper to replace their former skipper.

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Axar Patel ignored Rishabh Pant’s calls after Delhi Capitals deal

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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is finally back with the Delhi Capitals (DC). After two frustrating seasons with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rishabh Pant has returned to Delhi Capitals in one of the biggest IPL trades ahead of the 2027 season.

Things never really went the way many had expected for both the Indian wicketkeeper and Lucknow Super Giants. While Pant struggled badly with the bat after becoming the most expensive player in the IPL story with ₹27 crore, LSG also had a miserable time in the last two seasons. After the deal, Parth Jindal broke the silence on the Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav swap.

Rishabh Pant returns to the Delhi Capitals in a blockbuster deal

Even before the official end of the IPL 2026, Rishabh Pant resigned as the Lucknow Super Giants captain. There were already speculations that Pant would leave the LSG because of his alleged rift with the team management. Many have already hinted that he would return to his first franchise.

Now, those rumors have turned into reality, with Delhi Capitals bringing back one of their most loved players. Pant accepted a pay cut of ₹12 crore to make the trade happen with Kuldeep Yadav moving to Lucknow Super Giants at his existing fee of ₹13.5 crore.

Rishabh Pant shares big news with Axar Patel after Delhi Capitals trade

As soon as the trade was confirmed, Pant picked up his phone and called Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel. He wanted Axar to hear the news directly from him. However, Axar was busy at home with his child, so he ended up missing Pant’s calls as the all-rounder shared the conversation.

Axar Patel said in a video shared by Delhi Capitals on X (formerly Twitter): “He was the first person to call me. These days, I spend a lot of time with my child, so I usually keep my phone aside. I missed his first call, and when he called again, I still couldn’t answer. Later, after my child had fallen asleep, I called him back and asked, ‘What happened? Is something urgent?’ He replied, ‘Bhai, it’s confirmed. Main wapas aa raha hu (I’m coming back)’.”

He added, “That was our first conversation. After that, we just spoke normally. Yes, he’s finally coming back. Deep down, I always felt he would, though I never told him, ‘Subah ka bhula jab shaam ko ghar aaye usey bhoola nahi kehte’ (A person who returns home after straying is not considered lost). But my affection for him is such that I brought him back to Delhi.”

“Bhai, main wapas aa raha hun.” 🥹

Bapu & the whole of Dilli waited to hear just that 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/5k1nDtNUTM

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 23, 2026

Rishabh Pant’s story with Lucknow Super Giants

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant struggled for runs during his two seasons with the Lucknow Super Giants, and the team’s results also failed to improve under his captaincy.

In 28 matches across IPL 2025 and IPL 2026, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter scored 581 runs with one century and one half-century. Lucknow’s performance was equally disappointing under Pant. LSG won only 10 of their 28 league matches.

They finished seventh in IPL 2025 and then suffered their worst-ever season in IPL 2026, ending at the bottom of the points table with just four wins under Pant’s captaincy.

Axar Patel confirms he will remain Delhi Capitals’ captain upon Rishabh Pant’s arrival

While Rishabh Pant has made a comeback to the Delhi Capitals, the franchise skipper Axar Patel has confirmed that he will remain the captain for the upcoming 2027 season of the Indian Premier League. Axar has also added that he will be allowing full freedom to Pant to express himself with his cricket in the Delhi-based franchise.

Axar was appointed the captain of the Delhi-based franchise when Pant parted ways with the side for a contract with the Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27.00 crore, making him the most expensive buy ever. However, LSG has traded Pant back to the neighbouring side for INR 15 crore, getting Kuldeep Yadav in return at a retention price of INR 13.25 crore. Axar says there will not be any differences between the two.

“Between us there has never been any difference as a friend or as a captain. Basically, when he was at DC, he was my captain and he was leading me. At that time also, there was no wall between us that I am the captain and you have to do as I say,” Axar said in a video posted by DC on their official social media handle.

“We worked under mutual understanding, and we both are senior players, so we both knew what each of us could be in the given situation. As a friend and as a captain, I will tell him that he knows his stuff and he has no extra pressure from me or the franchise. This is his house, and he has played here for quite a few years. Delhi is his home. I don’t have to say a lot to him. Just that he will get full freedom from me as a captain,” he added.

Check video of Axar’s message for Pant below

Furthermore, the Gujarat-born cricketer also expressed his heartfelt arrival to the Haridwar-born, marking a joyous comeback to the side ahead of the upcoming season. He also addressed that Pant will overcome his bad form with a strong comeback.

“Just enjoy yourself and be true to your character. Form is temporary and class is permanent, and you are a player of that category. From us, you will have full freedom. So just play your game and enjoy it. So this is my message to you,” the all-rounder, who has been DC’s captain since 2025, conveyed further.

Meanwhile, there are going to be a plethora of changes at DC, barring captaincy. Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh, the legendary India duo, will be joining forces as head of cricket and coach, respectively. Hemang Badani, as a result, has been reported to be vacating his spot as the head coach, while there are also rumours suggesting the fate of KL Rahul, another stumper-batter, in the franchise after Pant’s return.

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Leveraging Real-Time Metrics for Modern Cricket Strategy

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If you’ve spent any time watching the IPL recently or followed the latest ICC tournaments, you’ll have noticed that the sport we love has undergone a massive transformation. It wasn’t that long ago that we’d sit by the radio or the telly, content with knowing the score, the run rate, and perhaps how many wickets had fallen in the last session. But things have moved on quite a bit since then. Today, cricket is as much about the numbers as it is about the elegant cover drive or the searing yorker.

The way we consume the game has shifted from glancing at a basic scoreboard to scrutinising high-cadence metrics that update with every single delivery. Whether you’re a casual fan or someone who likes to look a bit deeper into the strategy, understanding these metrics has become a vital part of the experience. We’re now in an era where data doesn’t just describe what happened; it predicts what might happen next.

The Data Revolution in T20 Cricket

The rise of T20 cricket, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been the primary driver for this analytical explosion. In a format where the game can turn on its head in the space of six balls, traditional statistics like a simple batting average don’t always tell the whole story. Instead, we’ve seen the emergence of “Expected Runs” (xR) and “Win Probability” (WP) models.

I find that Expected Runs is one of the most fascinating additions to our viewing toolkit. Much like the “Expected Goals” metric in football, xR calculates the number of runs a team should ideally score from a particular ball, based on the historical data of that specific bowler, the batter’s strengths, the pitch conditions, and even the stadium’s dimensions. If a batter is facing a leg-spinner at a ground with short square boundaries, the xR for that delivery might be significantly higher than if they were facing a death-overs specialist at a cavernous venue like the MCG.

Then there’s Win Probability. We see those little graphs on the screen now, fluctuating wildly with every boundary or wicket. It’s a real-time reflection of the pressure cooker environment of modern cricket. When a team needs 12 runs off the final over, the Win Probability might sit at 50/50, but one dot ball can send that percentage plummeting. It’s these high-cadence metrics that have changed the way we talk about the game at the pub or on social media. We aren’t just saying a team is “doing well” anymore; we’re looking at the data to see if they’re actually ahead of the curve.

Match-Day Masterclass: Using Reports to Forecast Performance

Before the first ball is even bowled, the strategy is already in full swing. For those of us who enjoy the build-up to a big match, resources like CricketAddictor have become essential reading. Their pitch reports offer a level of detail that goes far beyond just saying the track looks “a bit green.” They look at soil types, humidity levels, and how the ground has behaved over the last few seasons.

When you combine a solid pitch report with player-specific metrics, you start to see where the performance peaks might occur. We’ve moved beyond looking at just Strike Rate or Economy in isolation. Modern analysis uses what could be described as TF-IDF style metrics, essentially weighing a player’s performance against the specific context of the match. For instance, a bowler might have a slightly higher Economy rate, but if they’re bowling exclusively in the Powerplay or at the death against the world’s best hitters, their “True Economy” might actually be world-class.

I often look at these stats to see who is likely to thrive under specific conditions. If the pitch report suggests the ball will grip and turn, you look for the spinners who have a high “dot ball percentage” rather than just those with the most wickets. It’s about finding the value in the margins. By the time the captains walk out for the toss, a well-informed fan already has a pretty good idea of which players are likely to be the match-winners based on the data available.

The Technicality of In-Play Momentum

Momentum is a word that commentators love to use, but it’s always been notoriously difficult to quantify. In the fast-paced world of short-form cricket, identifying these shifts as they happen is a skill in itself. This is particularly relevant here in the UK, where our interest in domestic leagues like The Hundred has seen a surge in data-driven engagement.

The Hundred, with its unique format, is practically built for real-time statistical analysis. Because the game is broken down into five-ball or ten-ball blocks, the momentum shifts are even more pronounced. UK fans have become incredibly savvy at spotting when a bowling side is starting to squeeze or when a batting pair is about to explode. You might see a couple of tight “overs” where the batter is struggling to find the middle of the bat, and the Win Probability starts to creep in favour of the fielding side.

Identifying these “In-Play” opportunities during high-pressure moments is what separates a casual observer from a true student of the game. For those looking to engage with the match on a deeper level, having a reliable platform is key. This is where many fans transition from being passive viewers to active participants in the sporting narrative. If you are watching a tense London Spirit versus Southern Brave clash and the data suggests a shift is coming, you might choose to visit Bally Bet to see how those live insights align with the current markets. It adds an extra layer of engagement to the domestic schedule, making every ball feel even more significant.

Please remember to keep it fun and always gamble responsibly; it’s about enhancing the sport, not letting it become a problem.

Identifying Turning Points in Crucial Overs

The real magic happens during the “death overs” or those crucial middle-overs where a game is often won or lost. Data shows us that certain batters have a “launch point,” a specific time in their innings where their strike rate historically doubles. Recognising these patterns in real-time is incredibly rewarding.

For example, if you know a particular batter usually takes ten balls to get their eye in before they start clearing the ropes, you can watch the dot ball count with a different perspective. Instead of seeing it as a failure, you see it as a build-up to the inevitable surge. Conversely, if a bowler has a high “clutch rating” in the final ten balls of an innings, the data tells you that even if they’ve gone for runs early on, they’re likely to pull it back when the pressure is highest.

In the UK, where we have a rich history of County Cricket alongside the modern flashiness of The Hundred, we’ve learned to appreciate both the slow burn and the fast blast. The metrics help bridge that gap, giving us a universal language to discuss whether a team is truly in control or if they’re just one wicket away from a collapse.

Bridging Data and Action

Connecting these real-time statistical insights with the actual experience of watching a match is what makes modern cricket so compelling. We’re no longer just guessing; we’re making informed observations based on a wealth of information. When you’re reading a CricketAddictor pitch report that suggests the surface will slow down significantly in the second innings, it changes how you view the toss. If the captain chooses to bat first, you understand the logic because the data backs it up.

For many UK-based readers, translating these data-heavy reports into live actions is the natural next step. It’s one thing to see the numbers on a screen, but it’s another to trust your analysis enough to act on it. Platforms like Bally Bet provide the space for fans to put their cricket knowledge to the test, offering a live wagering experience that mirrors the fast-paced nature of the sport itself. It’s about taking all those metrics, the Expected Runs, the Win Probability, and the player stats, and using them to form a cohesive strategy of your own.

Ultimately, the goal of leveraging these metrics isn’t to take the soul out of the game. Cricket will always have its moments of unpredictable magic that no computer could ever forecast. However, by embracing the data revolution, we can appreciate the skill and the strategy on a much deeper level. We can see the game through the eyes of the analysts and the coaches, understanding why a fielder was moved two yards to the left or why a certain bowler was held back for the 19th over.

As the English summer progresses and we look forward to more international and domestic fixtures, the role of precision play will only grow. Whether you’re following the action from the stands or from your sofa, keep an eye on the numbers. They’re telling a story that’s just as exciting as the one happening on the pitch. Just remember to enjoy the ride and stay in control of your play. After all, the best part of cricket is that, despite all the data in the world, there’s always room for a bit of the unexpected.

Who is Abishek Porel? Delhi Capitals star in news after serious allegations

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Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter and Bengal’s rising star Abishek Porel has found himself in the middle of the shocking controversy. The 23-year-old is now facing serious allegations after an FIR was filed against him at the Mogra Police Station in Hooghly, West Bengal.

A medical student from Karnataka has accused Porel of having a sexual relationship with her on the promise of marriage before allegedly refusing to marry her.

Who is Abishek Porel?

Abishek Porel hails from Chandannagar in West Bengal, India. Born on October 17, 2002, he is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter and is known for his attacking batting style and smart wicketkeeping skills.

He comes from a family where cricket has already made its place. His cousin, Ishan Porel, is a well-known fast bowler in domestic cricket and the IPL. Abishek started his training at the National Gems School academy in Chandannagar before shifting to Kolkata for better training.

The left-hander played Under-16 and Under-19 cricket for Bengal and impressed everyone with his fearless batting. His strong performances at the junior level helped him earn a place in Bengal’s senior team in 2022. Since then, Abishek represents Bengal in first-class, List A, and T20 cricket.

He is also part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recently, the 23-year-old, who is regarded as one of Bengal’s brightest talents, represented Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers in the Bengal Pro T20 League.

Domestic Cricket Career with Bengal & IPL Career Stats

Abishek Porel has impressed everyone with his attacking batting and dependable wicketkeeping in both domestic cricket and the IPL. Since making his senior debut for Bengal in 2022, Porel has played an important role across all formats.

In first-class cricket, the left-handed batter has scored over 1,400 runs with the help of a century and 12 half-centuries. One of his best performances came when he scored 114 against Chandigarh. He has also more than 120 dismissals to his name.

He has been really impressive in List A cricket, where he averages nearly 44. Porel turned heads with a stunning unbeaten 170 against Delhi during the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Porel has so far scored over 1,500 runs in the T20s at a strike rate above 150.

Abishek made his IPL debut in 2023 when Delhi Capitals signed him as a replacement for injured Rishabh Pant. This changed everything for him despite playing only a few matches in that season. The 2024 season proved to be his breakthrough year.

He impressed everyone with his aggressive batting as an impact player and scored 327 runs during the IPL 2024 season and became a key player for the Delhi Capitals. Before the mega auction in 2025, DC retained Abishek for ₹4 crore, and he repaid the faith by scoring over 300 runs in 2025. However, the Bengal star got to play only four matches in IPL 2026, and he managed 108 runs for DC.

Why is Abishek Porel in the News?

Abishek Porel has landed himself in a legal controversy after a woman filed a police case against him in West Bengal. The complaint was filed at Mogra Police Station in Hooghly district by a medical student from Karnataka and her mother.

The woman has alleged that she and Porel were involved in the physical relationship for around three and a half years and that the two had planned to get married. According to the complaint, Porel later refused to marry that medical student despite allegedly promising marriage earlier.

The woman has accused the cricketer of having a sexual relationship with her on the false promise of marriage. She has also accused Porel of assault and criminal intimidation. Based on these allegations, the Mogra Police have registered an FIR against Porel and started an investigation into the matter.

According to the media reports, the Hooghly Rural Police have begun collecting evidence and recording statements as part of the inquiry. The allegations against Porel are currently being investigated, and further action will depend on the findings of the police investigation.

What Has Abishek Porel Said About The Matter?

Abishek Porel has strongly denied all the allegations made against him and has called the allegations of assault and exploitation mentioned in the FIR completely false.

Not just that, Porel even mentioned that she made the fake allegations to ruin his reputation because of his growing popularity and recent performances on the field.

Porel stated, “I am playing well now, so various things are coming up.” The Bengal wicketkeeper-batter also revealed that he had not been directly contacted by the Hooghly Rural Police when he first responded to the allegations.

However, Porel stated that he is ready to fully cooperate with the investigation and follow the legal process. He stressed that he would present his side of the story at the appropriate time.

He added, “I will talk about this when the police investigate… I will respond in detail after the police complete their initial inquiry.”

What’s Next for Abishek Porel?

With the FIR now registered against Abishek Porel, his career is at stake. The next step is likely to be Porel involving himself in the police inquiry, and he is expected to give his detailed statement soon. He is currently in Bengaluru with his family and is already ready to cooperate with the investigation.

Senior police officials in Hooghly are investigating the allegations and are also expected to review any evidence that may be available as part of the probe.

Meanwhile, Porel’s legal team could approach the court for anticipatory bail or other legal relief if they continue to maintain that the allegations against him are false.

For now, Porel’s career is safe, and the young wicketkeeper-batter is expected to continue representing Bengal in domestic cricket during the upcoming season. So, Delhi Capitals and the BCCI are likely to wait for the outcome of the police investigation before considering any further steps.

Hardik Pandya unlikely to join KKR unless Abhishek Nayar is sacked: Report

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India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all but confirmed to leave the Mumbai Indians after so many things didn’t work out, and he is currently searching for his new home in the IPL. There have been reports that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are interested in Hardik Pandya.

After poor performances since the 2024 title triumph, KKR are in dire need of a strong captain, and Pandya could be the best option. He has already proven himself as a captain in the IPL and remains one of the biggest match-winners in the shorter format of the game.

KKR eye Hardik Pandya as their next captain

So, the Kolkata Knight Riders could try to bring the Indian all-rounder to Kolkata and even hand him the captaincy role ahead of the 2027 season. But this plan will not be that easy, and the reason is Abhishek Nayar.

Hardik Pandya and Abhishek Nayar have shared a good working relationship over the years. Nayar has many times backed Pandya during difficult phases when he was India’s assistant coach. But when it comes to leading the Kolkata Knight Riders, Hardik will not be keen to join hands with Nayar.

Nayar has been a powerful figure inside the KKR setup for a long time and enjoys significant influence in decisions. On the other hand, Pandya would love to prefer a leadership role where he has complete control over the cricketing calls and feels safe and secure.

Hardik Pandya’s KKR move unlikely if Abhishek Nayar remains in the power

A Jagran News journalist, Abhishek Tripathi, claimed that if Abhishek Nayar remains the head coach of the KKR, there is a 99% chance that Hardik Pandya will not join the franchise because the all-rounder seeks freedom to take his own decisions and lead the team his own way.

So, Pandya is likely to turn down the KKR offer if he feels he won’t have complete freedom as captain. There is also another factor that Nayar shares a very close bond with Rohit Sharma, and everyone knows how much drama surrounded Mumbai Indians when Pandya took over the captaincy from him. Amid this, R Ashwin raised concern over Hardik Pandya’s fitness.

Rajasthan Royals could be Hardik Pandya’s new home

At the same time, Rajasthan Royals are also searching for a long-term captain. That could make them a serious option if Pandya decides to explore opportunities outside Mumbai Indians. He wants to join a team where he feels fully backed and can build the side according to his own vision, and Rajasthan Royals can be that home for the star all-rounder in the IPL.

So, unless Pandya is convinced that he will get complete authority over cricketing decisions, his move to Kolkata Knight Riders remains unlikely. In that case, Rajasthan Royals may end up becoming the frontrunner in the race for one of the IPL’s biggest names.

Notably, Pandya is currently out of action ad working on his game and fitness at the NCA in Bengaluru as he is aiming to be fully ready for the ICC World Cup 2027. He already missed the Afghanistan series and is all set to miss the upcoming white-ball games in Ireland and England too.

Yash Dayal set for cricket return after receiving UPCA clearance

Left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal is set to return to competitive cricket in the upcoming UPT20 League after spending several months away from the game. The tournament organizers are planning to conduct a mini-auction in mid-July, with Agra and Noida being considered as the likely venues for the event.

The pacer has not played competitive cricket since late 2024 due to legal proceedings linked to two separate criminal cases. Despite being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹5 crore ahead of IPL 2026, Dayal remained unavailable throughout the season and did not feature in a single match.

UPCA to Grant NOC to Yash Dayal After Legal Proceedings End

Yash Dayal is set to return to competitive cricket after legal proceedings against him were resolved. The left-arm pacer had faced cases in different states, including allegations under the POCSO Act in one case. An FIR was also filed in Ghaziabad, while another case was registered in Jaipur.

Despite the legal issues, the Gorakhpur Lions retained Dayal for the upcoming UPT20 League along with Aryan Juyal and Siddhartha Yadav. UPT20 League Governing Council chairman Sanjay Kapoor confirmed that Dayal remains part of the squad and is available for selection.

Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Prem Manohar Gupta confirmed that Dayal will be eligible to return to domestic cricket. He said the association will issue the required clearance for the pacer to participate in both league and domestic competitions.

“UPCA will give an NOC to Yash Dayal for playing domestic and league cricket because all legal proceedings have been settled,” Gupta said.

UPT20 League Eyes Agra and Noida as Mini-Auction Venues

The UPT20 League governing council is considering Agra and Noida as venues for the upcoming mini-auction. Officials are assessing logistical arrangements in both cities, while Lucknow remains a backup option if accommodation and infrastructure requirements are not met.

Teams have already submitted their retention lists ahead of the new season. Gorakhpur Lions retained Yash Dayal, Aryan Juyal, and Siddhartha Yadav, while defending champions Meerut Mavericks kept key players Rinku Singh, Kartik Tyagi, and Zeeshan Ansari in their squad.

UPT20 League Governing Council chairman Sanjay Kapoor said that the tournament wants to strengthen its presence in different parts of the state. He added that the mini-auction is likely to take place in mid-July, with a final decision on the venue expected soon.

“We will conduct the UPT20 League mini-auction in mid-July. We are looking at holding it in new cities such as Agra and Noida. We want to promote the league on a larger scale, which is why we are considering these venues. If hotel arrangements are not feasible in Agra or Noida, Lucknow will remain our venue for the mini-auction,” Kapoor told TOI.

Yash Dayal Set for Competitive Return After Long Absence

Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced criticism for retaining Yash Dayal ahead of IPL 2026. However, the left-arm pacer remained unavailable throughout the season and did not play a single match for the team.

Dayal recently returned to competitive cricket with the Ghaziabad Royals in the Ghaziabad Premier League. Before that appearance, his last List A match came for Uttar Pradesh against Chhattisgarh in Vizianagaram on December 28, 2024.

The pacer last played first-class cricket for Uttar Pradesh against Haryana in Lucknow between October 18 and 21, 2024. His most recent IPL appearance came for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad during the 2025 season.

Hardik Pandya links force CSK to address IPL trade speculation

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) trade rumours are once again hitting the headlines, but Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are not looking to make any big changes to their squad right now. Several reports and discussions have surfaced in recent days, but the franchise seems happy with the current squad.

Chennai Super Kings finished in 5th, 10th, and 8th place across the three seasons as Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to make an impression as captain in the IPL. Their recent horror in IPL 2026 may force the five-time champions to make some harsh calls before the 2027 season.

There was speculation that Chennai Super Kings could be involved in a surprise trade move, with some even linking Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya to the five-time IPL champions. However, those were only the rumours, as Hardik is not part of any trade discussions involving CSK at the moment. Amid this, Hardik Pandya’s recovery timeline was revealed.

CSK shut down Hardik Pandya and David Miller trade rumours

A Cricbuzz report claimed that Hardik Pandya is not among the players linked to any discussions involving CSK, putting an end to the fresh speculations. Amid this, MS Dhoni quits CSK as the relationship deteriorates on Sanju Samson’s arrival.

Another rumour that created a buzz was a possible swap deal between CSK and Delhi Capitals involving Khaleel Ahmed and David Miller. However, both franchises have reportedly ruled out such a move, making it clear that no discussions are taking place regarding that trade at the moment.

As things stand, CSK are not willing to release any player through the trade window. Yet, IPL trades can be unpredictable, so unexpected deals are never completely off the table, and last year’s Ravindra Jadeja-Sam Curran and Sanju Samson deal is the greatest example.

Is Hardik Pandya joining Rajasthan Royals?

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya is looking for a fresh start after a disappointing time with the Mumbai Indians, with Rajasthan Royals reportedly emerging as the strongest contender to sign him. It is being said that the discussion over a potential trade is underway.

However, Mumbai Indians are reportedly interested in getting young batting star Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Pandya trade. The left-handed opener has been one of the impressive performers over the last few years, and his arrival would give Mumbai a strong long-term option at the top of the order.

Well, Suryakumar Yadav is also reportedly attracting interest from other franchises. Some teams are believed to be willing to offer him a leadership role as they look to strengthen their squads. Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but the reports have strongly hinted at the big shakeup.

Stephen Fleming set for CSK stay despite series of disappointments

On the other hand, Stephen Fleming, one of the most successful coaches in IPL history, is set to continue leading the five-time champions despite another disappointing campaign and growing criticism.

Chennai finished at the bottom of the table in 2025 and failed to make a strong impact again, raising calls for change in the leadership team. However, the franchise remains confident in Fleming’s abilities and believes he is still the right person to guide the team through this difficult phase.

The former New Zealand captain is currently busy in the United States, where he is working with Texas Super Kings as head coach in Major League Cricket. However, CSK are expected to conduct a detailed review of their recent performances once the ongoing MLC season ends.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal posts a heartfelt note following the Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav trade deals

The Indian Premier League (IPL) landscape has been thoroughly shaken up following the official confirmation of a monumental player trade ahead of the 2027 season. In a dramatic roster shake-up finalized just weeks after the conclusion of IPL 2026, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have executed a direct swap of two of Indian cricket’s biggest marquee stars. India’s premier wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is heading back to his spiritual home at Delhi Capitals, while world-class left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is transitioning to the Lucknow Super Giants. The high-stakes transaction has instantly captivated the cricketing world, prompting an outpouring of emotion from the upper echelons of the Delhi management.

In the wake of the official media advisory, Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a poignant, heartfelt note that perfectly captured the bitter-sweet reality of franchise cricket. Jindal used the platform to express deep gratitude to the departing Kuldeep Yadav while passionately welcoming back the franchise’s ultimate prodigal son.

“Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well – you are a champion player and i am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh – Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi. @IPL, ” Jindal wrote.

The post highlights the structural transformation happening within the Delhi Capitals management, as the JSW Group, led by Jindal, reassumes full operational control of the team. For Jindal, parting with Kuldeep, who became a defensive linchpin for Delhi, was clearly a tough administrative call, but the chance to bring Pant back to the capital proved entirely irresistible.

Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well – you are a champion player and i am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh – Kiran and I are both…

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) June 23, 2026

Also READ: Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav exchange franchises in high-profile deal ahead of IPL 2027

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav set for franchise switch in major IPL 2027 deal

This blockbuster deal represents one of the largest financial and tactical resets in modern IPL history. According to the official IPL release, Pant returns to the Delhi Capitals for INR 15 crore, while Kuldeep joins Lucknow Super Giants at his existing contract value of INR 13.5 crore.

The transaction required massive financial compromise from Pant. Having been bought by LSG for an all-time record-breaking INR 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Pant agreed to a substantial 44.4% pay cut, slashing INR 12 crore off his salary, to make the homecoming feasible within Delhi’s purse limits. Pant’s two-season tenure with Lucknow was incredibly difficult; the team endured a bottom-of-the-table finish in IPL 2026, forcing a mutual desire for a clean slate. Returning to Delhi, where he previously logged 111 appearances and hit his career peaks, offers the 28-year-old an ideal environment to rediscover his devastating explosive form.

Conversely, the trade serves as a strategic masterstroke for LSG. By offloading Pant’s massive salary, Lucknow frees up vital purse space to entirely overhaul their squad under the guidance of Justin Langer. Concurrently, acquiring Kuldeep gives them a premier white-ball match-winner. Kuldeep, who took 72 wickets in 65 games during his brilliant five-year stay with DC, now enjoys his own homecoming of sorts, returning to represent the franchise of his home state, Uttar Pradesh, on the spin-friendly tracks of the Ekana Stadium.

Also READ: Is Yuvraj Singh set to join Delhi Capitals? Reports suggest major coaching reshuffle ahead of IPL 2027

CSK see this LSG star as Ravindra Jadeja’s long-term heir

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have already started planning for the upcoming IPL 2027, and one domestic star has reportedly moved to the top of their wishlist. After another disappointing 2026 season and a few costly decisions that failed to deliver results, CSK is now looking for a reliable all-rounder who can strengthen the squad after parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja.

The five-time IPL champions have been going through a transition phase, and they failed to make it to the playoffs since winning the trophy in 2023. They finished 8th on the table in the recent season. Yet, CSK continue with Stephen Fleming despite disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.

CSK eyes Shahbaz Ahmed ahead of IPL 2027 auction

A CricBlogger report revealed that the Chennai Super Kings are eyeing Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed. The experienced all-rounder has built a strong reputation in domestic cricket and the IPL, where he was already part of the big teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Bengal all-rounder is currently part of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise. However, CSK believes that Shahbaz could provide the balance and versatility. However, bringing Shahbaz to Chennai will not be easy because the Lucknow Super Giants’ setup is not keen to let him go.

The report suggested that the discussions are undergoing regarding the deal. CSK showed interest in Shahbaz Ahmed, but Prashant Veer and Karthik Sharma failed to live up to the expectations, having invested heavily in young talents in the hope of building for the future.

LSG reluctant to part ways with Shahbaz Ahmed

As a result, Chennai Super Kings team management is now looking towards players with proven experience. Shahbaz fits that requirement perfectly. Apart from contributing with both bat and ball, he has also shown leadership qualities that caught everyone’s attention.

Shahbaz has recently led Shrachi Rarh Tigers to their first-ever Bengal T20 Championship title. The achievement was even more impressive because the team had struggled badly in previous seasons before turning things around under his captaincy.

Over the years, Shahbaz has developed into a dependable all-rounder who can contribute in multiple situations and provide stability to any side. Well, Lucknow Super Giants are standing firm, and no agreement has been reached between them and CSK for the Shahbaz Ahmed deal.

Shahbaz Ahmed’s IPL career

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed has become one of the most useful all-rounders in the IPL. The left-arm spinner plays an important role, whether it is taking a crucial wicket, scoring quick runs in the lower order, or saving runs in the field.

He was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2020 to 2023. During his time with RCB, the all-rounder produced several memorable performances, including a match-changing spell against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In 2024, he moved to SRH and played an important role in the team’s run to the IPL final, where they lost the trophy to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Later, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signed Shahbaz in the 2025 mega auction and retained him for the following season. So far, he has played 63 IPL matches, where he has amassed 603 runs, taken 27 wickets, and grabbed 21 catches, proving his value as a dependable all-rounder.

Kuldeep Yadav’s LSG move comes with one big admission about DC

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Proving all of the speculations that gained momentum days after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, Kuldeep Yadav has officially left the Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2027 season. In the next Indian Premier League season, the left-arm wrist spinner will be seen playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have confirmed the development through an official announcement. In the moment when Yadav’s departure has officially been confirmed, DC shares a heartfelt video from their official social media accounts across social media platforms.

Delhi Capitals shares an emotional video

The video showed the bonding between the Capitals skipper Axar Patel and Yadav. Kuldeep mentioned that when he joined the franchise back in 2022, he was struggling with his form. But the franchise showed immense trust and signed him ahead of the IPL 2022 season.

The IPL 2022 season appeared as a turning point for the spinner. In that season, he took 21 wickets in 14 matches and as many innings. So far, it remains his best season throughout his Indian Premier League career. 2026 was not up to the mark for him on an individual basis and for the team as well.

The veteran spinner concluded with only 10 wickets from 11 innings with an expensive economy rate, over 10. In two back-to-back seasons, Delhi played multiple matches in a promising way but missed the opportunities to secure their spot in the play-offs.

Kuldeep Yadav reflects on the importance of DC in his career

After the 2026 season, it became obvious that the franchise is going to take some major steps to improve its performance in the upcoming campaign. As a major move, the franchise has decided to remove Kuldeep Yadav from the side. From LSG, it is the star keeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, who will join the Delhi-based franchise for the upcoming season.

“When I joined the DC team in 2022, I was struggling with my form and also coming back from injury, and get to play 14 games on a trot and perform really well in that season. Joining DC was the turning point of my career because you know things were not going really well, and then and one season, when I played for Delhi, and obviously everything changed,” Kuldeep Yadav expressed himself in the video shared by the Delhi Capitals.

I think I miss my partner: Axar Patel

It is a hard moment for the skipper Axar Patel, as with Kuldeep Yadav, they made a strong bond utilising their prolific spin bowling skills. With a heavy heart, Patel says that without Kuldeep, it feels like missing a partner.

“He (Kuldeep Yadav) has a positive attitude. He is very hardworking. Like he wins trophies and all that. He is a great bond. I think I miss my partner. That’s why I said that he is a great person and what he can do. He wins the team on his own. When I started playing cricket, there was no Chinaman spinner, no Western spinner. And when you are capable of doing something, you don’t back down,” Axar Patel said in the same video.

You came into our lives and spun our whole world around. Dilli was lucky to witness your magic, and we loved every bit of it 🥹

Thank you for everything, Kuldeep 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/5n9nDMXD0L

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 23, 2026

Hardik Pandya’s IPL future takes dramatic turn as KKR make move: Report

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The Indian Premier League is over for this year, but it left a warm feeling around as there are multiple speculations involving multiple top-tier talents’ future with their present franchises.

Hardik Pandya remains one of the hot topics after another underwhelming IPL season with the Mumbai Indians (MI) as their captain. If the latest media reports are to be believed, then Hardik Pandya is on the brink of making a golden handshake with the Mumbai Indians ahead of the next IPL season.

KKR is all set to replace Ajinkya Rahane

According to the latest media reports, there are multiple interests for Hardik Pandya, including one strong interest. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have reportedly been in constant touch with the MI franchise.

Even before the conclusion of the 2026 season, there were multiple question marks over Ajinkya Rahane’s future in the franchise, under whose captaincy the multi-time league winners failed to impress in back-to-back seasons.

Sources indicate that the KKR officials are actively looking to replace Rahane to make a shuffle in the leadership roles. Hardik Pandya, who guided the Gujarat Titans to claim a title, has appeared as a top contender to replace Ajinkya Rahane.

Hardik Pandya could join KKR from the Mumbai Indians

According to the sources, the franchise mostly considered the experienced opener as a stopgap captain, not for a long-term role.

“Ajinkya Rahane was always a stop-gap arrangement for KKR, and he was always going to be released after this season. The KKR top brass had approached MI owners towards the end of last season, but since Reliance’s annual AGM was around the corner, at that time IPL trade wasn’t the biggest priority,” a source close to the development informs the news agency PTI.

It is further informed that the Kolkata-based franchise has multiple rounds of discussions, and the conversations are expected to prolong as the Knight Riders are eager to appoint a new captain ahead of another season.

“However, it has been learned that KKR has again approached MI’s top leadership, and there have been a few rounds of discussion,” the source further mentioned.

A trade deal can be an option

Despite the underwhelming performances, Hardik Pandya remains one of the most prominent pace-bowling all-rounders across the nations, especially in the white-ball format. It is needless to say that the Kolkata Knight Riders will have to pay a hefty price if the Mumbai Indians agree to make a deal with them.

The player transfer can be through an all-cash deal or through a trade. A trade deal will allow the Mumbai Indians to pick a player from the present squad of KKR. If both of the parties agree on a trade deal, then who will leave Kolkata to make their footprints in Mumbai? As of now, there is no clear answer to it.

It is also necessary to remember that, according to the IPL rules, none of the contracted players are allowed to communicate with any other franchises regarding a transfer. Rajasthan Royals, another franchise, may have an interest in Pandya. However, there is no concrete evidence regarding this.

Ruturaj Gaikwad reflects on MS Dhoni’s lasting influence in CSK

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Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in sensational form in the List A matches. He scored 274 runs in 5 innings at an average of 54.80 for India-A in the Sri Lanka-A Team Tri-Series (OD) 2026. He finished as the top run-scorer of the tournament and showcased his amazing talent for the India A National Cricket Team while batting at No.4.

Ruturaj Gaikwad played a pivotal role in India A’s title-winning campaign that helped them secure a victory over Sri Lanka-A in the final by 66 runs. However, despite amazing performances in the List A games for the Men in Blue side, he was not selected in the ODI squad announced for the three-match England ODI game starting from July away from home.

Ruturaj Gaikwad opens up on his relationship with MS Dhoni

Recently, Ruturaj Gaikwad provided an exclusive interview with Sportstar, where he spoke about his relationship with MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and the fans as well. He also spoke about dealing with injuries, handling the pressures of captaincy, and the leadership lessons he has picked up from Dhoni in CSK.

After being asked about his learnings from MS Dhoni, he stated that the former India captain has advised him not to complicate things much, to keep things simple, not to overthink, and keep things flowing in their own way.

“One thing I have learnt from him is trying to keep things very simple and not complicate a lot. Sometimes, as a responsible player in the team, you tend to overthink decisions. You think about all the ifs and buts. With him, I feel he keeps things really simple. He lets things flow as it is and then arrives at a conclusion.”

He has carried throughout the years- Ruturaj Gaikwad on Dhoni’s legacy and captaincy

“That simplicity is something he has carried throughout the years. There are also a lot of results that have backed that process. For me, it is about balancing that with my own thought process and trying to understand how I can help the team win.”

“Results are something which is definitely needed in any team, so you try and get into that thought process in terms of how you can help the team. It’s about implementing the plans.”

Ruturaj Gaikwad seeks the fans to keep their heads high on difficult time

Apart from that, Ruturaj Gaikwad has provided a message to the CSK fans after a few disappointing seasons, during which they have failed to qualify for the playoffs. He has asked the fans to believe in the team and keep supporting them and believes that they will once again be back at their very best.

“Just be patient, we have seen some of the best days over the last 14 or 15 years. We still believe we are one of the best franchises in the IPL. There will be ups & downs. Supporting every player who represents CSK is important. Every player who plays for CSK feels something special about representing the franchise.”

“Everyone wants to do a little more for the team. Sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to but all the players are working hard to get the team where the fans want to see it. Hopefully, we will get there.”

Hardik Pandya eyes Rajasthan Royals move as Mumbai Indians prepare for major overhaul ahead of IPL 2027

A major shake-up could be on the cards ahead of IPL 2027, with Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya reportedly exploring a move away from the five-time champions. After a disappointing campaign and growing speculation surrounding dressing-room dynamics, the India star is believed to have informed the franchise of his desire to seek a fresh challenge. Reports suggest that Rajasthan Royals have emerged as the leading contenders to acquire Pandya, with a young and explosive opener potentially heading in the opposite direction in what could become one of the biggest trade deals in IPL history.

Hardik Pandya’s future under spotlight after difficult stint for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026

Hardik’s return to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans was one of the most talked-about moves in recent IPL history. Handed the captaincy immediately after his arrival, the all-rounder was expected to lead the franchise into a new era. However, results on the field failed to match expectations, and questions continued to surround the team’s internal environment.

Now, reports indicate that Hardik is keen to move on from Mumbai after another underwhelming season. Rajasthan Royals have reportedly entered advanced discussions with Mumbai Indians regarding a potential trade, signaling a dramatic shift in the league’s player landscape.

For Rajasthan, acquiring a proven match-winner and experienced captain like Hardik would significantly strengthen their leadership group and provide balance to both their batting and bowling departments. The franchise has consistently been among the contenders in recent seasons but has often lacked an elite fast-bowling all-rounder capable of influencing games in multiple ways.

Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav to leave Mumbai Indians? Instagram activity triggers MI exit rumours ahead of IPL 2027

Star opener could benefit from fresh start

The proposed deal could also prove beneficial for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Once viewed as the future face of Rajasthan Royals, the left-handed opener has found himself at the center of transfer speculation over the past two years. Following Sanju Samson‘s departure, many expected Jaiswal to become the franchise’s marquee player and a strong candidate for captaincy. However, Rajasthan’s management ultimately chose Riyan Parag to lead the side, altering the team’s leadership direction.

At the same time, teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket, further increasing competition within the Royals setup. A move to Mumbai Indians could offer Jaiswal a fresh environment and a chance to re-establish himself as one of the league’s premier batters. The transfer also carries a natural connection. Jaiswal represents Mumbai in domestic cricket and is already familiar with the city’s cricket culture, making a switch to the Mumbai Indians setup a potentially seamless transition.

The potential departure of Hardik suggest Mumbai Indians may be preparing for a significant rebuilding phase. Reports also indicate that Suryakumar Yadav is also attracting interest from other franchises, with some teams even considering him for leadership roles. Meanwhile, veteran Rohit Sharma is approaching the latter stages of his illustrious career, making succession planning a key priority for the franchise. In that context, bringing in a young Indian superstar like Jaiswal could help Mumbai establish a strong core for the future.

Also READ: 5 players Mumbai Indians might release ahead of IPL 2027

Top 3 biggest trade deals in IPL history

Ever since the Indian Premier League has introduced the trade window system, there have been several lucrative and high-profile transactions on the table. Shardul Thakur, who has played for seven IPL teams already since his debut in 2015, has been traded for the most number of times in the cash-rich tournament. However, he has not been able to make the cut to the most expensive trade deals in the league.

With the 2027 season of the league still 11 months away, a trade deal has already taken place between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Delhi Capitals, wherein the two teams have swapped the likes of Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav. The total transaction value of this deal was signed at INR 28.25 crore, with the wicketkeeper-batter getting the bigger chunk out of the two. But has it made the biggest IPL trade deals?

Here are three biggest trade deals in IPL history

3. Hardik Pandya (Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians), IPL 2024: INR 15 crore

Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Mumbai Indians)

Hardik Pandya has become one of the most prolific all-rounders in the Indian Premier League on the back of several match-winning performances. He made his captaincy debut with the Gujarat Titans in the 2022 season and the franchise struck gold dust, as Hardik led them to a title in their maiden season itself. However, Hardik played only two seasons for the franchise and expressed an interest in looking beyond.

Ahead of the 2024 season, Hardik was swapped in by the Mumbai Indians, his first IPL team, for a whopping INR 15 crore. In order to facilitate the transaction, MI also traded Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Hardik’s return to the five-time champions also saw him become the captain, replacing their legendary skipper Rohit Sharma.

Parth Jindal posts emotional farewell message for Kuldeep Yadav after LSG trade

The first major trade ahead of the 2027 season of the Indian Premier League has been confirmed as Kuldeep Yadav switched to the Lucknow Super Giants, bringing an end to five seasons at the Delhi Capitals for the left-arm wrist spinner. The other side of the deal sees wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant making a sensational return to the capital after two dismal years at the helm in Lucknow.

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has shared an emotional farewell message to bid adieu to the left-arm spinner, who returns to his home city of Lucknow after five successful seasons with the Delhi team. He also welcomed his former player Pant, who has been with the Capitals from 2016 to 2024, even captaining the team from 2022 to 2024.

“Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years @DelhiCapitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well – you are a champion player and i am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground,” Jindal wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Rishabh – Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi. @IPL,” the post added.

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) June 23, 2026

In five seasons in the Red and Blue of the Capitals, Kuldeep has played 65 matches, having picked up 72 wickets at an economy rate of 8.24. He had an ordinary campaign in 2026, picking up just 10 wickets and going at an economy of 10.29. He departs as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the Delhi Capitals’ timeline, behind Amit Mishra, Axar Patel and Kagiso Rabada. The 31-year-old was signed by the Capitals in 2022 for a price of INR 2 crore, and was retained ahead of the 2025 season for a whopping INR 13.25 crore.

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Abishek Porel accused of cohabitation, career under threat: Reports

June 23, 2026July 20, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

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Bengal and Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel has been accused of cohabitation on the promise of marriage. According to the reports, complaints are filed with the police; however, the cricketer denies all the allegations.

According to the reports that emerged on June 23, Abishek Porel, a player of the Bengal cricket team and a resident of Chandannagar, has been accused of cohabitation on the promise of marriage.

Massive allegations against Abishek Porel

If the reports are to be believed, then a complaint has been filed against the IPL cricketer, who played in the IPL 2026 season with the Delhi Capitals (DC). However, Porel himself has reportedly denied all of the allegations, calling them false.

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“A complaint has been lodged against Indian Premier League (IPL) cricketer Abishek Porel at Magra Police Station in Hooghly district, alleging that he cohabited with a woman on the promise of marriage. The cricketer has denied the allegations, calling them false. Porel, a wicketkeeper-batter for the Delhi Capitals and a key player for the Bengal cricket team, is a resident of Chandannagar,” Subhayan Chakraborty, a RevSportz journalist, claims this through an ‘X’ post.

Cricketer Abishek Porel Accused of Cohabitation on Promise of Marriage, Complaint Filed; Player Denies Allegations

A complaint has been lodged against Indian Premier League (IPL) cricketer Abishek Porel at Magra Police Station in Hooghly district, alleging that he cohabited with…

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) June 23, 2026

The allegations are yet to be investigated to find out the truth

According to the allegations, the cricket lived with a woman after promising her marriage, but did not fulfill the promises. But, as it is claimed, Abishek Porel has denied all the allegations.

As there is no clear evidence or strong claims about what actually happened, and what the current scenario is, there is no other option but to wait until the next updates arrive. As the FIR has been lodged, an investigation is expected to take place, involving both of the sides.

At this point, making any direct comment will be wrong as the allegations are subject to proof through investigations with proper evidence and proof. As of now, no judicial finding has been made against the keeper-batter.

Effect on Porel’s career?

The allegations are yet to go through investigations, so now, there is no visible effect on Porel’s professional cricket career. Franchises and cricket boards, which professionally run the cricket, mostly wait until the final verdict comes on the matter. Porel’s career will be measured after the conclusion of the allegations.

Till today, Porel remains as the contracted player of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, and there is no indication either from the franchise, which could provide a hint about an effect on the cricketer’s career in the near future. The legal procedures and findings will chalk out the route of his future in the field.

In the previous season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru took a step against their uncapped Indian bowler Yash Dayal, whose legal procedures were in a complicated situation. The franchise did not allow the player to take part in the league.

Suryansh Shedge breaks silence after dream India call-up for UK tour

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Suryansh Shedge still can’t believe that he has been asked to join the national camp for the T20I series against Ireland and England. The Mumbai and Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder has been named in the team as the replacement of the injured seam bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who will not be able to take part in the UK tour because of a quadriceps injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on June 23, officially announced that Suryansh Shedge will join the T20I camp in place of Reddy. The Mumbai cricketer is in disbelief that he has received the call to join the national cricket team. It is now an emotional moment for the emerging cricketer, as he has worked hard for years.

‘I still can’t sink it in’

“Actually, I still can’t sink it in, and I think I won’t be able to sink it in until I get on the flight! I still can’t believe it! This has been my dream since childhood. And obviously, it’s a very special feeling.”

“And I feel very proud and happy for my parents (Prashant and Priyadarshini), because of the sacrifices they have made for me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to be a cricketer,” Shedge told the Times of India in a recent interview.

Suryansh Shedge reveals how his mother supports him

The pacer bowling all-rounder mentions that, to support him, his mother, who worked in a bank, left her job. “My mom was working in a bank, but she quit her job because she had to accompany me to practice and matches,” the 23-year-old reveals.

It was a shocking development as Nitish Kumar Reddy was in promising form, and with his improved pace, fans were hoping to see the pacer play a crucial role under United Kingdom conditions, where the fast bowlers used to get extra assistance from the pitch. It was more shocking when BCCI mentioned Suryansh Shedge as the replacement.

It is a like-for-like replacement, but based on experience, Shedge is behind Reddy. For the achievement, the 23-year-old paid gratitude to all of the coaches and well-wishers who have helped him to reach his destination.

“The way Manish Bangera, Jatin Paranjape, and Monty Desai have helped me through my journey is very heartwarming because they truly believed in me. If the environment is such that everyone knows my capabilities, and if they keep telling me constantly (about my abilities), self-belief comes automatically. So, that helped me a lot,” Suryansh Shedge added.

Reunion with Shreyas Iyer

It is worth mentioning that after playing with the Punjab Kings and in the domestic tournaments, Suryansh Shedge gets the opportunity to play again under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, this time at the highest level of the game.

“That’s totally true. In the last two years, I’ve made four debuts under him — in the SMAT, Vijay Hazare Trophy, India A, and the IPL. He’s somebody who gives his 100% in terms of attitude and commitment to the team, and that mentality creeps into the whole side,” the emerging all-rounder says about his experience playing under the captaincy of Iyer.

Kris Srikkanth suggests blockbuster Hardik Pandya-Ruturaj Gaikwad trade ahead of IPL 2027

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has sparked discussion among IPL fans with a fascinating trade suggestion involving two of the league’s biggest franchises ahead of the IPL 2027 season. With teams already beginning to assess their squads following a disappointing 2026 campaign, Srikkanth believes a major transfer could help reshape the fortunes of both sides.

The legendary opener shared his views while discussing possible trade scenarios for the upcoming season. Having watched several teams struggle to meet expectations in IPL 2026, Srikkanth feels some franchises may need to make bold decisions if they want to return to title contention. His latest proposal involves a move that would undoubtedly rank among the biggest trades in IPL history if it were ever to materialize.

Kris Srikkanth proposes major Hardik Pandya-Ruturaj Gaikwad swap

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth suggested that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should explore the possibility of bringing Hardik Pandya into their setup. According to the former India skipper, the star all-rounder would be an ideal fit for Chennai’s balance and leadership structure. Srikkanth went a step further by proposing that Ruturaj Gaikwad could be part of a trade deal with Mumbai Indians (MI). He also stressed that Chennai should do everything possible to retain young batter Ayush Mhatre, whom he described as one of the franchise’s most valuable long-term assets.

“Hardik Pandya will be an ideal fit in CSK. He’ll be terrific for CSK. Ruturaj Gaikwad should be traded to MI for CSK to land Hardik Pandya. But CSK shouldn’t let go of Ayush Mhatre at any cost as he’s a fantastic cricketer,” Srikkanth said.

He further suggested that Chennai could potentially include additional players in a larger deal if required, highlighting how highly he rates Hardik’s value as a proven match-winning all-rounder.

Difficult IPL 2026 campaign for both captains

Interestingly, Srikkanth’s proposal comes after both Hardik and Gaikwad endured challenging IPL 2026 seasons. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians finished eighth and ninth respectively on the points table, with neither side managing to secure a playoff berth.

Gaikwad struggled to produce his usual consistency with the bat, scoring 337 runs at an average of 28.08 during the season. Hardik also found it difficult to make his customary impact, managing 206 runs while enduring a tough campaign with both bat and ball. Despite those numbers, both players remain among the most valuable Indian cricketers in the league due to their leadership experience and proven track record in previous seasons.

Also READ: Is Yuvraj Singh set to join Delhi Capitals? Reports suggest major coaching reshuffle ahead of IPL 2027

Srikkanth also backs Pant-Kuldeep trade talks

Apart from discussing the Hardik-Gaikwad possibility, Srikkanth also weighed in on the reported trade talks involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC). The former opener believes the move could benefit both franchises. He feels Pant would enjoy returning to Delhi, where he spent the majority of his IPL career, while Kuldeep could thrive on the larger boundaries at Lucknow.

Although no official confirmation has been made regarding either trade, Srikkanth’s comments have added further intrigue to what promises to be a fascinating build-up to IPL 2027. With franchises expected to evaluate their squads carefully in the coming months, speculation surrounding blockbuster player movements is only likely to intensify.

Also READ: Rishabh Pant set to rejoin Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027? — Reports

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav exchange franchises in high-profile deal ahead of IPL 2027

In one of the biggest transfer moves ahead of IPL 2027, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have completed a high-profile player swap involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav. The Indian Premier League confirmed the trade through an official media advisory, with Pant returning to Delhi Capitals for INR 15 crore, while Kuldeep joins Lucknow Super Giants for INR 13.5 crore.

The deal, finalized less than a month after the conclusion of IPL 2026, sees Pant reunite with the franchise where he built his reputation as one of India’s most exciting cricketers. For LSG, the acquisition of Kuldeep strengthens their spin department as they look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

A homecoming for Rishabh Pant after challenging 2 years in Lucknow

Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals marks the beginning of a new chapter with a team that played a major role in his rise to stardom. The wicketkeeper-batter represented the franchise from 2016 to 2024 and became one of its most influential players during that period.

Across nine seasons, Pant featured in 111 matches for Delhi Capitals, the highest by any player in the franchise’s history. He was also entrusted with leadership responsibilities, captaining the side in 43 matches between 2021 and 2024. His aggressive batting style and fearless approach made him a fan favorite in the capital.

In 2025, Pant made headlines when Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for a record-breaking INR 27 crore at the mega auction. Expectations were sky-high, but his stint with the franchise did not unfold as hoped.

The left-handed batter struggled to produce consistent performances over the next two seasons, scoring 269 runs in IPL 2025 and 312 runs in IPL 2026. While there were flashes of brilliance, he was unable to replicate the impact he had enjoyed during his peak years with Delhi.

The team’s fortunes under his captaincy were also disappointing. LSG finished seventh in 2025 and slipped further to 10th place in 2026, leading to growing speculation about changes within the franchise.

Also READ: Is Yuvraj Singh set to join Delhi Capitals? Reports suggest major coaching reshuffle ahead of IPL 2027

Kuldeep Yadav gets fresh opportunity as LSG strengthen bowling unit

While Pant heads back to familiar surroundings, Kuldeep will be hoping a change of environment helps revive his IPL fortunes. The left-arm wrist-spinner enjoyed a successful spell with Delhi Capitals after joining the franchise in 2022. During his time with DC, he emerged as one of the team’s most dependable bowlers, claiming 72 wickets in 65 matches while maintaining an economy rate of 8.38.

Recognizing his value, Delhi retained Kuldeep for INR 13.25 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. However, the 2026 season proved difficult for the spinner. He managed only 10 wickets and conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.30 per over, the highest of his decade-long IPL career.

Despite that dip in form, Kuldeep remains one of India’s premier white-ball spinners, and LSG will be optimistic that he can rediscover his best form in new surroundings.

Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav to leave Mumbai Indians? Instagram activity triggers MI exit rumours ahead of IPL 2027

DC co-owner Parth Jindal breaks silence on Rishabh Pant-Kuldeep Yadav swap

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The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, has been over, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their second consecutive trophy, beating the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final. After the IPL, international cricket is back, and amidst all this, the franchises are looking for some massive trades during this span of time. Kuldeep Yadav has already said goodbye to the Delhi Capitals (DC).

Kuldeep Yadav, in a video uploaded from the Delhi Capitals social media handle, bid adieu to the franchise as he has been involved in the trade deal of Rishabh Pant, along with INR 15 crores to be handed over to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The left-arm wrist spinner has been a part of the DC franchise for the past five years.

Thank you for your service- Parth Jindal thanks Kuldeep Yadav

After DC uploaded the video and Kuldeep’s goodbye comments, the Chairman and Co-Owner of Parth Jindal has tweeted on his official account, thanking Kuldeep Yadav for his service over the last five seasons. Jindal mentioned that Kuldeep was an important part of the team and will be missed very much.

The former also wished the spinner all the luck for his new journey. Jindal tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) account, “Dear Kuldeep thank you for your service over the last 5 years in Delhi Capitals you have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed.”

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) June 23, 2026

“Go well – you are a champion player and i am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh – Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi.”

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav are back home

It is a homecoming for both cricketers, as Rishabh Pant started off his career in Delhi and then went to LSG for two seasons and will yet again be back in the side. Kuldeep comes from Unnao, a district of Uttar Pradesh, and the franchise LSG is based in one of the districts, so Kuldeep will be back home in every sense, as he started his cricketing career in UP.

Despite Dr.Sanjiv Goenka mentioning in an interview that Rishabh Pant will be with the franchise at least for 10 seasons and win five trophies. But the Southpaw, after two disappointing seasons, stepped down from the captaincy role and is confirmed to leave the franchise as well, which is a huge setback for the management.

Official announcement of both players to come soon

The official social media handle of the Indian Premier League (IPL) shared a post. “Announcement Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav complete high-profile trade between @DelhiCapitals and @LucknowIPL. Rishabh Pant all set to rejoin #DC at INR 15 Crore whereas Kuldeep Yadav will join #LSG at INR 13.5 Crore,” read the post’s caption.

However, LSG and DC are yet to announce their new arrivals on their official social media handles. There will be some special videos and graphics to be used to make their respective announcements. The fans must keep an eye out as the announcement can come within a few days’ time.

Rishabh Pant returns to DC, as LSG gets Kuldeep Yadav in return

Former Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set for a return to Delhi Capitals (DC), while Kuldeep Yadav will join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), following one of the most significant player trades in recent IPL history.

Pant returns to the franchise where he spent nine seasons between 2016 and 2024, making 111 appearances – the most by any player for DC. One of the defining faces of the franchise for nearly a decade, he also captained the side in 43 matches across four seasons from 2021 to 2024.

At the IPL 2025 Player Auction, Pant was acquired by LSG for a record-breaking INR 27 crore – the highest winning bid in IPL history. Following the trade, he will rejoin DC at a revised fee of INR 15 crore.

Kuldeep joins LSG after a highly successful spell with Delhi Capitals lasting five seasons. Since arriving at the franchise in 2022, the left-arm wrist spinner has claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches and established himself as one of the most effective wicket-taking bowlers in the tournament.

One of India’s premier white-ball bowlers, Kuldeep, will join LSG at his existing fee of INR 13.50 crore.

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav had an underwhelming IPL 2026:

Pant and Kuldeep both had seasons that fell short based on their lofty standards. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 312 runs at an average of 28.36 whilst striking at 138.05. His form, adding to LSG’s last-place finish in the standings, tipped the boat for management, resulting in the trade to take place just weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Kuldeep, on the other hand, also had a poor season, taking just 10 wickets from 12 matches. His economy of 10.29 was the highest in his IPL career ever since he made his debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016. He will now play at the Ekana International Stadium, which is well known for being on the slower side, which could help his bowling style a lot more than the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the capital city.

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Mumbai Indians’ ideal target from every team

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Very few cricketers can trigger a genuine bidding war between all ten IPL franchises. Hardik Pandya belongs to that category.

The Mumbai Indians captain is far more than an all-rounder. He is a proven IPL-winning captain, one of India’s biggest white-ball match-winners, a genuine fast-bowling option, and one of the few players capable of changing a game in a matter of overs. Even after a relatively quiet IPL 2026, his value remains among the highest in the league because players with his skillset simply do not exist in abundance.

If the Mumbai Indians ever decided to entertain trade offers for Hardik Pandya, the asking price would be enormous. Every franchise would need to give up premium talent, whether it is a future superstar, an established match-winner, or a package that strengthens multiple areas of the squad.

Why Hardik Pandya remains one of IPL’s most valuable assets

Hardik Pandya’s recent batting numbers do not fully reflect his value. Since 2022, he has captained the Gujarat Titans to a title and a runners-up finish before returning to the Mumbai Indians and leading them back to the playoffs.

Across his IPL career, Hardik Pandya has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.29 while also taking 82 wickets. More importantly, he remains one of the few Indian cricketers who can comfortably occupy multiple roles in the same XI.

A franchise can find an opener. A franchise can find a finisher. A franchise can even find a pace bowler. Finding an Indian player who can captain a side, finish games, bowl crucial overs, and thrive under pressure is a much tougher task. That is why Mumbai Indians would demand elite value in return.

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal + Ravi Bishnoi

If Mumbai Indians were building for the next five years, this is probably the package they would want first.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has already established himself as one of India’s premier batters across formats. In 83 IPL matches, he has scored 2,593 runs at a strike rate of 152.80, including two centuries and 18 fifties.

His consistency stands out even more. Jaiswal scored 625 runs in IPL 2023, followed it up with 435 runs in 2024, added 559 runs in 2025 and contributed another 427 runs in 2026. Very few Indian batters have maintained that level of production at such a young age.

Ravi Bishnoi makes the package even stronger. The leg-spinner has taken 83 wickets in 86 IPL matches and gives Mumbai a long-term Indian spin leader. With MI constantly looking to strengthen their spin department, Bishnoi solves a problem while Jaiswal becomes the franchise’s next batting superstar.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravi Bishnoi.

Lucknow Super Giants: Nicholas Pooran + Prince Yadav

This is the one package that genuinely challenges the Rajasthan Royals. Nicholas Pooran has become one of the most destructive T20 batters in world cricket. His IPL career numbers are staggering. In 104 matches, he has scored 2,527 runs at a strike rate of 164.09 while smashing 186 sixes.

Pooran scored 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.21 in IPL 2024 before producing 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25 in IPL 2025. Across those two seasons alone, he cleared the ropes 76 times. However, his recent form has been poor.

Prince Yadav adds the Indian pace-bowling component. The young fast bowler claimed 16 wickets in IPL 2026 and has already shown the ability to trouble top-order batters with pace and movement.

Pooran immediately transforms Mumbai’s batting, while Prince gives them a bowler they can develop for years.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Nicholas Pooran and Prince Yadav.

Gujarat Titans: Washington Sundar + Shahrukh Khan

This package is built around versatility rather than star power. Washington Sundar enjoyed the best batting season of his IPL career in 2026, scoring 377 runs at an average of 37.70 and a strike rate above 150. For years, he was viewed primarily as a bowling all-rounder. Last season suggested he could become much more than that.

Across his IPL career, Sundar has scored 888 runs and picked up 40 wickets while providing flexibility with both bat and ball.

Shahrukh Khan brings finishing power. The Tamil Nadu batter has scored 775 IPL runs at a strike rate of nearly 148 and enjoyed his most productive season in 2025, scoring 179 runs at a strike rate of 179.

Together, they strengthen multiple departments without relying on a single superstar.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Venkatesh Iyer + Suyash Sharma

This package is stronger than it appears at first glance. Venkatesh Iyer has quietly put together an impressive IPL career. In 69 matches, he has scored 1,677 runs at an average of 31.64 and a strike rate of 142. He also owns an IPL century and has played key roles in successful campaigns.

His IPL 2026 numbers were particularly impressive. He scored 209 runs at an average of 52.25 and a strike rate of 186.61, showing he remains one of the most dangerous left-handed batters in the competition.

Suyash Sharma offers long-term value as a leg-spinner. The 23-year-old has already taken 27 IPL wickets and remains one of the most promising young spin options in Indian cricket.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Venkatesh Iyer and Suyash Sharma.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan + Harsh Dubey

This package combines proven quality with significant upside. Ishan Kishan is already familiar with the Mumbai Indians environment and enjoyed some of the best years of his career with the franchise. His IPL record includes 3,600 runs from 134 matches, but his IPL 2026 campaign is what really stands out.

Kishan smashed 602 runs at a strike rate of 182.42 while registering six half-centuries. Those numbers place him among the most impactful batters of the season.

Harsh Dubey is the wildcard. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young domestic cricketers in India. He claimed a record 69 wickets during a Ranji Trophy season and has already picked up 13 wickets in his first 11 IPL matches.

For Mumbai, this would be a blend of immediate impact and future potential following Hardik Pandya’s exit.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Ishan Kishan and Harsh Dubey.

Punjab Kings: Nehal Wadhera + Harpreet Brar

Mumbai Indians know Nehal Wadhera better than most franchises because they helped develop him.

The left-handed batter has scored 784 runs in his IPL career and impressed during Punjab Kings’ run to the IPL 2025 final, scoring 369 runs at a strike rate close to 146.

Harpreet Brar brings experience and reliability. The left-arm spinner has taken 37 wickets in 51 IPL matches while maintaining an economy rate of 8.00. His 2025 season was particularly impressive as he picked up 10 wickets in just eight matches.

This package may not contain a superstar, but it provides depth and balance MI will need after Hardik Pandya leaves.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Nehal Wadhera and Harpreet Brar.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Cameron Green

If Mumbai Indians were looking for the closest thing to Hardik Pandya, Cameron Green might be the answer.

Interestingly, MI originally signed Green in 2023 when Hardik Pandya was still with Gujarat Titans. At the time, many viewed the Australian as a long-term all-round solution.

Green repaid that faith with 452 runs at an average of 50.22 and a strike rate of 160.28 during IPL 2023, including a memorable century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

His overall IPL record now stands at 1,029 runs at an average of 38.11 and a strike rate above 151, along with 23 wickets.

The only reason this package ranks lower is because Hardik offers proven captaincy and leadership value that Green cannot currently match.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Cameron Green.

Delhi Capitals: Vipraj Nigam + Sameer Rizvi

This is a package based almost entirely on upside. Vipraj Nigam enjoyed a breakthrough IPL 2025 campaign, scoring 142 runs at a strike rate of nearly 180 while also picking up 11 wickets. The leg-spin all-rounder remains one of the most exciting young prospects in Indian cricket.

Sameer Rizvi has also shown encouraging signs. The right-hander scored 252 runs in IPL 2026 at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 147.37 while establishing himself as a genuine middle-order option.

The ceiling is undoubtedly high, but neither player is proven enough yet to justify a trade for a player of Hardik’s stature.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Vipraj Nigam and Sameer Rizvi.

Chennai Super Kings: Ayush Mhatre + Prashant Veer

This is the ultimate future-focused package. Ayush Mhatre has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young batters in Indian cricket. In just 13 IPL matches, he has scored 441 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 183.75.

The teenager followed his impressive IPL 2025 debut season with another strong campaign in 2026, further strengthening his reputation as a future star.

Prashant Veer remains a developing prospect but carries immense promise. Chennai Super Kings invested heavily in him and view him as a potential long-term all-round option. The package offers plenty of potential but very little certainty.

Trade scenario: Hardik Pandya for Ayush Mhatre and Prashant Veer.

Ranking the best trade packages for the Mumbai Indians:

Yashasvi Jaiswal + Ravi Bishnoi (RR)

The ideal balance of present quality and future value.

Nicholas Pooran + Prince Yadav (LSG)

The strongest package if Mumbai want immediate impact.

Ishan Kishan + Harsh Dubey (SRH)

A proven IPL star combined with one of India’s most exciting young all-rounders.

Washington Sundar + Shahrukh Khan (GT)

Versatility and balance across multiple departments.

Venkatesh Iyer + Suyash Sharma (RCB)

A proven top-order performer and a promising young leg-spinner.

Cameron Green (KKR)

The closest individual replacement for Hardik.

Nehal Wadhera + Harpreet Brar (PBKS)

Reliable but lacking elite upside.

Vipraj Nigam + Sameer Rizvi (DC)

High-potential package with limited proven success.

Ayush Mhatre + Prashant Veer (CSK)

Exciting prospects but still too early in their careers.

Hardik Pandya’s batting numbers can be matched. His bowling numbers can be matched. Even his captaincy achievements can be challenged by a select few players around the world.

What remains difficult to replace is the complete package. That is why only a deal involving a future franchise cornerstone such as Yashasvi Jaiswal or a transformational T20 superstar like Nicholas Pooran would realistically tempt the Mumbai Indians into even considering a trade. Until then, Hardik remains one of the IPL’s most valuable assets and arguably its toughest player to price.

Mitchell Marsh closes in on role once held by Rishabh Pant

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The leadership picture at Lucknow Super Giants appears to be changing rapidly ahead of IPL 2027. With Rishabh Pant reportedly on his way out of the franchise, LSG have started looking at a new captain to lead the side into a fresh cycle.

While an official announcement is yet to be made, reports suggest that Australia T20I captain Mitchell Marsh has emerged as the leading contender for the role. If the move materialises, it would mark a significant shift in strategy for a franchise that has previously been led by Indian wicketkeeper-batters such as KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

Mitchell Marsh is set to become LSG captain, replacing Rishabh Pant

Mitchell Marsh has reportedly moved to the front of the queue to become Lucknow Super Giants’ next captain. According to CricBlogger, the franchise is still waiting for certain trade-related formalities to be completed before taking a final call, but Mitchell Marsh is currently viewed as the strongest candidate.

The Australian all-rounder already enjoys considerable support within the setup. LSG have former Australia coaches Justin Langer and Tom Moody in key positions, and both are understood to be backing Mitchell Marsh for the leadership role.

The possibility of Mitchell Marsh becoming captain also fits a trend that has followed the ownership group over the years. During the two seasons when the owners operated the Pune franchise, they famously backed Steve Smith as captain ahead of MS Dhoni.

If Mitchell Marsh gets the job, he would join Pat Cummins as one of the few overseas captains in the IPL. It would also represent a departure from LSG’s previous captaincy model.

The move could also signal the start of a wider reset within the franchise after three underwhelming seasons that saw LSG finish seventh in 2024 and 2025 before ending IPL 2026 at the bottom of the points table.

Rishabh Pant likely to return to Delhi Capitals

Pant’s exit from Lucknow appears increasingly likely after ESPNcricinfo reported that Delhi Capitals and LSG are finalising a trade involving Pant and Kuldeep Yadav.

Once approved by the BCCI, Rishabh Pant will return to the franchise where his IPL journey began in 2016. The proposed deal would see Delhi Capitals acquire Pant for INR 15 crore, while Kuldeep Yadav heads in the opposite direction.

The report stated that Pant informed LSG before the IPL 2026 final that he intended to step down as captain. The development came shortly after team director Tom Moody spoke about the need to “reset” the franchise’s leadership structure.

Pant’s two-year stint in Lucknow never really took off. The wicketkeeper-batter struggled both as captain and batter, and LSG failed to establish themselves as genuine title contenders during his tenure.

A return to Delhi could offer Pant a familiar environment and a fresh start. His previous spell with the franchise was significantly more successful, both individually and as a leader. For LSG, meanwhile, acquiring Kuldeep would strengthen a bowling attack that lacked consistency throughout IPL 2026.

Rishabh Pant’s IPL numbers with LSG

Pant arrived in Lucknow carrying enormous expectations after becoming the most expensive player in IPL history at the 2025 mega auction. The results, however, fell well short of what both the franchise and player would have hoped for.

Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Pant scored 581 runs in 28 matches for LSG. He managed only two half-centuries during that period and averaged 26.40 with a strike rate of 135.74.

His first season with the franchise was particularly disappointing. Pant scored 269 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.16. While there was a slight improvement in IPL 2026, where he scored 312 runs at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05, those numbers remained well below the standards he had set during his best years with Delhi Capitals.

The contrast becomes even sharper when compared to Pant’s overall IPL record. Across his career, he has scored 3,865 runs at an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 146.79. His explosive 2018 season, when he smashed 684 runs at a strike rate above 173, remains one of the finest campaigns produced by an Indian batter in IPL history.

CSK continue with Stephen Fleming despite disappointing IPL 2026 campaign

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been one of the most successful franchises in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) history. The five-time champions have been undergoing a difficult phase as they have failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons. The Men in Yellow have been under transition under Ruturaj Gaikwad. Amidst this, the management has decided to retain head coach Stephen Fleming.

As per the reports from Cricbuzz, Stephen Fleming, who led one of the most successful eras in IPL history, will remain as head coach. The former New Zealand captain, who has been with CSK since 2008 and has served as head coach since 2009, has been retained by the franchise despite recent rumours of him leaving the franchise.

Stephen Fleming continues as CSK head coach

There were speculations around Chennai Super Kings’ coaching setup following a disappointing season. They finished 8th in the points table with 12 points in IPL 2026, losing 8 games and winning just 6. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side has been struggling since the last few seasons, as they finished fifth in 2024 and bottom in 2025, which marked their worst season of all time.

The fans of Chennai were clearly unhappy with Fleming as a coach and wanted the management to remove him. There were also “Sack Fleming” campaigns viral on social media. However, the five-time winners are not expected to change their decisions with Fleming set to remain in charge and continue as head coach, at least for the next season.

Is MS Dhoni influencing CSK’s management?

The development suggests that MS Dhoni’s influence in the side continues, as Dhoni has an amazing connection with Fleming, which has grown stronger over the years. The former CSK captain previously used to make sides and inform the management to invest in experienced cricketers.

Stephen Fleming is currently serving as the head coach of Texas Super Kings, which features in the Major League Cricket (MLC). He also serves as the head coach of the Joburg Super Kings (JSK) in the SA20 league. He has been at the helm of the Johannesburg-based franchise since the inaugural season, leveraging his long-standing association with Chennai as both teams are franchises based of same owners.

Chennai set to release Khaleel Ahmed?

Meanwhile, the franchise has received a few trade offers. On Monday, there were rumours that CSK and the Delhi Capitals could consider a deal involving Khaleel Ahmed and David Miller, but both franchises have firmly rejected this. As Miller has been a crucial part of the Capitals side and holds on to their middle order.

Chennai’s whole review is expected to take place after the conclusion of the MLC. But there will not be any kind of coaching changes. The Men in Yellow desperately need someone in the middle order because they have crumbled in the same place over the past few seasons.

Texas Super Kings today played against the MI New York, where Kieron Pollard’s side had the better of the Men in Yellow as they first bowled them out for 156 runs and chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand.

Aravinda de Silva cautions Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite meteoric rise

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already announced himself on the big stage as he recently displayed his talent in the Tri-Nation series in Sri Lanka. The boy wonder scored a brilliant 94 runs off 29 deliveries; he was close to breaking the record for the fastest hundred in List A cricket. Vaibhav will next be featuring in the Ireland and England series.

The 15-year-old teenage sensation had a stellar TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, where he nearly won every individual award, and after that, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was fast-tracked to the India National Cricket Team for the upcoming T20I series. It will be interesting to watch whether Vaibhav gets a chance in the senior team in the upcoming two series.

Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ready for senior debut?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi won the Orange Cap of IPL 2026 after finishing as the leading run scorer of the competition with 776 runs. He won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his amazing performances throughout the tournament and carried Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the playoffs. Recently, he was involved in a physical fight with Sri Lanka A players after being provoked by them.

Many former and current cricketers and commentators have been awestruck by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s talent and have warned him of derailment; from the likes of Sachin Tendulkar to Pat Cummins all of them have praised the young talent from India. Some cricketer turned commentators have also compared Sooryavanshi with teenage Sachin Tendulkar. The latest addition to the list is former Sri Lanka World Cup winner Aravinda de Silva.

Play their natural game- Aravinda de Silva

Aravinda de Silva was asked in an exclusive interview with Sportstar about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose fearless approach at such age has caught the attention of the cricketing fraternity. The former compared Sooryavanshi with two former Sri Lanka openers, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya, who changed the dynamics of providing explosive starts in ODI cricket.

“The shorter format allows these youngsters to come out and express themselves. Sport is all about that freedom,” De Silva said. “During our time, Sanath (Jayasuriya) and Kalu (Romesh Kaluwitharana) were encouraged to play their natural game without worrying about getting out.”

But he also highlighted the importance of guidance for young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He stated, “The grounding is very important. Who you listen to and take advice from is very important,” he said. “As long as young players have the willingness to learn and the right people around them, they can have a long and successful career.”

India vs Pakistan bilateral series to revive?

Apart from speaking on Sooryavanshi, De Silva also spoke about the future of Test cricket as he believes that the traditional format of the game is still alive, though the format needs to find a better way to sell its biggest rivalries. He threw light, stating that the format will be alive only if the respective cricket boards package it as marquee games like other major cricket events.

Aravinda de Silva brought up the points to revive the India vs Pakistan rivalry, as he feels that a Test series or any other bilateral series between the two arch rivals in a neutral venue will gain much attention and the fans will come in numbers.

Not Virat Kohli! Jofra Archer names toughest batter he has ever bowled to

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Jofra Archer, the England pacer, who has been playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a long time now, named the batter against whom he struggled the most. Interestingly, it is not the Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

According to Jofra Archer, KL Rahul was phenomenal during his early days in the league. KL Rahul is arguably the most versatile batter in the current Indian cricket team setup. Originally, a batter who developed his wicket-keeping skills to support the team had shown his skills to develop his game as per the situation demanded.

Jofra Archer reckoned the talent of KL Rahul

IPL 2026 was remarkable for the Indian batter. The Delhi Capitals (DC) opener was amongst the leading run scorers in the IPL season. Rahul concluded the season with 593 runs in 14 matches and as many innings with a strike rate of 174.41 and an average of 45.61.

During the campaign, the right-handed batter smashed one century and five half-centuries. His efforts were not rewarded as they should have been, as the Delhi Capitals were knocked out of the title race in the group stage.

Jofra Archer, who is considered the Indian batter to be highly talented and skillful, mentions that he was very hard to bowl to.

“Probably KL Rahul in the first few years of the IPL. He was in his prime then, and it felt like he could hit any ball anywhere. He was really hard to bowl to,” the England international, Jofra Archer, responded while he was questioned, “Hardest batter you’ve ever bowled to?”

🔴 I HAD NO ANSWER FOR KL RAHUL – JOFRA ARCHER🤯

Q 🎙️: Hardest batter you’ve ever bowled to?

Jofra🎙️: “Probably KL Rahul in the first few years of the IPL. He was in his prime then, and it felt like he could hit any ball anywhere. He was really hard to bowl to.” pic.twitter.com/lEprhZsCmJ

— Sam (@cricsam02) June 22, 2026

Rahul invented his batting in 2026

Based on the strike rate before the 2026 Indian Premier League, the 2018 season was brilliant for him. Rahul was then with the Punjab Kings, scored 659 runs in 14 matches and as many innings with an average of 54.91 and a strike rate of 158.41.

In the previous season, when he was with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, KL Rahul claimed 397 runs in 12 innings, with a strike rate of 146.49. In the later years of the league, his strike rate was non a lower side before shifting gears in 2026.

KL Rahul scripts IPL history. Image Credit: X

While KL Rahul’s average strike rate in the T20 league is 139.14, his strike rate in the previous season with DC was 174.41, which shows how he adapts to the current scenario, where the batters are required to score in a faster way.

The batter will be tested heavily in England

After the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, KL Rahul has retained his place in the ODI team. He did not get barely any opportunity to do much against Afghanistan in the ODIs, but may have to take a crucial role against the England cricket team when the Men in Blue travel to the UK to face Ireland and England for two separate bilateral contests.

In the ODIs, the 34-year-old will have to show his class, skill, and temperament against the fiery bowling attack of England.

Mo Bobat reveals how Virat Kohli sets standards at RCB without being captain

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the champions of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. They defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final with Virat Kohli playing a sensational knock in yet another run chase for the side. Rajat Patidar’s side created history as they won the trophies in two consecutive seasons, joining hands with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Virat Kohli was excellent throughout the season, as he was the leading run-getter for the franchise and played in a totally different style in the recently concluded edition of the IPL. He played more aggressively while opening the batting and silenced his critics who used to slam him for his strike rate in the shorter format of the game.

Virat Kohli is key for RCB’s success

Virat Kohli, in this season, finished off with 675 runs in 16 matches with a phenomenal average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.85, smashing five half-centuries and one century, which came in a run chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This season, Virat broke several records, becoming the first batter to score 9,000 IPL runs.

Except for that, Virat Kohli has also been the leading run scorer of all time in the IPL, scoring 9,336 runs. He also has the most centuries (9) in the history of the competition, and he became the first batter in IPL history to score 600-plus runs in four consecutive seasons.

Kohli’s IPL 2026 records

The former captain surpassed his own record by taking his tally against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to 1,215 runs, the highest by any player against a single IPL team. Kohli also holds the record for scoring the most runs in a single season (973) back in 2016.

Praising Virat Kohli’s hunger and determination, RCB’s director of cricket Mo Bobat has called him unique and also stated that Virat sets an example for the whole team with high intensity on and off the field and that he works as a flag bearer for the side.

I think everybody knows what Virat is capable of- Mo Bobat on Virat Kohli

“Virat, in very different ways, is also incredibly unique. I think everybody knows what Virat is capable of and what he means to this franchise. He’s scored, I think, 670-odd runs this season at a strike rate of about 165. Not many players are doing that or better in the league. I think it’s fair to say that in the latter half of his career, he’s still adapting, growing, improving, and setting the standard,” Bobat said in a video shared by RCB.

Bobat further added, “But in particular, there are two things that Andy and I really appreciate about him. Number one, Andy and I never really have to spend too much energy providing intensity to the group. Virat provides that intensity often. He doesn’t really do second or third gear, so that’s great.”

“The other thing about Virat is that he’s a standard-bearer. Players don’t practise sloppily because he doesn’t practise sloppily. Players get in the gym and do their prep work because they see him doing the same. They contribute in meetings because he’s switched on in meetings. Whatever it is, if he’s the standard-bearer and he is this icon, the others have to follow.”

Why Mo Bobat believes Rajat Patidar is the captain RCB needed

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history in the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as they went on to become back-to-back champions, winning their first trophy in 2025 and second in 2026. They become the third team after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to defend the trophy. Rajat Patidar’s RCB has completely changed the team’s dynamics.

Rajat Patidar joined this team in the 2022 season as a replacement and scored a hundred in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, he was ruled out of the IPL 2023, and following that, in 2024, he arrived as a batter and played well. In the next year, Rajat was handed over the captaincy, and in his debut season as captain, he led RCB to their first trophy.

Is Rajat Patidar the best captain for RCB?

He ended 18 years drought and the pain of the RCB fans beating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. In the following season, his team was unstoppable, finished at the top of the points table, and defeated GT in the final at the same venue a few months back.

Rajat Patidar, as a captain, has led the team in 27 matches, securing 19 wins and 8 losses for an exceptional win percentage of 70%, the highest for any captain in IPL history (minimum 25 matches).

Rajat Patidar was snubbed from the India call-up

He became the first captain in IPL history to win titles in each of his first two seasons. Rajat, except for his captaincy, had a stellar season with the bat as well; this was his best IPL season in terms of stats.

The middle-order batter scored 501 runs in 15 matches with an average of 41.75 and had a strike rate of 192.69, which was incredible to watch for the fans and the management. Smacking 5 half-centuries in the process. However, an amazing season, but he was not called up for the T20I series for India.

Rajat has been a pleasure to work with – Mo Bobat on working with Rajat Patidar

PC: X

Now the director of cricket for RCB, Mo Bobat, has opened up about his captain speaking about Rajat’s personality and how he has changed the dressing-room atmosphere since taking over the leadership role from Faf du Plessis. He also stated that nobody thought that the franchise would need such an ice-cool captain, citing Virat Kohli, as he was always aggressive on the field.

“Rajat has been a pleasure to work with. He’s a very unique person; I don’t think I know anybody like him. Totally unfazed by almost anything that he encounters. He’s been totally unaffected by getting the RCB captaincy whatsoever you just wouldn’t know it. Incredible humility as a man,” he said in a video shared by RCB.

“Who would have thought maybe what RCB needed was a super-calm, ice-cool captain? But he’s been brilliant. I’ve really respected the way he’s carried himself as a person. He’s a very good man. I think when your captain has those sorts of values and that level of integrity, it’s good role modelling for the rest of the environment.”

Sanjiv Goenka’s LSG forced Rishabh Pant to quit captaincy: Report reveals stunning details

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has launched a strong attack on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka. Modi claimed that Rishabh Pant was forced out of the captaincy, sparking fresh controversy over the wicketkeeper-batter’s decision to step down after a disappointing IPL 2026 season.

The middle-order batter recently gave up the captaincy of the Lucknow Super Giants after two difficult seasons with the franchise. The Lucknow-based franchise endured a poor campaign in IPL 2026 under his leadership, finishing at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 14 league matches.

You Forced Him Out – Lalit Modi Targets Sanjiv Goenka Over Rishabh Pant Exit

Lalit Modi took to social media to criticize Sanjiv Goenka, accusing the Lucknow Super Giants owner of mistreating players and forcing Rishabh Pant to relinquish the captaincy.

“Told you so. @DrSanjivGoenka, I don’t want to go after you. But you make it impossible not to. People tell me how well connected you are. And you will make my life miserable for pointing these things out.”

“But if you keep behaving like a clown, I really don’t care who you know or don’t. I will continue to bury you. So either quit behaving like a tyrant and wake up. Or keep taking my jabs.”

“I ain’t the one to quit pointing out anyone that’s toxic for the IPL. I care about fans and players. Your spending billions is no concern of mine. So grow up and treat players as players and not your personal assets.”

“You said Rishabh Pant will be with you for 10 to 15 years. But you forced him out with your underhand tactics and your PR machinery. Yes, I will say it again. You are officially today crowned as the IPL meme king.”

Told you so. 😢 @DrSanjivGoenka don’t want to go after you. But you make it impossible not to. People tell me how well connected you are. And you will make my life miserable for pointing these things out. I really really would not like to point you out. But if you keep behaving…

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) June 21, 2026

Rishabh Pant Struggles as Captain and Batter at Lucknow Super Giants

Rishabh Pant joined Lucknow Super Giants with high expectations after being bought for Rs 27 crore. However, his captaincy stint produced disappointing results. Under his leadership, LSG won just 10 of their 28 matches and lost 18, finishing with a win percentage of 35.71.

Pant also struggled with the bat during his time at the franchise. He scored 269 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 24.45. While he improved to 312 runs in IPL 2026, his overall returns still fell short of expectations.

Lucknow Super Giants missed the playoffs for a third straight season, increasing pressure on the team management. At the end of IPL 2026, Pant asked the franchise to relieve him of captaincy duties following a difficult season for both himself and the team.

Kuldeep Yadav Linked With Potential Move to Lucknow Super Giants

Amid the captaincy controversy, a report by the Times of India claimed that Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals are discussing a possible trade involving Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav ahead of IPL 2027.

The Super Giants are keen to strengthen their spin attack. The franchise relied heavily on Digvesh Rathi as its lead spinner in recent seasons, and adding an experienced bowler like Kuldeep Yadav would boost their bowling unit.

Kuldeep is currently with Delhi Capitals after being retained for ₹13.25 crore ahead of IPL 2026. While the details of the proposed deal remain unclear, the trade could have a major impact on both teams before the next IPL season.

Why England star named India batter his toughest IPL opponent

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Jofra Archer has revealed that KL Rahul is the toughest batter he has bowled to in the IPL, placing the India wicketkeeper-batter ahead of some of the biggest names in world cricket.

The England fast bowler made the admission during a recent appearance on The Super Over podcast, where he reflected on the most challenging opponents of his career.

Jofra Archer picks KL Rahul over Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma as toughest IPL opponent

Speaking on The Super Over podcast, Archer explained why Rahul stood out among the many elite batters he has faced.

Jofra Archer has bowled against the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, AB de Villiers and Jos Buttler in franchise cricket, but it was KL Rahul who left the biggest impression on him. The England pacer credited KL Rahul’s ability to play every type of delivery and score all around the ground during the peak years of his IPL career.

“Probably in my first few years in the IPL, I found KL, really hard to bowl at. I reckon, he was in his prime back then. I just felt, he could hit, any ball, anywhere to be honest. And he actually did,” Archer said.

KL Rahul has established himself as one of the most technically complete batters in Indian cricket, and Archer’s comments further underline the respect he enjoys among opposition bowlers.

Why Jofra Archer named KL Rahul his toughest IPL opponent – Stats breakdown

The numbers help explain Jofra Archer’s admiration for Rahul. In IPL, Rahul has scored 108 runs off just 73 balls against Archer at a blistering strike rate of 147.9. He has been dismissed only twice while smashing 13 fours and four sixes. Those figures translate into an average of 54.00 against one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket.

FormatRunsBallsOutsStrike RateAverage

In Test cricket, Archer has been unable to dismiss Rahul despite bowling 136 deliveries to him. Rahul has accumulated 50 runs without losing his wicket, highlighting his solid defensive technique against the England quick.

FormatRunsBallsOutsStrike Rate

The two have also faced each other once in T20 internationals, where Rahul scored six runs from 10 balls before being dismissed.

Overall, the head-to-head record shows Rahul has consistently managed to neutralize Archer’s pace and aggression, particularly in franchise cricket.

FormatRunsBallsOutsStrike Rate

Jofra Archer failed to help England beat New Zealand in 2nd Test

Archer’s latest outing for England ended in disappointment as New Zealand defeated the hosts by 253 runs in the second Test at The Oval.

The fast bowler picked up two wickets for 61 runs in New Zealand’s first innings before returning figures of three for 62 in the second innings. While Archer finished with five wickets in the match, he was unable to prevent New Zealand from posting scores of 391 and 362.

England replied with 291 in the first innings and were then bowled out for 209 while chasing a daunting target of 463. Matt Henry starred with the ball for New Zealand and was named Player of the Match as the visitors levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Jofra Archer’s match figures read:

InningsFiguresNew Zealand 1st innings2/61New Zealand 2nd innings3/62Match Figures5/123

KL Rahul performs decently in home series against Afghanistan

Rahul recently enjoyed a productive series against Afghanistan across formats. The right-handed batter registered a magnificent century in the one-off Test, scoring 100 runs and helping India secure a dominant victory. He then followed it up with an unbeaten 39 in the first ODI before enduring a rare failure in the second match of the series.

Despite the duck in the second ODI, KL Rahul finished the Afghanistan assignment with useful contributions and once again demonstrated his value across formats. His ability to adapt to different match situations continues to make him a key member of India’s batting unit ahead of the England tour.

Recent matches of KL Rahul:

MatchScoreFormatvs Afghanistan0ODIvs Afghanistan39*ODIvs Afghanistan100Test

Blockbuster MI-RR trade talks emerge

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Hardik Pandya could be on his way out of Mumbai Indians, with Yashasvi Jaiswal moving the other way in a straight swap being discussed between Mumbai and Rajasthan Royals. The proposed trade, which would send a senior India all-rounder to Rajasthan and bring a young opener back to his home city, is shaping up as one of the most significant transfers of the IPL 2027 build-up.

According to a report by RevSportz, Hardik Pandya is among the high-profile names whose future is under serious review. The all-rounder, who returned to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024 and captained the franchise for the last three seasons, is reportedly in advanced talks that could see him leave the franchise.

Hardik Pandya set to leave Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians’ struggles over the last three seasons have forced the franchise to rethink its future. Under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, MI finished 10th in IPL 2024, improved to fourth place in IPL 2025, and then slipped to ninth in IPL 2026.

While the 2025 season briefly offered hope with a playoff appearance, Mumbai failed to build on that momentum. The franchise won only four of its 14 league matches in IPL 2026 and ended the season with just eight points.

Hardik’s individual returns with the bat have also been modest. He scored 216 runs in IPL 2024, followed by 224 runs in IPL 2025 and 206 runs in IPL 2026. Although his leadership credentials remain respected across the league, Mumbai’s management is reportedly considering a fresh start after three underwhelming campaigns.

The RevSportz report stated that Hardik’s representatives are already engaged in discussions with Rajasthan Royals. The Royals, who recently underwent an ownership transition, are believed to be keen on acquiring a marquee Indian superstar capable of leading the franchise into a new era.

Yashasvi Jaiswal to be traded in for Hardik Pandya?

The biggest reason behind Mumbai’s interest in Yashasvi Jaiswal is their long-term planning at the top of the order.

Rohit Sharma is approaching the final phase of his IPL career, and Mumbai are eager to secure a long-term opening partner for the future. Jaiswal, who developed through Mumbai’s domestic cricket structure before making his name with Rajasthan Royals, fits that profile perfectly.

The left-handed opener has been one of the most consistent Indian batters in the IPL over the last few seasons. He scored 625 runs in IPL 2023, followed by 435 runs in IPL 2024, 559 runs in IPL 2025 and another 427 runs in IPL 2026.

His aggressive style, left-handed presence and age profile make him an attractive option for Mumbai as they look to build their next championship-winning core.

The report further claimed that Rajasthan Royals are motivated to land a marquee signing, which could make Hardik Pandya a central figure in any potential negotiations. While discussions are reportedly ongoing, no final agreement has been reached yet.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Hardik Pandya’s IPL stats

Yashasvi Jaiswal has established himself as one of the premier openers in the IPL. Across 83 matches, he has scored 2,593 runs at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 152.79. His record includes two centuries and 18 half-centuries, highlighting his ability to dominate attacks consistently.

Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, remains one of the league’s most accomplished all-rounders. In 162 IPL matches, he has scored 2,955 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 while contributing regularly with both bat and ball. His experience as a title-winning captain and match-winning all-rounder continues to make him one of the most valuable Indian players in the tournament.

Nothing has been signed off yet, and IPL trades of this scale usually take weeks to finalise once a review meeting is held. But if Rajasthan and Mumbai do agree terms, Hardik Pandya and Yashasvi Jaiswal would swap dressing rooms for IPL 2027, with both franchises getting exactly the player profile they currently lack.

3 IPL franchises where Hardik Pandya fits perfectly

The future of Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians has become one of the biggest talking points in the IPL ecosystem. Despite leading the franchise over the last two seasons, speculation surrounding his long-term future continues to grow, with several reports and social media discussions linking the star all-rounder with a potential move ahead of the next edition of the tournament.

Hardik’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his leadership experience, makes him one of the most sought-after players in the league.

Here are three IPL teams where Hardik Pandya could be a perfect fit:

3. Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (Photo Source: IPL)

Hardik Pandya’s brief interaction with CSK’s CEO Kasi Viswanathan after MI’s loss in IPL 2026 has already created a stir on social media regarding his possible switch to the Chennai-based franchise. Hardik Pandya brings in immense value as an all-rounder, especially with the bat. He is a rare commodity in Indian cricket and also one of the most marketable faces.

The five-time champions have been filling a void in their lower order after the departure of Ravindra Jadeja, and with MS Dhoni nearing his end as a player, Hardik remains a perfect choice. He also brings in a possible captaincy option, with Ruturaj Gaikwad failing to impress. If this trade gets done, Pandya will join the elusive list of players to play for both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Tilak Varma emerges as new Mumbai Indians captain amid leadership transition

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Tilak Varma has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become Mumbai Indians’ next captain, according to a RevSportz report.

The 23-year-old’s calm temperament and consistent run-scoring over the past four seasons have made him the franchise’s preferred choice as it plans a leadership change ahead of IPL 2027.

Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav to be released by Mumbai Indians

The report claimed that Mumbai Indians are preparing for a significant rebuild after three underwhelming seasons under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy.

Hardik took charge after returning from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024, but the results have not gone according to plan. Mumbai finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2024 with only four wins from 14 matches. They improved to fourth place in IPL 2025 and qualified for the playoffs, but crashed back down to ninth position in IPL 2026 after winning just four matches.

The report further stated that Hardik is in advanced talks regarding a potential move to Rajasthan Royals, with Yashasvi Jaiswal reportedly being discussed as part of a possible trade arrangement.

Suryakumar Yadav is also believed to be on the release radar. Despite being one of Mumbai’s most successful batters in recent years, the franchise reportedly feels it is time to begin transitioning towards a younger core. Multiple IPL teams are said to be monitoring the situation and are willing to offer him leadership responsibilities. If both exits materialise, it would mark the end of an era for Mumbai Indians.

Tilak Varma becomes frontrunner for Mumbai Indians captaincy role

With Mumbai Indians preparing for a generational transition, Tilak Varma has reportedly emerged as the clear favourite to become the franchise’s next captain.

The left-handed batter has been one of Mumbai’s most consistent performers since making his IPL debut in 2022. Despite the team’s struggles over the last few seasons, Tilak has continued to establish himself as one of the brightest young batters in Indian cricket.

The report described Tilak as the frontrunner to take over leadership duties as Mumbai look to build their next generation around younger stars.

At just 23 years of age, Tilak fits perfectly into the long-term vision that Mumbai Indians appear to be pursuing. His calm temperament, maturity and consistent performances have made him a highly respected figure within the squad.

If Mumbai move ahead with their reported rebuild plans, Tilak could become the face of the franchise for the next decade.

Tilak Varma IPL stats

Tilak Varma has enjoyed an impressive start to his IPL career since joining Mumbai Indians in 2022.

Across 68 IPL matches, the left-hander has scored 1,858 runs at an average of 35.73 and a strike rate of 144.70. He has registered one century and ten half-centuries while establishing himself as a dependable middle-order batter.

His best IPL season came in 2024 when he scored 416 runs at an average of 41.60. He followed that with 343 runs in IPL 2025 before scoring 359 runs in IPL 2026, including his maiden IPL century.

Tilak has crossed 300 runs in all four IPL seasons of his career so far, highlighting the consistency that has made him one of the most exciting young players in the tournament.

At 23, with four straight 300-run IPL seasons and a maiden century already to his name, Tilak Varma’s case for the armband is built on form rather than seniority. Mumbai’s review meeting will decide whether he gets the chance to prove it as captain.

Rohit Sharma’s IPL farewell season with Mumbai Indians likely in 2027

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Mumbai Indians could be edging closer to saying goodbye to the player who defined their golden era. According to a RevSportz report, Rohit Sharma’s playing career at the franchise he captained to five IPL titles may have just one season left in it.

With the franchise looking to build a younger core around emerging players, IPL 2027 could potentially become Rohit’s farewell season in Mumbai Indians colours.

Rohit Sharma enters final chapter of Mumbai Indians career

The RevSportz report stated that Rohit’s illustrious IPL playing career is officially entering its twilight years. Sources quoted in the report suggested that if the veteran decides to continue playing, it will likely be for one final season with Mumbai Indians.

Rohit remains the most successful captain in Mumbai Indians history, having led the franchise to five IPL titles and transformed them into one of the league’s dominant teams.

However, Mumbai Indians have struggled in recent years. Since winning the IPL title in 2020, the franchise has endured a prolonged trophy drought. The team finished last in IPL 2024, reached the playoffs in IPL 2025 before finishing fourth, and then slipped to ninth place in IPL 2026.

The report added that Rohit’s long-term future could eventually involve a mentorship or coaching role within the franchise, although no final decision has reportedly been taken. Much will depend on the status of his international career over the coming months.

Mumbai Indians preparing for life after Rohit Sharma with Yashasvi Jaiswal trade

Mumbai Indians are reportedly already planning for the future. The report claims the franchise is exploring a blockbuster trade involving Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Hardik Pandya is reportedly in advanced discussions regarding a move to Rajasthan Royals, with Jaiswal emerging as Mumbai’s preferred target in return.

The logic behind the move is straightforward. Jaiswal is one of India’s most exciting young batters and also has strong Mumbai cricket roots. At just 24 years old, he could become the long-term successor to Rohit at the top of the order.

The left-hander has been among the most consistent performers in the IPL over the last few seasons and is viewed as a cornerstone player for the future.

If the proposed trade materialises, Mumbai Indians would secure a ready-made replacement as they begin preparing for life after one of their greatest-ever players.

Rohit Sharma IPL stats

Rohit Sharma remains one of the most accomplished players in IPL history. Across 281 IPL matches, Rohit has scored 7,329 runs at an average of 29.91 and a strike rate of 132.91. His record includes two centuries, 49 half-centuries, 661 fours and 323 sixes.

In IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma scored 283 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.37 and a strike rate of 157.22 before his campaign was cut short. He also scored 418 runs in IPL 2025 and 417 runs in IPL 2024, showing that he continues to contribute significantly despite being in the latter stages of his career.

Whether IPL 2027 ultimately becomes Rohit’s final season remains to be seen. However, if the latest reports are accurate, Mumbai Indians may soon be preparing to bid farewell to the player who helped define the most successful era in the franchise’s history.

Suryakumar Yadav set for MI exit as rival teams offer captaincy

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Mumbai Indians could be on the verge of one of their biggest squad shake-ups in recent memory. A straightforward release would undersell what’s happening with Suryakumar Yadav. According to a RevSportz report, multiple IPL franchises are prepared to offer him the captaincy if Mumbai Indians let him go ahead of IPL 2027.

The report claims that Mumbai Indians are considering moving on from some of their established stars as they begin planning for the future. While no final decisions have been made, Suryakumar’s future at the franchise appears increasingly uncertain.

Suryakumar Yadav set to be released by Mumbai Indians

Suryakumar Yadav has enjoyed tremendous success with Mumbai Indians since returning to the franchise in 2018. He played a crucial role in multiple title-winning campaigns and established himself as one of the most destructive T20 batters in world cricket.

However, Mumbai’s disappointing IPL 2026 season has reportedly triggered discussions over the future direction of the team. The franchise finished ninth in the points table after managing only four wins from 14 league matches.

The RevSportz report stated that Suryakumar is among the players under review as Mumbai prepare for a new cycle. The former India T20I captain is now in his mid-thirties, and the franchise is believed to be considering younger options as part of its long-term strategy.

His IPL 2026 campaign was also below his usual standards. Suryakumar managed 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54. While those numbers would still be respectable for many players, they represented a noticeable dip compared to his outstanding performances in previous seasons.

The report added that a trade or release cannot be ruled out if Mumbai decide to accelerate their rebuilding plans.

Suryakumar Yadav receives captaincy offers from IPL teams

Even if Mumbai Indians decide to part ways with Suryakumar Yadav, the batter is unlikely to face any shortage of interest across the IPL.

According to the report, franchises from North and East India are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to make attractive offers to secure his services. More importantly, some teams are reportedly willing to hand Suryakumar the captaincy as part of their proposal.

That possibility could play a significant role in any future decision. Suryakumar has successfully led India in T20 internationals and remains one of the most respected senior players in the country.

With several franchises searching for experienced leaders ahead of IPL 2027, his availability would instantly make him one of the most sought-after players in the market.

For now, Mumbai Indians have not officially commented on the report, but the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining whether one of the franchise’s modern-day icons remains at Wankhede Stadium.

Suryakumar Yadav IPL stats

Suryakumar Yadav has built an exceptional IPL career across spells with Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. In 179 matches, he has scored 4,581 runs at an average of 33.68 and a strike rate of 148.58.

His record includes two centuries and 31 half-centuries, underlining his consistency and ability to dominate attacks in all phases of an innings.

The right-hander enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in IPL 2025, scoring 717 runs at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate approaching 168. He also registered 605 runs in IPL 2023 and 512 runs in IPL 2018, proving his value across multiple eras of the tournament.

The captaincy offers alone make this a decision bigger than just a release or a trade. Suryakumar would walk into a new franchise as a proven leader, not just a free agent, and that is the detail Mumbai’s review meeting will have to weigh most carefully.

Is Yuvraj Singh set to join Delhi Capitals? Reports suggest major coaching reshuffle ahead of IPL 2027

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh could be set for a new chapter in his cricketing journey, with reports indicating that he is likely to join Delhi Capitals (DC) as part of a major coaching overhaul ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. While the franchise has not made any official announcement yet, multiple reports suggest that significant changes are expected behind the scenes following another disappointing campaign.

Delhi Capitals finished sixth in IPL 2026 and once again missed out on the playoffs. As a result, the franchise appears ready to revamp its support staff as preparations begin for the next season. The expected changes come as operational control of the franchise shifts back to JSW Sports under the ownership arrangement between the team’s co-owners.

Reports hint at Yuvraj Singh’s arrival in Delhi Capitals coaching setup

According to reports, Yuvraj is being considered for the role of batting coach as part of Delhi Capitals’ new-look coaching group. If confirmed, it would mark the first formal coaching assignment of his career since retiring from international and franchise cricket in 2019. Although Yuvraj has never held an official coaching position, his influence on several current Indian stars has been widely acknowledged over the years.

Players such as Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh have frequently credited the former World Cup winner for helping them refine their batting and develop mentally as cricketers. Reports also indicate that Yuvraj played a role behind the scenes in discussions involving Rishabh Pant’s anticipated return to Delhi Capitals. Interestingly, Pant had reportedly expressed a desire to see Yuvraj involved with the franchise during earlier conversations with the management.

The former India all-rounder’s vast experience, combined with his reputation as a mentor for young batters, could make him a valuable addition to a team that has often struggled to maximize its batting potential in crucial moments.

Also READ: RCB CEO shares major update on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise

Delhi Capitals eye fresh start after another disappointing season

The expected coaching reshuffle follows a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign in which Delhi Capitals finished outside the playoff positions despite possessing a talented squad. Reports suggest that the current coaching group, which includes Venugopal Rao, Hemang Badani, Munaf Patel and Ian Bell, may not be retained for the upcoming season. Delhi Capitals remain one of the few original IPL franchises yet to win the tournament. Their best performance came in 2020 when they reached the final but fell short of lifting the trophy.

With IPL 2027 on the horizon, the franchise appears keen to reset its cricketing structure and build a stronger foundation for future success. While official confirmation is still awaited, reports linking Yuvraj with a coaching role have already generated significant excitement among fans eager to see the legendary all-rounder return to the IPL in a new capacity.

Also READ: 5 players Delhi Capitals might release ahead of IPL 2027

Rishabh Pant’s move to KKR collapsed after LSG demanded Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine: Reports

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Rishabh Pant’s proposed return to the Delhi Capitals has dominated IPL headlines over the last 24 hours, but the former Lucknow Super Giants captain was close to joining another franchise before the deal took shape.

Before Delhi Capitals emerged as the frontrunners, Kolkata Knight Riders explored the possibility of bringing Rishabh Pant to Eden Gardens ahead of IPL 2027. However, the negotiations never progressed beyond the initial stages after Lucknow Super Giants reportedly demanded some of KKR’s most valuable players in return.

With Rishabh Pant set to leave Lucknow after a disappointing two-year stint, multiple franchises were understood to be monitoring the situation. KKR were among the most interested teams, but LSG’s asking price proved too steep for the three-time IPL champions.

KKR walked away from Rishabh Pant deal after LSG’s massive trade demand

According to a report by RevSportz, Kolkata Knight Riders made a serious attempt to acquire Rishabh Pant before his reunion with Delhi Capitals gathered momentum.

However, discussions quickly broke down after Lucknow Super Giants demanded either Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine or Varun Chakravarthy as part of the trade package. The reported demand left KKR with a difficult decision.

Rinku Singh has become one of the franchise’s biggest stars and is widely regarded as the face of KKR’s future. Sunil Narine remains one of the most influential all-rounders in the IPL, while Varun Chakravarthy continues to be a key figure in their bowling attack.

Rather than breaking up the core that has been built over several seasons, KKR decided against pursuing the deal any further and walked away from negotiations.

The decision appears understandable given the value those players bring to the franchise. While Pant remains one of India’s biggest stars, sacrificing established match-winners like Rinku, Narine or Varun would have significantly weakened KKR’s balance heading into IPL 2027.

Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals explained

While the KKR move collapsed, Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals is now expected to become the first major trade ahead of IPL 2027.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Delhi Capitals are set to acquire Rishabh Pant from Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav. Pant, who was bought by LSG for INR 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, is expected to join DC on a revised salary of INR 15 crore.

The move comes after a difficult spell at Lucknow. Pant spent two seasons with the franchise but struggled both as captain and batter. Under his leadership, LSG won only 10 matches and lost 18. With the bat, he scored 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74, both below his career T20 standards.

His record at Delhi Capitals paints a completely different picture. Between 2021 and 2024, Pant led DC in 44 matches, winning 24 of them. During that period, he scored 1205 runs at an average of 35.44 and a strike rate close to 144.

How did Kolkata Knight Riders perform in IPL 2026?

KKR endured an inconsistent IPL 2026 campaign and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. The Kolkata-based franchise finished seventh in the points table with 13 points from 14 matches. They won six games, lost seven and had one no-result, ending the season with a net run rate of -0.147.

KKR’s campaign never really gained sustained momentum. They lost five of their first six matches before recovering strongly with victories over Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.

However, crucial defeats against Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals eventually proved costly. Their final league game ended in a heavy 40-run defeat to DC, effectively ending their playoff hopes.

KL Rahul told to leave Delhi Capitals as Rishabh Pant returns

Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul to seek an exit from Delhi Capitals (DC) if Rishabh Pant completes his reported return to the franchise ahead of IPL 2027. Ganesh believes Rahul should look for a team where he can continue to play a leading role rather than face uncertainty over his position.

According to the latest reports, the Delhi Capitals are working on a major trade involving Pant as they plan for the IPL 2027 season. The move has generated significant interest, with Pant’s possible return expected to the franchise. Rahul’s future has also become a major talking point amid these developments.

Dodda Ganesh Urges KL Rahul to Leave Delhi Capitals If Rishabh Pant Returns

Dodda Ganesh shared his views on the reported Rishabh Pant trade and its impact on Delhi Capitals. Ganesh said that KL Rahul should leave the franchise and enter the auction if Pant returns to the team.

“KL Rahul should ask for release and go to the auction if Pant comes back,” Ganesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

KL Rahul should ask for release and go to the auction if Pant comes back. https://t.co/oVyk9Q9mFQ

— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) June 19, 2026

KL Rahul enjoyed an excellent IPL 2026 season with Delhi Capitals. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 593 runs in 14 league matches at a strike rate of 174.41. His best performance came against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he smashed an unbeaten 152.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant endured a difficult campaign with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He scored 312 runs during the season after joining the franchise for INR 27 crore at the auction. Pant later stepped down as captain after LSG finished at the bottom of the points table.

Rishabh Pant Set for Delhi Capitals Reunion as Kuldeep Yadav Heads to LSG

Axar Patel captained Delhi Capitals in the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons. However, the franchise failed to reach the playoffs in both campaigns. Delhi finished sixth on the points table in IPL 2026, extending their wait for a playoff appearance under Axar’s leadership.

According to reports, Kuldeep Yadav will move to Lucknow Super Giants, with Rishabh Pant joining the Capitals. Kuldeep joined Delhi Capitals in 2022 but endured a difficult IPL 2026 season and eventually lost his place in the playing XI.

Rishabh Pant spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024, playing 111 matches for the franchise. He also captained the team in 43 matches across three seasons before Delhi released him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Delhi Capitals Plan Major Coaching Overhaul with Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh

Delhi Capitals are also making major changes to their coaching staff. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is expected to return to the franchise as the head of cricket operations under the JSW management group.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is also set to join the franchise’s coaching staff. The two-time World Cup winner worked closely with Rishabh Pant before the start of the 2026 domestic season and is expected to play a key role in Delhi’s new setup.

Meanwhile, current head coach Hemang Badani is unlikely to continue in his role after two seasons in charge. These changes are part of Delhi Capitals’ broader plan to rebuild the team and create a fresh strategy ahead of the IPL 2027 auction and season.

Mohammad Kaif slams Kuldeep Yadav-Rishabh Pant trade between DC and LSG

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The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defending their trophy, winning it for the second time, beating the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final. Now international cricket is back; however, the trades of the IPL news are coming as the squads start to build their teams. Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav have been in the news since yesterday.

The two players are involved in a trade where the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are reportedly in talks to exchange Rishabh Pant with Kuldeep Yadav and INR 15 crore. Rishabh Pant has already stepped down from the leadership role after last season’s disaster. The Southpaw could be on his way to his former franchise.

Kuldeep Yadav set to leave DC

Kuldeep Yadav, who had a poor 2026 IPL season, has reportedly been involved in the trade of Pant from LSG to DC. Apart from Kuldeep, there will be some additional cash in the deal, as Rishabh was brought for a hefty price of INR 27 crore by LSG. Now he wants to leave the franchise as well.

While speaking on a YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif stated that DC will make a massive mistake if they let go of Kuldeep Yadav. Sourav Ganguly is set to be appointed as the head coach, with Yuvraj Singh reportedly set to join as batting coach. Kaif also believes that the management should not judge him on the basis of one season.

There cannot be a bigger mistake than this- Mohammad Kaif on Kuldeep Yadav’s trade

“If Delhi send Kuldeep to LSG, there cannot be a bigger mistake than this. Forget this one year. You do not judge a player in one year. Ganguly is also there. He always says not to judge someone who is playing for ten years on the form of one season.”

DC is making mistake by trading @imkuldeep18 as told by @MohammadKaif pic.twitter.com/au58khUqL0

— Ravish Bisht (@ravishbofficial) June 20, 2026

Kaif also brought out the point where the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) did not back him after one poor season, and later, DC picked him in the auction, he completely changed and performed brilliantly on a small ground.

“If you panic at this time, which KKR did, Delhi picked Kuldeep and then see what he did except this one season. It will give you a clear picture,” he said on his YouTube channel.

It is difficult to find a bowler with his skill- Mohammad Kaif

“If Delhi has done this trade, no one supports Kuldeep when he is going through a bad time. Neither did KKR, nor did the Indian team. In the Indian team as well, he is the first to be dropped. It is difficult to find a bowler with his skill. You need to back the player. Delhi did not lose because of Kuldeep.”

“There were a lot of errors and one of the factor was of Kuldeep. If you out the blame on one player and put him out, it will be the biggest mistake if they let him go,” Mohammad Kaif added.

Kuldeep Yadav did not have the best of seasons as he picked 10 wickets, with an average of nearly 40 and an economy of 10.30. This was one of the reasons DC failed in the middle overs and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Ravi Bishnoi reveals why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is every bowler’s nightmare

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India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to leave everyone stunned, and now even his Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammate Ravi Bishnoi has also showered rich praise on the Bihar lad and has revealed just how difficult it is to bowl to him.

The 15-year-old batter’s explosive and fearless performances in the recent IPL 2026 have impressed not only teammates but also some of the best bowlers around him.

The Rajasthan Royals opener won the Orange Cap for his remarkable performance in IPL 2026, amassing 776 runs at an unbelievable strike rate of over 230.

Even Jofra Archer struggled against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Nets

Ravi Bishnoi said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is currently operating on a completely different level. The leg-spinner admitted that among all the batters he has bowled to, nobody is matching the confidence, timing, and control that the teenager is showing right now.

Bishnoi also shared that many Rajasthan Royals bowlers, including himself and Jofra Archer, regularly bowled to Vaibhav during practice sessions, and it was really tough for them to stop the left-hander during the IPL 2026. Given that WV Raman urged India to just play Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the UK tour.

No batter comes close: Ravi Bishnoi’s massive verdict on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

He also insisted that the youngster is not blindly swinging at every delivery, saying he carefully picks his shots, understands the situation, and attacks with remarkable confidence.

Ravi Bishnoi was quoted as saying by PTI: “He is so good at his job; I don’t think anyone else is even batting remotely close to as well as he does.

“I have bowled to many batters in the nets, but the way he is playing at the moment, I can’t see anyone near him because everyone has bowled to him in the nets, including myself, Jofra Archer, and the others, but with the freedom he bats, it’s not as if he is swinging his bat against every ball; he knows what he is doing, and he is so good at doing it rightly, which separates him from the rest.”

Ravi Bishnoi reveals Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 carnage

The spinner also pointed out that people often think Vaibhav only depends on big sixes, but in reality, his endless powerful shots left the RR bowlers frustrated during the practice session in the IPL 2026. He said if Vaibhav is hitting 10 sixes in the game, then he is hitting 100 of them in the nets.

Bishnoi highlighted how the bowlers were forced to use the yorkers right from the start because normal new-ball tactics didn’t trouble the youngster, and that makes him a special player.

He signed off by saying, “According to others, what constitutes a good ball is a six-hitting one for him, and that makes him special. He forces bowlers to use yorkers against him from the new ball, which makes the usage of the new ball redundant against him.”

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes big final before Ireland, England tour

Notably, Vaibhav is currently playing for India A in the ongoing one-day tri-series involving Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A. The opener has so far managed 14, 44, 21, and 38 in the four games, with the final against Sri Lanka. A schedule for Sunday, June 21, in Dambulla.

After the Sri Lanka tour, the teenager will travel to Ireland and England for the T20I series next month, followed by the Asian Games 2026 in Japan.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar shares his honest take on India’s T20I snub after remarkable IPL 2026 run

Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has opened up about his continuous omission from the national T20I setup, despite turning back the clock with a mesmerizing performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Following his stellar exploits with the ball, cricket pundits and fans heavily anticipated the 37-year-old’s comeback for the upcoming white-ball series against Ireland and England. However, the national selectors opted to look ahead, leaving the swing maestro out of the squad once again.

Bhuvneshwar, who wore the blue jersey last in late 2022, has maintained a remarkably philosophical and unbothered stance regarding the snub. Instead of expressing frustration, the experienced campaigner emphasized that his primary focus remains entirely on controlling what he can, which is his bowling execution and rhythm on the field.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar breaks silence on India T20I omission after outstanding IPL 2026 season

In a conversation with The Indian Express, Bhuvneshwar addressed the selection dilemma with his trademark calmness. He stated that he prefers to let his performances speak for themselves rather than publicizing his desire for a national recall. According to him, selection is a distinct administrative role, and he respects the boundaries between a player’s duty and a selector’s mandate.

“It’s my nature that I don’t want to show that I want to play. I think everyone is doing their job. Selectors are doing their job. I’m doing my job. It’s their responsibility to select. If they think I’m good enough, they will do their job,” Bhuvneshwar said.

Reflecting deeply on his international journey, the right-arm swing specialist expressed profound gratitude for the longevity of his career. Rather than harbouring bitterness over the current selection calls, he chose to focus on how fortunate he has been to represent India at the highest level for a decade—a feat very few cricketers achieve. He noted that if he hadn’t played as much as he did, he would be desperate for just a single chance, making him appreciate his journey all the more.

Also WATCH: IPL 2026: Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar steal the spotlight with hilarious dance moves at RCB’s title celebration

Bhuvneshwar’s record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign

The conversation surrounding Bhuvneshwar’s international return ignited purely due to his absolute destruction of batting lineups in IPL 2026. Spearheading the bowling attack for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Bhuvneshwar played a monumental role in guiding the franchise to a historic, successive IPL championship triumph.

The seasoned veteran was in lethal form throughout the tournament, providing crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay, squeezing runs in the middle overs, and executing precise yorkers at the death. Over the course of 16 high-intensity outings, Bhuvneshwar dismantled opposition batting orders to claim a staggering 28 wickets. What made this haul truly extraordinary was his efficiency, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.95 and an outstanding bowling average of 17.89. His standout performance of the season came against the Mumbai Indians, where he registered match-winning figures of 4/23.

While Team India’s transition phase means the selectors are prioritizing younger talent for the future, Bhuvneshwar’s masterclass in IPL 2026 proves that his skill set remains world-class. For now, the swing king remains content, letting his craft speak for itself while enjoying the game on his own terms.

Also READ: David Warner shares his heartfelt appreciation for Bhuvneshwar Kumar after RCB’s back-to-back title success in IPL

Rishabh Pant set to rejoin Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027? — Reports

The Indian Premier League (IPL) transfer window could witness one of its biggest developments in recent years, with reports suggesting that a prominent India wicketkeeper-batter may be involved in a blockbuster move ahead of IPL 2027. While no official confirmation has been made by the franchises or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), discussions surrounding a potential player swap have already generated significant interest among fans.

Despite entering the season with high expectations under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, the team struggled to make an impact and eventually finished at the bottom of the points table. As a result, changes in both leadership and squad composition are expected ahead of the next edition.

Reports suggest Rishabh Pant could return to Delhi Capitals

According to reports, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are likely to release Pant and send him back to his former franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), in what could become the first major trade ahead of IPL 2027. The proposed deal is expected to see left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav move in the opposite direction. Reports indicate that both franchises are currently completing the necessary formalities before the trade can be submitted for approval.

Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when LSG secured his services for INR 27 crore at the 2025 mega auction. However, his stint with the franchise did not go according to plan. Across two seasons, he scored 581 runs at an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 135.74 while leading the side in 28 matches, winning 10 and losing 18.

The wicketkeeper-batter reportedly informed the franchise of his intention to step down from captaincy shortly before the IPL 2026 final. The development followed comments from team management hinting at a possible leadership reset after another disappointing season.

Also READ: RCB CEO shares major update on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise

A reunion that could bring Pant back home

If the trade is approved, Pant would return to the franchise where his IPL journey began in 2016. During his previous stint with Delhi, he established himself as one of the league’s most destructive batters and eventually took over the captaincy. Between 2021 and 2024, Pant captained Delhi Capitals in 44 matches, guiding the side to 24 victories. He also enjoyed some of the most productive years of his IPL career with the franchise, scoring 1,205 runs as captain at an average of 35.44 and a strike rate of nearly 144.

For Delhi Capitals, the move would reunite them with a player who remains closely associated with the franchise and its fanbase. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants would strengthen their spin department with the addition of Kuldeep, who has claimed 72 wickets in 65 matches for Delhi since joining the franchise in 2022.

At this stage, the trade remains subject to official approval, and neither franchise has announced the move publicly. However, if completed, it could become one of the most significant player transfers in IPL history and a storyline that dominates discussions heading into IPL 2027.

Also READ: MLC 2026: Fans erupt as Tim Seifert powers Seattle Orcas to stunning chase against Washington Freedom

‘See you on the other side’

Star cricketer Riyan Parag has shared a crucial update on the condition of his shoulder after successfully undergoing a surgery. Parag had been facing a shoulder issue, which had also sidelined him from the Indian team after his international debut in 2024. However, he kept battling the recurring issue, often playing under pain and discomfort.

Now that his surgery is done, the cricketer has shown excitement to be returning back to the field as soon as he can. He will be required to prove his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before taking part in any international or domestic series. However, the selectors and fans will be keeping a keen eye on his recovery, rehabilitation and an eventual return to the field.

“Well, the shoulder finally won 😅. For everyone who’s been asking, the surgery is done and went well. The past two years have tested me in ways I never expected. There were good days, frustrating days, and days when simply getting through a game was a challenge. But I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” Parag posted on his official Instagram handle.

“Now comes a different challenge- recovery, rehab and patience. I’ll be back doing what I love soon. See you on the other side,” he wrote further in the caption of the post.

Check Riyan Parag’s latest Instagram post here

For the unversed, Parag was made the full-time captain of the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, and he did not disappoint at all, leading the side into the playoffs in his first attempt. The side finished third, losing out on a spot in the finals after a narrow loss against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.

Recently, Parag was also included in the India A squad and also offered a vice-captaincy role, but the shoulder issue had ruled him out of the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka. He was replaced by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has already impressed with a hundred and a half-century in two innings thus far. The focus will now be on the Assam all-rounder’s return to the field, though.

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Aakash Chopra shares his take on India fielding several GT players in one-off Test against Afghanistan

Team selections in Indian cricket rarely escape the intense scrutiny of fans and memes on social media. The narrative reached a fever pitch during India’s recent one-off Test match against Afghanistan, where a noticeable cluster of Gujarat Titans (GT) players featured in the playing XI. With Shubman Gill leading both the national side and the IPL franchise, a section of fans quickly alleged favouritism.

However, former India opener and seasoned commentator Aakash Chopra has stepped forward to debunk these bias claims, offering a refreshing and analytical perspective on how captaincy, performance, and trust intersect at the highest level of the game.

Aakash Chopra reacts to multiple Gujarat Titans stars being picked in India’s XI for Afghanistan Test

Addressing the social media chatter, Chopra acknowledged the wave of memes questioning the heavy GT presence in the squad. Fans jokingly wondered if the selection doors swung open easier for anyone wearing a Titans jersey under Gill’s leadership. While Chopra admitted that such a perception is visually understandable, he challenged the critics to look at the ground reality of the team sheet.

“I understand that one gets a feeling like that. But who would you have picked in their place is always the question you must ask,” Chopra noted on his YouTube channel.

Chopra systematically broken down the inclusion of key Gujarat Titans players, such as Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, and Sai Sudharsan. He argued that their selections were entirely based on merit, not franchise badges. Siraj and Krishna remain integral to India’s pace battery, while young spinner Suthar and batter Sai Sudharsan have consistently validated their spots through stellar domestic and transition-level performances. According to Chopra, these individuals would have walked into the XI regardless of whether Gill or KL Rahul was holding the captain’s armband.

“Familiarity doesn’t always breed contempt. Familiarity also breeds trust. In my opinion, it’s a matter of trust,” he added.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra explains why Ruturaj Gaikwad was not picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement for Afghanistan ODI series

The psychology of captaincy: How familiarity breeds trust in Indian cricket

To add deeper context, Chopra highlighted that choosing familiar faces is a historical norm in cricket, rather than a modern anomaly. He drew parallels to past eras, pointing out that under MS Dhoni’s legendary tenure, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players frequently formed the core of the Indian squad. Similarly, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma naturally leaned toward performers they observed closely at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), respectively.

Chopra explained that this trend is driven by professional psychology rather than unfair bias. When a captain or coach witnesses a player handling high-pressure situations up close over a two-month IPL season, they develop an intimate understanding of that player’s mental fortitude.

This dynamic extends to the coaching staff as well. Chopra pointed out that when Gautam Gambhir took over as India’s head coach after a highly successful championship run with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a few KKR players naturally transitioned into the national T20I framework. Ultimately, when the stakes are high in international cricket, leaders lean on the players they know they can rely on in the trenches.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra questions India’s decision on veteran pacer after latest T20I squad announcement

‘No compromises’ – Sunil Gavaskar wants BCCI to crack down on IPL no-show overseas stars

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to take strict action against overseas players who deliberately cite injuries and withdraw from tournaments after failing to secure regular playing opportunities. He noted that some cricketers tend to take the IPL for granted and return to their home countries midway through the season to participate in domestic competitions.

Gavaskar emphasised that such actions are unfair to franchises, as finding suitable replacements at an advanced stage of the tournament is an extremely difficult task. He added that teams invest significant resources in assembling their squads and should not be left struggling due to the premature departure of overseas players.

“The BCCI’s ban for two years on those who enter the auction and, after being picked, then withdraw at the last moment, not for injury but brownie points with their local media, is another good move. They should also ban those who come to the IPL and, when they find they aren’t being picked regularly, feign an injury and return home and then play in their domestic cricket even while the IPL is still going on,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

“Plenty of overseas players take the IPL for granted and sometimes, in connivance with their boards, make some excuse and not play in the full tournament as they agreed before they entered the auction. The franchise cannot go running around for a replacement at this late hour, and so has no option but to wait for the Board to release the player,” he added.

The former Indian captain further pointed out that foreign cricket boards receive a 10% commission on their players’ IPL earnings once they are bought at the auction. He suggested that players should be paid strictly in proportion to the number of matches they are available for during the tournament. Gavaskar also took a direct swipe at certain overseas cricketers, remarking that the IPL has often turned relatively ordinary players into millionaires.

“Remember, the boards get 10% of the player fee, not from the player. This is an additional cost to the franchise, and that is why it is important for BCCI to be firm and ensure this does not happen. Cutting the player’s fee according to the number of matches he is missing should also apply to the percentage that the overseas Boards get for their player,” Gavaskar wrote.

“The cricketing world has been ruled by the old powers without giving anything to the other Boards. Here, BCCI is giving to the Boards too, and so should be telling them not to take the helplessness of the franchise as a weakness and to cancel the contracts of those who don’t want to play the full tournament. No compromises. This is the IPL, not just the best T20 tournament in the world, but also the making of millionaires out of some really ordinary overseas players,” he concluded.

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5 players Kolkata Knight Riders might release ahead of IPL 2027

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) endured a frustrating IPL 2026 season, finishing seventh in the standings with only six victories from their 14 league matches. After entering the tournament with high expectations and a squad packed with proven match-winners, KKR failed to find consistency and missed out on the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

While the team showed glimpses of improvement during the latter half of the campaign, several expensive signings and fringe players failed to justify their places in the squad. With IPL 2027 preparations expected to begin soon, the franchise could look to free up valuable purse space and create room for fresh additions. Here are five players who might be released by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the next season.

5 players who might get released by KKR ahead of IPL 2027

1) Matheesha Pathirana

KKR invested heavily in Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana, securing his services for a whopping ₹18 crore. However, the move failed to deliver the desired results as injuries once again disrupted the pacer’s campaign. Pathirana featured in only one match during IPL 2026 and bowled just eight deliveries before suffering a hamstring injury.

He was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. While there is no doubt regarding his ability as a death-over specialist, his recurring fitness concerns could force KKR to reconsider such a massive investment. Releasing him would immediately provide the franchise with significant financial flexibility heading into IPL 2027.

2) Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra arrived at KKR as a highly-rated overseas option, but the New Zealand all-rounder never got an opportunity to showcase his abilities during the season. With Finn Allen, Cameron Green and several Indian batting options ahead of him in the pecking order, Ravindra spent the entire campaign on the bench. Although he was acquired at his base price of ₹2 crore, KKR may decide to release him and target a more specialized T20 player who better suits their squad balance and overseas combination.

3) Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep Singh struggled to make a significant impact whenever opportunities came his way during IPL 2026. The all-rounder managed only limited contributions with the bat and failed to establish himself as a reliable sixth bowling option. In six appearances, Ramandeep scored runs at a strike rate of just 120.58, hitting only eight fours and two sixes. His inability to provide consistent finishing power or contribute regularly with the ball could prompt KKR to move on and invest in a more dynamic Indian all-rounder ahead of next season.

4) Tejasvi Dahiya

KKR made a bold investment by signing uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tejasvi Dahiya for ₹3 crore. However, the youngster played only two matches during the season and managed just 12 runs. Most of his appearances came due to injury-related absences in the squad, and he remained on the fringes throughout the tournament. Given the premium amount spent on him and his limited role within the setup, Dahiya could be among the players released as KKR look to optimize their purse ahead of IPL 2027.

Also READ: 5 players Gujarat Titans might release ahead of IPL 2027

5) Tim Seifert

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert entered IPL 2026 with strong credentials following an impressive T20 World Cup campaign. However, his performances failed to match expectations. Seifert scored only 19 runs in three matches and struggled to make an impact at the top of the order. Once Allen reclaimed his place and cemented the opening role, Seifert found himself out of contention. With Allen likely to remain KKR’s preferred opening option and other overseas players competing for spots, Seifert could be released ahead of the next auction.

Major squad reshuffle could be on the cards

KKR’s management is expected to undertake a detailed review of their IPL 2026 campaign before finalizing plans for next season. While the franchise is likely to continue building around key players such as Ajinkya Rahane, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Green and Allen, several peripheral members of the squad could make way for new signings.

The primary objective for Kolkata ahead of IPL 2027 will be strengthening their fast-bowling department, improving middle-order firepower and ensuring better squad depth. Releasing underperforming players and expensive investments that failed to deliver could help the Knight Riders create the flexibility required to mount a stronger challenge next season.

Also READ: 5 players Delhi Capitals might release ahead of IPL 2027

‘I don’t want to show that I want to play’

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has broken his silence on his continued exclusion from India’s T20I setup despite delivering a standout performance in the recently concluded IPL 2026. His impressive bowling displays had sparked widespread calls for a national comeback ahead of the white-ball series against Ireland and England. However, the selectors chose to persist with a younger group, leaving the veteran seamer out of the squad once again.

Bhuvneshwar, who last represented India in late 2022, adopted a composed and pragmatic outlook on the setback. Rather than dwelling on the omission, the 37-year-old stressed that his focus remains firmly on aspects within his control, his performance and consistency on the field.

Addressing the selection debate, Bhuvneshwar reiterated that he prefers to let his performances do the talking instead of publicly campaigning for a return to the national side. He acknowledged that team selection is the responsibility of the selectors and maintained that a player’s role is to perform to the best of their ability whenever given an opportunity.

Leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling attack, Bhuvneshwar played a pivotal role in helping the franchise secure a historic back-to-back IPL title. The veteran pacer was instrumental throughout the campaign, striking regularly in the powerplay, maintaining control during the middle overs, and delivering pinpoint yorkers at the death.

Across 16 appearances, Bhuvneshwar picked up an impressive 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95 and a remarkable average of 17.89, consistently troubling opposition batters with his experience and skill. His best performance of the season came against the Mumbai Indians, where he produced a match-winning spell of 4/23.

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JioStar takes IPL 2026 reach to an all-time high of over 1.2 Billion

~ 19th season of IPL becomes the most-watched ever_
~ Connected TV emerged as the fastest-growing consumption platform with a 22% Y-o-Y growth
~ The 2026 Final became the most-watched match in IPL across screens

Mumbai, June 15, 2026: JioStar today announced another landmark season for the IPL, as the recently concluded season became the most-watched ever in the league’s history. Besides delivering record-breaking growth across television and digital platforms, JioStar reaffirmed the league’s position as India’s biggest sporting and entertainment spectacle.

IPL 2026 reach soared over an astounding 1.2 billion, reflecting a growth of 7% year-on-year. The season, marked by new heroes, never-before-seen performances, and compelling sub-plots, kept viewers glued to screens as watch-time touched 870 billion minutes. The IPL 2026 Final, which culminated in Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifting the trophy for a second consecutive year, delivered a viewership double, becoming the most-watched IPL match ever, reaching over 400 million across screens.

The 2026 season witnessed strong growth across digital screens. Connected TV continued its rapid ascent, growing by 22%, underscoring the rapid convergence of television-scale reach with digital precision for advertisers. Digital video views reached 25 billion, marking an 8% year-on-year increase. Growth of digital was particularly fuelled by two audience segments, namely affluent consumers and young viewers, reinforcing the IPL’s ability to attract premium consumers and future-facing audiences at an unparalleled scale. Regional language watch-time share went up by 33% on digital.

Speaking on the record viewership for IPL 2026, Ishan Chatterjee, CEO, JioStar, Sports, said, “ IPL 2026 was a season where we set out on our journey of what a truly integrated sports platform should look like. Our endeavour was to make every screen, every interaction, and every moment meaningful, so that fans are not only watching sports on our platform but also interacting with it in ways that are deeply contextual and personal. The season-ending data is a testament to the efforts we made across platforms, with CTV’s communal experience and regional-language presentation becoming unprecedented growth drivers. The final outcome was yet another IPL edition that opened up new possibilities for sponsors, advertisers, distribution partners, and, more importantly, the fans; none of this would have been possible without their faith and the BCCI’s unwavering partnership.”_

JioStar’s presentation of the 19th edition of IPL blended innovation with viewing experiences that spoke to the evolving needs and preferences of the fan. From 12 languages, a multi-cam experience, and 30 feeds to the newly introduced “Champions Wali Commentary,” which brought together legends, former champions, and leading voices of the game, fans were able to customise and enhance their viewing experience with a plethora of options at the tap of a screen.

The seamless integration of OpenAI and Swiggy into the IPL experience this season enabled each viewer to enjoy live sports in a more personal and intuitive way. It also enabled brands to contextually participate in the viewer’s experience. JioStar’s presentation of IPL 2026 was bolstered by 125 new advertisers compared to last season, even as 22 sponsors partnered with JioHotstar while 16 came on-board Star Sports Network.

With another landmark season of the IPL successfully completed, JioStar is currently bringing the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to viewers from June 12 to July 5, while the Men in Blue will embark on a white-ball tour of England for 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs, July 1 onwards.

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Harbhajan Singh takes veiled dig at Sreesanth after explosive boxing challenge

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The ‘Slap Gate’ controversy just gets another layer as Harbhajan Singh shares a cryptic Instagram post shortly after Santhakumaran Sreesanth’s controversial claims. The former Indian pacer claims that his former India teammate has earned a hefty amount of money from an ad that hints at the controversial episode between them.

Although Harbhajan Singh does not name anyone in his latest Instagram post, it is the timing of the post that forced cricket fans to link up with Sreesanth’s latest comments.

Harbhajan Singh shares a cryptic video

Harbhajan Singh shares a meaningful Hindi line, which means the empty vessels make the most of the noise. “Kisine bohot khub kaha hain ki karne do jo log bakwaas karte hain, humesha khali bartaan hi to awaaz karte hain (Someone has rightly said, let people talk nonsense, it is always the empty vessels that make noise),” Harbhajan Singh says this line in Shayari style.

What was the slap gate incident?

The infamous ‘Slap Gate’ incident took place after an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in 2008 when Singh used to play for the Mumbai Indians, and Sreesanth was with the Kings XI Punjab (now the Punjab Kings). The controversial episode was staged after the match, when the camera spotted the seamer in tears on the ground.

The spinner was alleged to have slapped S Sreesanth, for which he served a suspension for the remainder of the season. Later, he made an apology for the action he took against the opposing team’s bowler.

It has been almost 18 years since the incident took place. As it says, time heals the pain; both of the cricketers seem to have long left the controversial chapter behind. In multiple instances, Harbhajan Singh expressed regret for the incident, while S Sreesanth also kept himself calm over the years.

Sreesanth’s open challenge to Harbhajan for a boxing match

But the recent comments suggest that Sreesanth is yet to recover from the incident. While referring to an old promotional image of the pair wearing boxing gloves, Sreesanth issues an open challenge to Harbhajan for an actual in-ring boxing match with gloves on. The former pace bowler also mentions that he was serious about the open challenge.

“This same scene, do you have the guts? Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Can you sign and come? Wearing these same gloves? This is not acting. I am smiling. You are not even smiling. I don’t know what you are doing. Let’s see. This is an open challenge,” S Sreesanth says during his latest appearance on Lallantop.

Sreesanth further mentions in the discussion that he remained silent for years over the slap gate incident, but the advertisement featuring his former teammate sparked the fire inside him again. According to him, from that ad, Harbhajan earned around INR 80 lakhs to INR 1 crore.

The former fast bowler also informs that since he watched the advertisement, he cut off all connections with Harbhajan, lost all respect for him, and blocked him on Instagram as well.

Prabhsimran Singh breaks silence on Arshdeep Singh-Tilak Varma IPL 2026 controversy

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 produced several memorable moments on the field, but it also witnessed a few incidents that sparked intense discussions away from the game. One such episode involved Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Arshdeep Singh and Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tilak Varma, with a viral social media clip leading to widespread debate among fans and former cricketers.

Weeks after the controversy dominated headlines, Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh has now offered his perspective on the matter. Having shared the dressing room with Arshdeep for several years, Prabhsimran shed light on the relationship between the two Indian stars and explained why outsiders may not have had the full context of the situation.

Prabhsimran Singh shares his take on Arshdeep Singh-Tilak Varma controversy

The controversy emerged ahead of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala. In a social media video, Arshdeep referred to Tilak as “Andhere” and made a joke involving sunscreen before calling MI batter Naman Dhir the “asli noor.” The clip quickly went viral and generated mixed reactions across social media platforms.

While some fans viewed the comments as friendly banter between close friends, others criticised the remarks and accused the left-arm pacer of crossing the line. The debate intensified after former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan publicly called for action against Arshdeep. Speaking exclusively to InsideSport, Prabhsimran stressed that the bond between Arshdeep and Tilak should not be overlooked while judging the incident.

“They (Arshdeep Singh and Tilak Varma) are really good friends. They can do anything between each other. It also depends on us as to how we take personal things. The two have played so much cricket together, so people should leave the matter to them,” Prabhsimran said.

His comments suggest that those within the cricketing fraternity viewed the exchange differently from many observers on social media, where the clip quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the season.

Also READ: Here’s why India A faced 10-run penality during tri-series clash against Sri Lanka A

Prabhsimran opens up on Arshdeep’s reaction to the backlash

The controversy remained in the spotlight for several days. Interestingly, Mumbai Indians later posted a video featuring Tilak walking from darkness into light following a victory over Punjab Kings, with many fans interpreting it as a subtle response to the earlier remarks. Around the same period, Arshdeep also found himself in the news for another off-field incident involving content from a vlog. Despite the scrutiny and online criticism, Prabhsimran revealed that his teammate remained unfazed throughout the episode.

“No (Arshdeep wasn’t affected). It’s a good thing about his character that he remains the same way in both highs and lows. Everyone knows how hard-working he is. Now that’ll be wrong if you judge his cricket performances because of his life incidents,” Prabhsimran said.

Meanwhile, both Arshdeep and Tilak have continued to share the Indian dressing room at the international level. The duo were part of India’s successful T20 World Cup 2026 campaign and are expected to reunite once again during India’s upcoming white-ball assignments against Ireland and England later this month.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin praises selectors for spotting India’s newest pace sensation ahead of 2nd ODI against Afghanistan

Sreesanth challenges Harbhajan Singh to boxing match, reignites IPL Slapgate controversy

Former India cricketer Sreesanth has openly challenged Harbhajan Singh to a boxing match in an attempt to settle their long-running differences. The remarks have once again brought attention to the infamous “Slapgate” controversy that took place during the 2008 IPL season.

The dispute between the two former India teammates dates back to an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2008, when Harbhajan was accused of slapping Sreesanth after the game, leading to one of the biggest controversies in IPL history.

Do You Have the Guts to Come Into the Ring With Me? – Sreesanth Challenges Harbhajan Singh

During the Lallantop podcast, Sreesanth reacted to an old promotional photo featuring himself and Harbhajan Singh in boxing gloves. The former India pacer challenged Harbhajan to step into a boxing ring and settle their long-standing differences face-to-face.

“This same scene, do you have the guts? Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Can you sign and come? Can you? I am asking him. Do you have the guts to come into the ring with me? Wearing this same gloves… This is not acting, I am smiling. You are not even smiling, I don’t know what you are doing. Let’s see. This is an open challenge.”

Following the breakdown of their relationship, Sreesanth cut all contact with Harbhajan and blocked him across communication platforms. He also accused Harbhajan of benefiting from the controversy.

I Am Challenging You, Bhajji” – Sreesanth

Sreesanth insisted that his challenge to Harbhajan Singh is serious and not a publicity stunt. The former India pacer said that he is prepared to face Harbhajan in a boxing ring.

“I am currently in the Bear Knuckle Fight League, and I am also one of the main sponsors of Conor McGregor’s video; one of my good friends sponsored it, so the promotion is also done. I am challenging you, Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh).”

The former fast bowler claimed the commercial reopened old wounds and reignited their long-running dispute. Sreesanth also alleged that Harbhajan received around ₹1 crore for appearing in the advertisement.

If You Have This Much of a Problem… – Sreesanth

The former Kerala pacer said that he wants to settle his differences with Harbhajan Singh directly rather than through advertisements or public remarks. He said that his boxing challenge is a matter of self-respect and urged Harbhajan to face him in the ring.

“I challenge you, Bhajji. If you have this much of a problem with the slap thing and me, and you earn this much… let me earn too. Come into the ring. I am calling you from my heart. If we have some self-respect, let’s not do ads and all that. In a genuine way, for all the Malayalis and all the Sardars, please come. I am waiting.”

Harbhajan was punished for slapping Sreesanth after the ‘Slapgate’ incident. The spinner then publicly apologized for the incident, and the two former India teammates appeared together at several promotional events. At the time of writing, Harbhajan has not responded publicly to Sreesanth’s boxing challenge.

Zaheer Khan heaps praise on Vaibhav Suryavanshi after sensational IPL 2026 campaign

The remarkable rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi in IPL 2026 continues to attract praise from some of the biggest names in cricket. The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener emerged as one of the standout performers of the season, producing breathtaking displays with the bat and establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in the game.

The teenager’s fearless approach and ability to dominate experienced bowlers made him one of the biggest talking points of the tournament. His performances not only helped Rajasthan Royals remain competitive throughout the season but also sparked discussions about his future with the Indian team.

Zaheer Khan highlights what makes Vaibhav Suryavanshi special

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan was full of admiration for the young opener and pointed out that there is something unique about the way he approaches the game. The former Indian fast bowler stated that Vaibhav has consistently troubled opposition bowlers with his aggressive intent while also showing maturity beyond his years.

According to Zaheer, scoring more than 700 runs in a single IPL season is a massive achievement, especially for someone so young. He explained that once a batter starts dominating a tournament, opposition teams begin developing specific plans to target them. However, Vaibhav managed to overcome those challenges and continued scoring runs throughout the campaign.

Speaking about the youngster on Sports Tak, Zaheer said, “Vaibhav mein kuch alag hai… IPL mein dhamaka kiya hai. Agar sahi mahaul mila toh bahut aage jaayega.” The former India pacer believes the teenager possesses a unique quality that separates him from many players of his age and has the potential to achieve great success if nurtured in the right environment.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin shares his thoughts on the fiery SL-A vs IND-A encounter involving Vaibhav Suryavanshi

A record-breaking IPL season for the Rajasthan Royals opener

Vaibhav enjoyed a historic IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals. The young batter finished as the Orange Cap winner after accumulating 776 runs in 16 matches while maintaining a stunning strike rate of over 237. His fearless strokeplay, clean ball-striking and ability to attack bowlers from the very first ball made him one of the most destructive batters in the competition. Time and again, he delivered match-winning performances and entertained fans with his aggressive brand of cricket.

Zaheer further emphasised that being considered for the Indian setup is a significant reward for the hard work Vaibhav has put in over the past year. He added that if the youngster continues to receive proper guidance and develops in the right environment, he has the potential to achieve great things in international cricket.

With growing support from former players and experts, expectations around Vaibhav continue to rise. However, his IPL 2026 performances have already shown that he possesses the talent, confidence and temperament needed to become one of Indian cricket’s biggest stars in the years ahead.

Also WATCH: Vaibhav Suryavanshi steps in as Tilak Varma clashes with umpires during SL-A vs IND-A match

‘People should leave the matter to them’

June 20, 2026July 20, 2026 admin_diagrid Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 delivered plenty of unforgettable moments on the field, and off it as well. Among them was the controversy involving Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Arshdeep Singh and Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma, which sparked widespread debate across social media.

Several weeks after the incident made headlines, Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh has shared his views on the matter. The wicketkeeper-batter, who has spent years alongside Arshdeep in the PBKS setup, defended his teammate and highlighted the close friendship between the two Indian cricketers.

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The controversy stemmed from a social media clip that surfaced ahead of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 encounter against Mumbai Indians in Dharamsala. In the video, Arshdeep jokingly referred to Tilak as “Andhere” while making a light-hearted comment involving sunscreen. He also called Mumbai Indians batter Naman Dhir the “asli noor.”

The clip quickly went viral and divided opinion among cricket fans. While many viewed the exchange as harmless banter between close friends, others criticised the remarks as casual racism. The debate gained further momentum after former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan publicly expressed his displeasure and called for action against the PBKS pacer.

Prabhsimran urged people not to judge the incident without understanding the relationship shared by Arshdeep and Tilak.

“They are really good friends. They can do anything between each other. It also depends on us as to how we take personal things. The two have played so much cricket together, so people should leave the matter to them,” Prabhsimran said to InsideSport in an exclusive interview.

The PBKS opener emphasised that the friendship between the two players has been built over years of playing together, and external opinions should not outweigh their personal understanding.

Around the same period, Arshdeep also attracted attention due to another off-field issue linked to content from a vlog. However, according to Prabhsimran, the left-arm pacer remained unfazed despite the criticism and scrutiny he faced online.

“No. It’s a good thing about his character that he remains the same way in both highs and lows. Everyone knows how hard-working he is. Now that’ll be wrong if you judge his cricket performances because of his life incidents,” he added.

Prabhsimran praised Arshdeep’s ability to stay focused on his cricket regardless of the noise surrounding him and credited his calm temperament for handling such situations effectively.

Despite the controversy, both Arshdeep and Tilak have continued to enjoy success at the international level. The pair was part of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 squad and remains an integral part of in India’s white-ball plans.

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Star batter expected to make his comeback in England ODI series

Team India batter Virat Kohli is making steady progress in his recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL 2026 final. According to a Times of India report, the former India captain has already begun his rehabilitation program and is expected to return for India’s upcoming ODI series against England.

The 37-year-old missed the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan because of the injury, with Yashasvi Jaiswal replacing him in the squad. Kohli is currently in London, where he recently met his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Jordan Cox ahead of England’s second Test match against New Zealand.

Virat Kohli Recovering Well From Hamstring Injury Ahead of England ODIs

According to the Times of India, Virat Kohli is recovering well from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan. The report stated that the former India captain will make his return to Team India.

“Kohli has started his rehabilitation, and his injury is healing quickly. He is expected to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence for his fitness assessment and clearance soon. If his recovery goes as planned, Kohli is expected to make his comeback to the team in the upcoming England series,” a source said.

Virat Kohli suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 final, where he played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign. The former India captain remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls against the Gujarat Titans, helping RCB chase down a target of 156 and lift the trophy.

Kohli scored 675 runs in 16 matches for RCB at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.31. During the tournament, he also became the first player in IPL history to cross 9,000 career runs.

Selection Committee Meeting to Pick India’s ODI Team – Devajit Saikia

The BCCI selection committee is set to meet soon to finalize India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the selectors will announce the squad within the next few days.

“The selection committee meeting to pick India’s ODI team for the England tour will be held in the next three to four days.”

India and England will face each other in a three-match ODI series from July 14 to July 19. The matches will be played at three major venues in the United Kingdom, with fixtures scheduled in Birmingham, Cardiff, and Lord’s.

He Might Be Fit for That England One-Day Series – Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke about Virat Kohli’s fitness while announcing India’s squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan. Agarkar said the BCCI has not received a clear recovery timeline.

“With Virat, it’s just been less than a week since he injured himself in the IPL final. We don’t know the timelines yet. But it looks like he might be fit for that England one-day series. It’s not a definitive answer, so don’t hold me to it. I haven’t had a clear timeline from the physio yet.”

As part of his recovery process, Kohli is consulting Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwalla, one of India’s leading orthopedic specialists. Dr. Pardiwalla works at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai and serves as the BCCI’s chief orthopedic consultant.

[WATCH] Virat Kohli shares time with RCB teammate Jordan Cox before crucial Test debut

Former India captain Virat Kohli was recently spotted with England youngster Jordan Cox, his teammate at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, during a meeting in London. Kohli is currently in the United Kingdom undergoing rehabilitation for a hamstring injury that he reportedly sustained during the IPL final. The veteran batter is expected to recover in time for India’s upcoming assignment against England in July.

The meeting attracted significant attention as it took place just hours before Cox’s anticipated Test debut against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on July 17. Photographs of the two cricketers chatting at a London restaurant quickly went viral on social media.

Kohli enjoyed another productive IPL season, scoring 675 runs, while Cox did not feature in a single match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Although the details of their conversation remain unknown, many fans speculated that Kohli may have shared valuable advice with the young English batter ahead of a potentially career-defining moment.

Since retiring from Test cricket last year, Kohli has largely maintained a low public profile. Having shifted his base to London, he is frequently seen spending time with his family during breaks from cricket. Before returning to competitive action, he will be required to obtain fitness clearance from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Cox is set to benefit from significant changes in England’s squad for the second Test. England have announced several alterations to the playing XI, including multiple debutants and a number of changes from the side that won the opening Test at Lord’s.

Reports have also emerged regarding disciplinary issues involving England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson. According to media reports, both players were left out following an alleged breach of team curfew and an incident at a nightclub. However, British media outlets have suggested that neither player was the aggressor and that a rugby academy player was responsible for initiating the confrontation. An investigation into the matter is reportedly ongoing.

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Kuldeep Yadav set to join LSG ahead of IPL 2027

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Kuldeep Yadav is likely to change teams ahead of the IPL 2027 season. According to a Times of India report, the experienced Team India spinner is all set to leave the Delhi Capitals (DC) to join hands with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

This possible move makes sense, as under the leadership of Axar Patel in 2026, Kuldeep Yadav, one of the best spinners across the formats, sustained one of the most underwhelming seasons with DC. He leaked runs, missed his flair, and most importantly, the skipper’s decision to use his bowlers was in question.

Why LSG should sign Kuldeep Yadav?

On the other side, LSG, which finished IPL 2026 as the 10th team in the 10-team league, needs a prolific spinner. Digvesh Rathi was their frontline spinner in the previous season, who was not effective enough in IPL 2026.

Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants are among the franchises that are likely to make multiple changes to their squad. The departure of Kuldeep Yadav will be massive. Official announcements from DC and LSG are yet to come.

Kuldeep could be the lead spinner in LSG?

Rathi was among the hottest prospects during the 2025 season when he took 14 wickets in 13 matches for an economy rate of 8.25. In the following season, when he was LSG’s leading spinner, he captured only 5 scalps in 10 matches and as many innings with an economy rate of 10.17. The Delhi-born’s wicket-tally not only decreased, but also leaked runs in most of the matches he played during the previous season.

As Rathi failed to impress in his solo lone, it is obvious that the franchise will go for a prolific spinner to strengthen their bowling department. Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion will bring variety, experience, and skills to the team.

Kuldeep Yadav was one of the most vital elements for the Delhi Capitals in the 2025 and 2026 seasons of the Indian Premier League. The IPL 2025 was brilliant for Yadav in terms of taking wickets and maintaining a good economy rate.

DC retained the spinner for INR 13.25 crore ahead of IPL 2025. In 2025, the 31-year-old claimed 15 wickets in 13 innings with an economy rate of 7.07. Yadav joined the Delhi-based franchise ahead of the 2022 season after spending five seasons with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

IPL 2027 was simply not among the best of Kuldeep, as he took 10 wickets in 11 innings against an economy rate of over ten. In a back-to-back season, DC displayed some promising cricket, but due to a lack of consistency, they missed a spot in the play-offs.

LSG will have to appoint a new captain as well

While DC showed some promising cricket, the Lucknow Super Giants were far from their expectations. With Rishabh Pant as their captain for a price tag of INR 27 crore, in the previous two seasons, the team finished their campaigns in the bottom half of the points table. Ahead of the 2027 season, they will have to appoint a new captain as Rishabh Pant has stepped down from the role.

Rishabh Pant set for Delhi Capitals return; Kuldeep Yadav likely to join Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2027

The Indian Premier League (IPL) transfer market is already beginning to generate buzz ahead of the 2027 season, with two major Indian stars reportedly on the move. As reported by the Times of India, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely to make a return to Delhi Capitals (DC), while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Pant’s potential homecoming to Delhi comes after a difficult two-year stint with Lucknow. The explosive batter became the most expensive player in IPL history when LSG secured his services for INR 27 crore ahead of the 2025 auction. However, things did not go according to plan for either Pant or the franchise.

The southpaw endured underwhelming campaigns with the bat, scoring 269 runs in IPL 2025 before managing 312 runs in the 2026 edition. Lucknow also struggled collectively, finishing seventh in 2025 and ending at the bottom of the table in the recently concluded season. Following the disappointing campaign, Pant stepped down from the captaincy role.

Reports suggest that Pant himself initiated discussions regarding his exit, with the franchise agreeing to his request. While a return to Delhi Capitals appears increasingly likely, it remains unclear whether the 29-year-old will immediately reclaim the captaincy role. The franchise is reportedly evaluating its leadership options, with KL Rahul emerging as a strong contender for the position.

Kuldeep Yadav likely to swap Delhi for Lucknow

Meanwhile, another significant development could see Kuldeep Yadav leave Delhi Capitals after a successful five-year association. The spinner was retained by DC for INR 13.25 crore ahead of IPL 2025 and has been one of the franchise’s most reliable performers since joining in 2022.

Kuldeep played a key role in reviving his white-ball career during his time with Delhi and consistently delivered impactful performances. His standout season came in 2022, when he picked up 21 wickets in just 14 matches. He followed that campaign with wicket tallies of 10, 16, 15, and 10 in the subsequent editions, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier spin bowlers.

Lucknow Super Giants are now reportedly keen to bring the experienced spinner into their setup as part of a larger squad overhaul ahead of IPL 2027. With Pant expected to move in the opposite direction, the two franchises could be set for one of the biggest transfer stories in IPL history.

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KL Rahul set to replace Axar Patel as Delhi Capitals captain

Wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to captain Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2027 season. Following an impressive batting campaign in the IPL 2026 season, the franchise is considering the senior batter as a long-term leadership option.

Delhi Capitals endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign under Axar Patel’s captaincy. The Delhi-based team finished sixth in the points table and missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season, prompting the franchise to review its leadership plans ahead of the next edition.

KL Rahul Emerging as a Strong Choice for Delhi Capitals Captaincy

According to a Times of India report, KL Rahul has emerged as a leading contender to take over the Delhi Capitals captaincy ahead of IPL 2027. While the franchise is yet to make a final decision, management is expected to hold further discussions on its leadership plans in the coming months.

“It is still early days and the franchise will likely have more discussions on this front in the coming days. KL Rahul is emerging as a strong choice for management, but no decision has been made regarding this,” the report stated.

Rahul enjoyed an excellent IPL 2026 campaign and answered his critics with an aggressive approach at the crease. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 593 runs in 14 innings for Delhi Capitals at an average of 45.62 and an impressive strike rate of 174.41.

KL Rahul Brings Proven IPL Captaincy Experience to Delhi Capitals

KL Rahul brings plenty of captaincy experience, having led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants across five IPL seasons. In 64 matches as captain, he has registered 31 wins and 31 losses, while two matches ended in ties or no results, giving him a 50% win rate.

Rahul captained Punjab Kings from 2020 to 2021. The team won 12 of 28 matches, lost 14, and recorded two ties. Despite Rahul winning the Orange Cap in 2020, Punjab finished sixth in both seasons and missed the playoffs.

He enjoyed greater success with LSG between 2022 and 2024. Rahul led the side in 36 matches, winning 19 and losing 17. He guided Lucknow to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, but the team was eliminated in the Eliminator both times. In 2024, Lucknow finished seventh and missed out on the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 Campaign Ended in Another Playoff Miss

Delhi Capitals endured another disappointing IPL season, missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. They began with six-wicket wins over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, but close losses to Gujarat Titans by 1 run and Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs halted their momentum.

Delhi registered wins against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. However, they suffered defeats to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Delhi finished strongly with victories over Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the late resurgence came too late to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Also read: Raj Kundra demands BCCI probe into Rajasthan Royals ownership, makes explosive Lalit Modi allegation

Robin Uthappa makes bold prediction about Suryakumar Yadav’s IPL future

The future of Mumbai Indians (MI) star Suryakumar Yadav has become a major talking point in Indian cricket over the past few months. The star batter, who captained India to the T20 World Cup 2026 title earlier this year, has faced a challenging period since then. He was left out of India’s squads for the upcoming assignments against Ireland, England and the Asian Games, while his disappointing IPL 2026 campaign has further intensified discussions about his place in the T20 setup.

Speculation surrounding the star gathered momentum after he briefly unfollowed the franchise on Instagram before later re-following them. Although there has been no official indication that Suryakumar is considering a move away from Mumbai Indians, the incident fuelled widespread rumours among fans and experts regarding his long-term future in the IPL.

Robin Uthappa shares his prediction on Suryakumar Yadav

Former India batter Robin Uthappa recently weighed in on the discussion and made a bold prediction about Suryakumar’s future in the league. Speaking on the CommBoxTV YouTube channel, Uthappa suggested that the experienced batter could eventually find himself back at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the franchise where he enjoyed an important phase of his IPL career.

“From Surya’s point of view, he might go to KKR,” Uthappa said.

The suggestion comes at a time when Kolkata could be evaluating its options ahead of future seasons. Suryakumar previously represented KKR between 2014 and 2017 and established himself as a dependable middle-order batter during that period. His performances under the franchise’s leadership structure helped him emerge as one of the most consistent players in the squad before he later joined Mumbai Indians and developed into one of the world’s premier T20 batters.

Also READ: Zaheer Khan heaps praise on Vaibhav Suryavanshi after sensational IPL 2026 campaign

Uthappa envisions an intriguing future scenario

Uthappa also outlined a longer-term possibility involving a familiar face associated with Kolkata Knight Riders. According to the former wicketkeeper-batter, there is a chance that Gautam Gambhir could return to the franchise in a coaching or mentoring role after completing his tenure as India’s head coach following the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“It rekindles the idea that once Gautam Gambhir finishes his stint with the Indian team, he probably goes back into KKR as a mentor or coach. And Surya fits into that as captain with Gambhir as the mentor again,” Uthappa added.

The duo share a strong history from their earlier days at KKR. Suryakumar played under Gambhir’s captaincy and was entrusted with leadership responsibilities during his time at the franchise, eventually serving as vice-captain. While Uthappa believes Suryakumar still has several years of franchise cricket ahead of him, he admitted that a return to India’s T20 side could be more challenging given the intense competition for places and the team’s transition towards a younger core.

For now, Suryakumar remains a Mumbai Indians player, and there is no indication that any move is imminent. However, Uthappa’s prediction has certainly sparked fresh discussion about what the future could hold for one of India’s most explosive white-ball batters.

Also READ: ‘Pick me as a batter or a bowler’: Sunil Gavaskar identifies Team India’s ultimate utility player

RCB CEO shares major update on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their remarkable rise in the Indian Premier League by securing a second consecutive title in IPL 2026. While the celebrations surrounding their triumph are still fresh, discussions have already shifted towards the future of some of the franchise’s biggest stars.

Among them, Virat Kohli remains the central figure. Having represented the Bengaluru-based side throughout his IPL career, the former captain once again delivered a memorable campaign and played a crucial role in the team’s success. Recently, a key figure within the franchise shared his thoughts on Kohli’s future, offering an interesting perspective on what lies ahead for the batting icon.

RCB CEO opens up on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise

Royal Challengers Bengaluru CEO Rajesh Menon expressed confidence that Kohli will continue playing for the franchise for several more years. Menon also suggested that it is difficult to imagine a scenario where the batting superstar is completely separated from RCB, even after his playing career eventually comes to an end. The RCB CEO also highlighted Kohli’s fitness levels, passion for the game and relentless competitiveness as reasons why he believes the veteran still has plenty left to offer.

“RCB and Virat are different sides of the same coin. He has been the constant factor for RCB throughout. We have not seen him not being part of RCB even if he moves out of his cricketing career. We have to figure out. That said, next three-four years, I am sure he will be playing. He is fit, the hunger never dies. You saw him this IPL season bring on the energy, runs, attitude. Everything was there. Three-four years, absolutely no problem,” Menon said while speaking to CNBC TV18.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra explains why Mohammed Siraj was unfairly labelled a one-format player

Kohli continues to shine on the big stage

Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the most influential players in world cricket during IPL 2026. The former India captain finished as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s leading run-scorer, amassing 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, his highest strike rate in a single IPL season.

His finest moment came in the final against Shubman Gill’s side, the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156 for victory, Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries, guiding RCB to a comfortable five-wicket win and helping the franchise become only the third team in IPL history to successfully defend their title. The 37-year-old also became the first batter in IPL history to cross the 9,000-run mark during the season, further strengthening his legacy as one of the league’s greatest-ever performers.

Although Kohli has already stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, he has repeatedly expressed his desire to continue playing ODI cricket and remains focused on representing India at the 2027 ODI World Cup. With his fitness, form and motivation showing no signs of fading, the RCB legend appears set to remain a major force for both franchise and country in the years ahead.

Also READ: Fans go gaga as Faf du Plessis powers Texas Super Kings to record chase against Seattle Orcas in MLC 2026

Rishabh Pant to return to Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027

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Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set for the homecoming after a disastrous stint with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pant failed both as captain and batter at the LSG and even lost his place in India’s white-ball setup.

Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when the Lucknow Super Giants bought him for ₹27 crore before the 2025 season. However, the India star’s two years with LSG were not memorable at all. The left-handed batter scored 269 runs in the 2025 season and managed 312 runs in IPL 2026 and now Rishabh Pant is unlikely to be picked for 2027 ODI World Cup.

LSG finished seventh in 2025 and then slipped to the bottom of the points table in 2026. After his struggle both as a batter and captain, Pant stepped down as the LSG captain. However, the Indian wicketkeeper is still part of the Lucknow franchise.

Rishabh Pant and Delhi Capitals reunion on the cards

Now, a fresh Times of India report suggests that Rishabh Pant is returning to Delhi Capitals (DC), where he began his IPL career and later became the captain.

The reports said, ‘Pant is very likely to return to the Delhi Capitals’ as he is set to part ways with the Lucknow Super Giants before IPL 2027. Also, Kuldeep Yadav is set to join LSG.

However, there is no clarity on whether Pant would return to DC as the captain. Notably, Axar Patel has been leading the franchise for the past couple of seasons, but the change in the leadership is on the cards. Rahul is also being seen as a strong captaincy option by the team management, but no official decision has been made yet.

Rishabh Pant’s incredible Delhi Capitals journey

Well, Rishabh Pant represented the Delhi Capitals in nine memorable seasons from 2016 to 2024. During this period, he played 111 matches and established himself as one of the team’s biggest stars. Pant joined DC as a young talent and grew into a match-winner and made it to Team India.

He also led the Delhi franchise in his final two seasons, replacing Shreyas Iyer. Yet, the left-handed batter was released by Delhi side ahead of IPL 2025, which surprised many fans and cricket experts. However, they tried really hard to get Pant back at the IPL 2025 mega auction, but LSG broke the bank for him.

Rishabh Pant’s shocking fall

Pant has gone through a tough phase recently. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to score runs consistently and has failed to make an impact in limited-overs cricket. As a result, he has been dropped from India’s ODI and T20I squads.

His aggressive batting style, which once made him a match-winner, is now not even in the reckoning. The BCCI removed Pant from the vice-captaincy role and handed the responsibility to KL Rahul as he led India during their disappointing 0-2 home Test series defeat against South Africa.

Virat Kohli spotted carrying Akaay during London park outing with wife Anushka Sharma

After a busy few weeks on the cricket field, Virat Kohli appears to be making the most of his downtime with family. The former India captain, who has largely maintained a low-profile lifestyle away from cricket in recent years, was recently spotted during a casual outing in London alongside his wife Anushka Sharma.

Pictures from the outing have surfaced online and quickly caught the attention of fans, offering a rare glimpse into the couple’s personal life away from the spotlight. The photos have since gone viral, with social media users showering the family with affection and admiration.

Virat Kohli enjoys quality family time during London outing

One of the most heartwarming images from the outing shows Kohli carrying his son Akaay on his shoulders while walking through a park in London. The candid father-son moment immediately won over fans, many of whom praised the cricketer for embracing family life away from the constant attention that comes with his celebrity status.

Other photos from the outing showed Kohli and Anushka spending time with a group of friends in a relaxed outdoor setting. The couple appeared cheerful and comfortable as they enjoyed a quiet day together. For the outing, Anushka opted for a simple striped shirt paired with loose-fitting trousers, while Kohli kept things casual in beige pants and a black shirt. The understated appearance reflected the couple’s preference for a quieter lifestyle whenever they are away from professional commitments.

Also READ: Virat Kohli reveals the one iconic cricket moment he wishes he could have been part of

A memorable IPL season followed by injury setback

Kohli recently played a pivotal role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure their second consecutive IPL title. The veteran batter delivered an unbeaten 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans (GT) and was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

However, the celebrations were followed by disappointment as a hamstring injury ruled him out of India’s ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan. The injury was sustained during the IPL 2026 final, forcing the selectors to name Yashasvi Jaiswal as his replacement for the three-match series.

While Kohli continues his recovery, the latest images suggest he is enjoying some valuable time with his family in the United Kingdom. The former India skipper has often spoken about the importance of maintaining a balance between cricket and personal life, and the London outing offered another glimpse of that approach.

Also READ: Fans go berserk as Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan smash explosive centuries against Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI

IPL 2027 to commence by March 10, Final to be played around May 15 as BCCI discusses early start

The 2027 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set for an earlier-than-expected start. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Devajit Saikia, has suggested that they are considering starting the next season of the cash-rich tournament by the second week of March and have it concluded with the final to be played around May 15.

Usually, the IPL commences in the last week of March and runs up until the entirety of May. However, with weather conditions changing around this time, Saikia has acknowledged that the players and fans face difficulties during the conduct of the matches. As a result, there have been ongoing discussions around an early window for the marquee event.

“This year, IPL started around the 29th of March, and it was over by the 31st of May. The only thing we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament, after 15th of May, there are issues regarding the weather, particularly in some areas, there is apprehension of having rainfall or the pre-monsoon season starting or on the other hand, there are warm weather, hot conditions, which are not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds or the fans,” Saikia was quoted as saying by India TV.

Sakia has further added that the BCCI is set to make all efforts possible to make sure that the tournament gets underway by mid-March, which will be beneficial in overcoming the adverse changes in weather in some parts of the country. The Board is also quite adamant on playing the final by the fortnight into the month of May, which will help in tackling any possible rain interruptions in the playoffs since they do not have a reserve day.

“So, there is a discussion going on in the BCCI as well as in our IPL Governing Council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March. From next year, we’ll make an effort, and I have already instructed our general manager of games development to look for the windows whether we can start it by the 10th of March so that we want to conclude it by the 15th of May so that there is no adverse weather conditions in the run-up to the final stages of the playoffs and the finals of the IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition of IPL.

The IPL 2027 is expected to be a grand spectacle as it will see the Royal Challengers Bengaluru looking to become the first team to make it a hat-trick of championships.

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Sreesanth opens up on Tihar Jail days and shares how wife Bhuvneshwari saved him

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Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth, who backed MS Dhoni for India coach role, has opened up about one of the darkest phases of his life. He revealed how the support of his wife Bhuvneshwari helped him survive the most difficult period of his life that changed everything for him and his family.

Sreesanth was part of India’s historic 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams. He played 27 Tests, 53 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India. But back in 2013, the fast bowler’s life took a shocking turn. Sreesanth was arrested for his alleged involvement in the IPL spot-fixing case along with Rajasthan Royals players Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan.

How Sreesanth first met Bhuvneshwari Devi

Looking back at those painful days, S Sreesanth shared that the support of Bhuvneshwari and her family helped him during that phase. The former cricketer revealed that they first met during an event around an India-Pakistan match back in 2007.

Over the years, Bhuvneshwari and Sreesanth’s friendship grew stronger despite their different backgrounds and busy lives. With time, the bond between the two also became stronger, but their relationship faced a setback in 2013 when he was accused of match-fixing.

Sreesanth was quoted as saying by NDTV: “The first meeting was in the school where I had gone as a guest; the second meeting was the very next day on the ground; the third meeting was after three years poolside with Uncle; the fourth meeting was in Indore; the fifth meeting was when we got engaged when I was out on bail.”

One of the main reasons I didn’t kill myself is her: Sreesanth

The former cricketer spent nearly a month in Tihar Jail after spending several days in police custody. He admitted that those days were extremely difficult and that he wanted to kill himself, but it was his future wife that saved him and married him amid the challenges.

He added, “When I was there, one of the main reasons I didn’t kill myself is her. I had promised her in 2010 that if we won the 2011 World Cup, I would marry her. I met her when she was in 10th grade in 2007, and we were in touch till 2013. She is the main reason I got bail.”

Bhuvneshwari and her family stood like a rock behind Sreesanth

The former Indian bowler shared that Bhuvneshwari’s and her family’s support gave him the strength to keep fighting. Having reignited IPL Slapgate controversy, Sreesanth also revealed that she helped during the legal process.

Sreesanth added, “Those 12 days in the Delhi Police cell and 27 days in Tihar jail made me realize that the problems we face in normal life are nothing. I used to hear that years pass for a trial. That incident made me strong. At that time, I was thinking about my mother and father, about the niece and nephew. I didn’t let them go to school back then. For a full month, the focus was only on me nationwide.”

After clearing his name, Sreesanth retired from Indian domestic cricket in 2022 but continues to play in other tournaments, including the Legends League Cricket and the Big Cricket League.

Yuvraj Singh set to join Delhi Capitals in coaching role ahead of IPL 2027

Legendary India cricketer Yuvraj Singh is all set to begin his professional coaching career, joining the Delhi Capitals franchise ahead of the 2027 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, Yuvraj is set to enter the franchise set-up with Sourav Ganguly, his first international captain, at the helm of affairs as the director of cricket.

A senior DC official has confirmed the development, with the World Cup-winning veteran all set to enter a new foray, having been away from high-profile roles since his retirement from the game in 2019. Yuvraj had already been associated with the Delhi-based franchise as a player when he represented the Delhi Daredevils in the 2015 season of the cash-rich tournament.

“Who wouldn’t want a Yuvraj Singh in the dugout? Many of his former teammates, including Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag, have had coaching stints in the IPL. Yuvraj may be a little late to the party, but he has spent considerable time working with youngsters and understanding the demands of the role,” a source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Yuvraj, a winner of two IPLs, has built a strong CV for himself before his journey with the Delhi side. He has been famously the man behind the resurgence of Abhishek Sharma as a ferocious T20 cricketer, while also mentoring current India captain Shubman Gill. Ahead of IPL 2026, he also spent time with Rishabh Pant, the Lucknow Super Giants captain for the season.

“He doesn’t just train players; he mentors them. It’s not limited to phone calls or virtual sessions. He spends hours on the ground, often standing behind the nets and working under the sun alongside his players. It’s a genuinely hands-on approach that has benefited numerous cricketers,” the source added.

Yuvraj is also lauded by the fraternity to have groomed several Punjab cricketers like Prabhsimran Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, and Naman Dhir, to name a few.

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Raj Kundra demands BCCI probe into Rajasthan Royals ownership, makes explosive Lalit Modi allegation

Former Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra has reportedly written to the BCCI, calling for an investigation into alleged financial irregularities linked to the franchise’s ownership structure. Kundra claimed that the original ownership arrangement involved undisclosed transactions connected to Lalit Modi.

Kundra’s move comes as the inaugural IPL champions undergo a major ownership change. He challenged the recent multi-billion-dollar deals, arguing that his 11.7% stake in the franchise was never legally transferred following his 2015 suspension and that he still retains rights related to the shareholding.

Raj Kundra Alleges Hidden Payments Linked to Rajasthan Royals Ownership

Raj Kundra claimed that financial records point to transfers totaling USD 2.5 million into a bank account belonging to Manoj Badale. According to his allegations, the payments were connected to the funds used for Rajasthan Royals’ franchise acquisition from the BCCI in 2008.

In a letter to the BCCI, Kundra stated that the transactions raise serious questions about the franchise’s original ownership structure. He alleged that the undisclosed payments suggest that Lalit Modi may have held an unreported financial interest in Rajasthan Royals, which would be a violation of IPL and BCCI regulations.

“Based on information supported by eyewitness testimony and financial trails, I have reason to believe that on 18 January 2008: Lalit Modi, through Lalit Modi Sporting Ventures, transferred USD 1.5 million to the Citibank account of Manoj Badale; Suresh Chellaram, via Kabu Holdings, transferred USD 1 million to the same account. These funds appear to be linked to the USD 5 million payment made to the BCCI in relation to the franchise acquisition.”

🚨 BIG IPL BOMBSHELL 🚨

Raj Kundra has reportedly written to the BCCI alleging serious financial irregularities involving Lalit Modi and Rajasthan Royals’ original ownership structure.

According to the letter, financial trails indicate that $2.5 million was transferred in… pic.twitter.com/FxeFPno4u7

— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) June 19, 2026

Raj Kundra Warns BCCI of Legal Action Over Rajasthan Royals Ownership Allegations

Raj Kundra alleged that the transactions mentioned in his complaint were never properly disclosed to cricket authorities or regulators. He claimed that important banking records were withheld during previous investigations by the Enforcement Directorate.

In the letter, Kundra urged the BCCI to act on the information and warned that he is prepared to take the matter to legal and regulatory authorities if no action is taken. He also stated that he can provide additional evidence and eyewitness testimony to support a full investigation.

“Please note that failure to act on this information may compel me to seek remedies before appropriate legal and regulatory forums, including placing these facts before judicial authorities. I am prepared to submit supporting material and produce eyewitnesses to assist in a full and fair inquiry. The credibility of the IPL and the governance standards of the BCCI are at stake.”

Raj Kundra’s Rajasthan Royals Stake at the Center of Ownership Dispute

Raj Kundra acquired an 11.7% stake in Rajasthan Royals in 2009 alongside his wife, Shilpa Shetty. His involvement with the franchise ended after the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, which resulted in a lifetime ban for Kundra and a two-year suspension for Rajasthan Royals.

Despite filing complaints with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Rajasthan Royals recently completed a major ownership deal. A consortium led by Lakshmi Niwas Mittal and Adar Poonawalla acquired a 93% stake in the franchise for $1.65 billion.

The BCCI’s lifetime ban on Kundra remains in place, preventing him from taking part in IPL ownership or administration. However, BCCI will review the allegations raised in his letter about Rajasthan Royals’ early ownership and financial transactions.

Virat Kohli set to stay with RCB until 2030! CEO makes massive claim after IPL 2026 victory

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans received a major boost after CEO Rajesh Menon confirmed that Virat Kohli is expected to remain with the franchise until at least 2030. The remarks strengthen Kohli’s long-standing association with RCB and ensure that he will continue to play a central role in the team’s plans.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, won back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026. Despite the Bengaluru-based franchise’s upcoming ownership change, Kohli’s relationship with RCB remains as strong as ever, with the team looking to build on its recent success and championship-winning era.

RCB and Virat Kohli Are Different Sides of the Same Coin – Rajesh Menon

Rajesh Menon said that Virat Kohli remains at the heart of the franchise. Menon stated that he cannot imagine RCB without the former captain being involved in some capacity. He also backed Kohli to continue his playing career for at least the next three to four years.

“That said, next three to four years, I’m sure he’ll be playing…for at least four years. He is fit; the hunger never dies. You saw him this IPL season bring on the energy, runs, attitude….everything was there. Three to four years, absolutely no problem.”

The current IPL mega auction cycle has one season remaining before teams can reshape their squads in 2028. Notably, the teams will have to retain only a few players before the auction.

I Just Give My Heart and Soul Out There on the Field – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli spoke about his mindset after winning the Player of the Match award in the IPL 2026 final. The former RCB captain said his energy and intensity come from a desire to make the most of every moment on the field and embrace pressure situations.

“I just give my heart and soul out there on the field, whether I’m fielding or batting, because it’s going to finish one day. And I want to make the most of every day that I’m on the field and just enjoy myself and have a lot of fun and look forward to a pressure situation, look forward to scenarios where I’m feeling a bit of heat. And then I challenge myself to say, you know what, just go for it. And when you cross the line, it makes you a better player.”

Virat Kohli Ended IPL 2026 Season With Match-Winning Final Knock

Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls and guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a successful chase of 156, helping the franchise lift the title.

Kohli scored 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, including one century and five fifties. He finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer of the season, behind Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan.

The former India captain also became the first player in IPL history to cross 9,000 runs. He has scored 9,336 runs from 275 innings at an average of 40.41 and a strike rate of 134.79, including nine centuries and 68 half-centuries.

Will IPL have 94 games from 2027 season? BCCI President gives official response