It was a perfect blend of high-quality cricket, raw emotion, and a heartfelt personal moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At the center of it all was Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten knock and heartening gesture towards his wife Anushka Sharma added a memorable human touch to an already electrifying evening.

Virat Kohli guides RCB over the finish line with match-winning knock

Chasing a challenging target of 202, RCB showcased remarkable intent from the outset. Kohli anchored the innings with a sublime 69 not out off just 38 deliveries, demonstrating both composure and aggression. His innings, decorated with five boundaries and five towering sixes, reflected his enduring class and ability to rise on big occasions.

Kohli paced the chase perfectly, ensuring there were no unnecessary risks while keeping the scoreboard ticking. His presence at the crease instilled confidence in the batting unit, ultimately guiding RCB to victory in just 15.4 overs. While Kohli held one end steady, Devdutt Padikkal turned the game decisively in RCB’s favor. Introduced as an impact substitute, Padikkal delivered a stunning 61 off 26 balls, dismantling SRH’s bowling attack with fearless stroke play.

Captain Rajat Patidar also made a valuable contribution, scoring a brisk 31 runs that helped maintain the momentum during the middle overs. The combined efforts of the trio ensured that the daunting target never seemed out of reach.

Ishan Kishan takes SRH to big total

Earlier in the evening, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a formidable 201/9 after being put in to bat. Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan led from the front with a brilliant 80, anchoring the innings with maturity and flair.

Aniket Verma provided a late surge with a quickfire 43 off 18 balls, adding crucial runs in the death overs. Despite their strong batting performance, SRH’s bowlers struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive chase.

Also WATCH: Jacob Duffy folds both SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head in single over during IPL 2026 opener

Kohli’s heartwarming moment with Anushka Sharma steals the spotlight

The night wasn’t just about cricket. After sealing the victory, Kohli turned towards the stands and blew a flying kiss to Anushka, who was present at the stadium. Sitting alongside players from the RCB Women’s team, including captain Smriti Mandhana, Anushka responded with a smile and a flying kiss of her own. The gesture sparked loud cheers from the crowd, adding a personal and emotional highlight to the match.

Here’s the video:

New owner Ananya Birla enjoying every bit of the Virat Kohli – Anushka Sharma reaction live! 😄

Anushka’s left-hand reaction be like: “This boy is always like this only!” 😂#IPL2026 #RCBvsSRH #virushka pic.twitter.com/4GZ5N5UU3g

— Suresh (@Suresthinakar) March 29, 2026

The match also carried a somber undertone, as players from both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before the game. This tribute honored fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede last year, reminding everyone of the deeper connections and responsibilities within the sport.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go gaga as Jacob Duffy, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal humble SRH, powering RCB to an emphatic win

The Indian Premier League 2026 rolls into its second match with a high-voltage clash as Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29. With both sides boasting explosive line-ups and match-winners across departments, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the Mumbai lights.

Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, will look to make full use of their home advantage and start their campaign strongly. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, are aiming to bounce back after a disappointing previous season with a revamped squad.

MI head into the contest with a powerful batting unit. The return of Rohit Sharma at the top adds stability, while the dynamic duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma provides firepower in the middle overs. The inclusion of Quinton de Kock and Sherfane Rutherford further strengthens their batting depth, making them a formidable unit at home.

KKR, on the other hand, have built a well-rounded side with a mix of youth and experience. Aggressive opener Finn Allen and all-rounder Cameron Green add firepower, while the experienced spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy provides control in the middle overs. Finisher Rinku Singh remains a key asset in crunch situations.

MI vs KKR: Head-to-Head Record in T20

Matches played: 35 | Mumbai Indians won: 24 | Kolkata Knight Riders won: 11

Probable XI of Both Teams

Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock (wk), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya (c), Will Jacks, Rajangad Bawa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Markande

Impact Player: Naman Dhir / Deepak Chahar

Kolkata Knight Riders: Finn Allen (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Blessing Muzarabani

Impact Player: Kartik Tyagi

Also READ: IPL 2026 Squads: Complete list of Indian and overseas players in all 10 teams

Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report

The Wankhede Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, offering true bounce and a quick outfield that rewards aggressive stroke-play. Pacers can extract some swing early on, especially with the influence of the sea breeze, but once the ball gets older, batters tend to dominate.

Spinners may find some grip as the game progresses, but dew in the second innings often reduces their effectiveness. As a result, teams winning the toss usually prefer to bowl first and chase under lights.

IPL stats and records at Wankhede stadium

• Total matches: 123
• Matches won batting first: 57
• Matches won bowling first: 66
• Average 1st innings score: 170
• Average 2nd innings score: 151
• Highest total recorded: 235/1 (20 Ov) by RCB vs MI
• Lowest total recorded: 67/10 (15.2 Ov) by KKR vs MI
• Highest score chased: 214/4 (19.3 Ov) by MI vs RR
• Lowest score defended: 118/ 10 (18.4 Ov) by SRH vs MI

Also READ: From Mayanti Langer to Sahiba Bali: Complete list of star presenters for IPL 2026

The stage is set for a high-octane clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium as the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, host the three-time winners, Kolkata Knight Riders, in the second match of IPL 2026. This fixture carries immense history, with MI traditionally dominating the rivalry, though KKR has shown recent signs of breaking the “Wankhede Curse.”

Mumbai Indians enter the 2026 season with a point to prove. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, and boasting a core of T20 World Cup winners like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, they are widely considered the most balanced side on paper. The addition of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar gives them a lethal new-ball pair, while the return of Quinton de Kock strengthens an already terrifying batting lineup.

Kolkata Knight Riders, led by the experienced Ajinkya Rahane, are undergoing a tactical shift. After a disappointing 2025, they’ve invested heavily in all-rounders. The headline acquisition is Cameron Green ($₹25.20$ crore), who will be the linchpin of their middle order. However, KKR faces early-season hurdles with the absence of pacer Harshit Rana (injury) and uncertainty regarding Matheesha Pathirana’s fitness. Their hopes rest on the “Spin Twins,” Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, to stifle MI’s power-hitters.

MI vs KKR, IPL 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: March 29; 7:30 pm IST / 2 pm GMT
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

MI vs KKR, Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches played: 35 | MI won: 24 | KKR won: 11 | No result/Tied: 1

Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report

The Wankhede Stadium pitch for this high-stakes encounter is expected to be a typical batting paradise, characterized by a flat black-soil surface that offers true bounce and allows the ball to come onto the bat beautifully. While a slight green tinge may provide some initial swing for seamers like Jasprit Bumrah in the first few overs, the small boundary dimensions and lightning-fast outfield make it a nightmare for bowlers once the ball softens. A massive factor for this evening game is the heavy dew expected from the 14th over of the second innings onward, which will likely make gripping the ball difficult for spinners and favor the side batting second. Given these conditions, a par score is well above 185, and the captain winning the toss will almost certainly elect to bowl first to capitalize on the easier chasing conditions.

Also READ: From Mayanti Langer to Sahiba Bali – Complete list of star presenters for IPL 2026

Squads

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (captain), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Danish Malewar, Robin Minz, Shardul Thakur, Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Tilak Varma, Mayank Markande, Raghu Sharma, Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Izhar, Mayank Rawat, Will Jacks*, Ryan Rickelton*, Quinton de Kock*, Corbin Bosch* Sherfane Rutherford*, Mitchell Santner*, Trent Boult* AM Ghazanfar*

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Anukul Roy, Daksh Kamra, Ramandeep Singh, Sarthak Ranjan, Prashant Solanki, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Saurabh Dubey, Navdeep Saini, Cameron Green*, Rovman Powell*, Sunil Narine*, Finn Allen*, Rachin Ravindra*, Tim Seifert*, Matheesha Pathirana*, Blessing Muzarabani*

MI vs KKR, IPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• MI wins the toss and bowls first
• KKR’s powerplay score: 40-50
• KKR’s total score: 170-180

Case 2:

• KKR wins the toss and bowls first
• MI’s powerplay score: 50-60
• MI’s total score: 180-200

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Salaries of all team captains participating in IPL 2026

Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) went head-to-head with the Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) played the match away from home against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.

Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 201/9 on the board

The visitors lost the toss and were invited to bat first in the match. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) handed the debut cap to Salil Arora while wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen featured in his 50th IPL game.

It was expected that the explosive opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma – popularly known as Travishek – would set the stage on fire, but that didn’t happen.

Abhishek Sharma, who has been struggling with form, was able to score just 7 runs while his opening partner got out after scoring 11 runs. The young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was promoted to No.4, disappointed everyone as he scored just one run.

Captain Ishan Kishan, meanwhile, led from the front and blasted 80 runs off 38 balls, with 8 fours and 5 sixes, and he got decent support from Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 31 runs off 22 balls.

In the end, Aniket Verma smashed 43 runs off 18 balls, with three fours and four sixes to power SRH to 201/9.

Defending the target, the SRH bowling unit, which consisted of Eshan Malinga, Harsh Dubey, David Payne, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy, looked absolutely clueless against the RCB batters.

They were taken to cleaners by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters, and the match finished in no time with SRH suffering a 6-wicket defeat with 26 balls remaining.

I actually enjoyed a lot – Ishan Kishan

During the post-match interaction, Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Ishan Kishan stated that the pitch played better after the first few overs and urged his bowlers to improve. He stated:

“[Thoughts at halfway mark] The wicket played well after first few overs. We lost early wickets and we have to be careful about it. The wicket got better in the second innings and we have to be a little smarter with the shot selection. [On his bowlers] You have to give credit to the batters. Especially, Virat bhai. It is very important to get his wicket early. We have to work harder and these mistakes are acceptable in the first game but we need to be cautious.”

When asked about his captaincy, Ishan Kishan said that he enjoyed it a lot. He stated:

“[On captaincy] I actually enjoyed a lot. But yeah, it is IPL. Sometimes, nerves are there. If we win the games coming ahead, it would be good for us going ahead in the tournament.”

No words for him – Rajat Patidar on Virat Kohli

During the post-match presentation ceremony, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar said that he was mighty impressed with the way his team played. He said:

“100%! The way the boys played. First of all, it was the season opener. Yes, the way Duffy bowled. He was playing the first game. Abhinandan was also playing his first game. Duffy picked up the wickets of Abhishek and Head.

When asked about Virat Kohli once again finishing the match, Rajat Patidar said he doesn’t have words to define the greatness of the chasemaster. Rajat Patidar stated:

“No words for him (when asked about Virat Kohli). The way, every time he goes in and chases. He is the number one batter. He was there till the end. It was a terrific catch from Phil Salt. He is a very good fielder. I have seen him take such catches. He is an amazing fielder. I was trying to add as much impact with the bat as possible. The look is always there.”

Also Read: “Absolutely world-class”: Virat Kohli backs Devdutt Padikkal for permanent Team India spot

Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2026 opener in style against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli again came under the spotlight as he took the team safely over the finish line. Kohli remained not out on the crease for 69 runs to confirm the victory for the team, which is playing as the defending champions for the first time in the history of the league.

After the match, Virat Kohli offered his wife Anuskha Sharma a flying kiss. While Kohli was celebrating the moment, Anuskha was clapping for his husband from the stands of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The adorable moment between Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma did not escape the ever-curious eyes of the cricket fans on social media platforms.

Watch the Adorable moment between Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma here:

MOMENTS OF THE DAY. ❤️😍

– Virat Kohli’s flying kiss to Anushka Sharma & Anushka’s kiss to Virat. pic.twitter.com/K428puKVl7

Your daily dose of cricket!

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 28, 2026

Quick-fire knocks from Padikkal and Patidar dismantled the SRH bowling attack

The match was truly entertaining for the fans as both of the power-palaced sides scored over 200 runs in their respective batting phases. Using Devdutt Padikkal as an impact batter was probably the master stroke of the match from the RCB team management. He came and simply took off the required run rate pressure from the team.

Padikkal, the batter who scored tons of runs in the recent past in domestic cricket, smashed 61 runs, facing only 26 balls. The number three batter of RCB’s line-up smashed a total of eleven boundaries, including seven 4s and four 6s, which took his strike rate to 234.62. The skipper, Rajat Patidar, under whose captaincy Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL trophy in the last season, scored 31 runs with a strike rate of 258.33.

Virat Kohli remained firm on the deck like an experienced navigator

Batters like Padikkal and Patidar got the free licence to go for every ball, because Virat Kohli was standing on one end of the crease, from the beginning. When SRH pacer Jaydev Unadkat took Phil Salt’s wicket early in the second innings, RCB was on only 9 runs. After that, when Padikkal took the burden on his shoulder, Kohli remained calm on the deck. Steadily, the Indian batting maestro increased his run rate, and when the match reached its final stage, Virat was 69 not out off 38 deliveries, strike rate 181.58. The innings was supported by five 4s and five 6s.

In the first innings of the match, when RCB was the fielding team, Virat dropped a catch of SRH batter Aniket Verma, who scored 43 off 18. The former skipper dropped a catch of Verma, which took everyone by surprise, as Kohli has one of the most safe pair of hands across the globe. The catch drop could prove costly, but the batting line-up of the IPL 2025 winning team was good enough to surpass every hurdle in the match. Jacob Duffy, the New Zealand international pacer, who made his IPL debut tonight for RCB, was named Man of the Match for the bowling figure of 3/22 (4).

Read More: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap After RCB vs SRH Match 1

The action on 29^th March at 6:30 AM IST will bring South Africa Women against New Zealand Women in the first ODI match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

Get the best NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st ODI match of the South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026. Expert analysis and more.

Also Read: “Absolutely world-class”: Virat Kohli backs Devdutt Padikkal for permanent Team India spot

NZ-W vs SA-W Match Preview:

The transition from the shortest format to the 50-over arena begins as New Zealand Women host South Africa Women at the iconic Hagley Oval in Christchurch. This series opener is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 6:30 AM IST. Following their clinical 4-1 triumph in the T20I series, the “White Ferns” enter this ICC Women’s Championship fixture as the favorites, while the Proteas look to recalibrate their strategy and secure vital qualification points on tour.

New Zealand Women enter the 1^st ODI with their squad operating at peak efficiency, led by the extraordinary form of captain Amelia Kerr. The star all-rounder recently dismantled the South African attack with a career-best 105 off 55 balls in the final T20I and claimed 2/6 with the ball. Furthermore, the veteran presence of Suzie Bates, who has amassed nearly 6,000 ODI runs, provides the necessary stability for the longer format. Additionally, the bowling unit features the clinical pace of Lea Tahuhu, who recently took 3/15, and the disciplined spin of Nensi Patel. Consequently, the team seeks to leverage their superior all-round depth to dictate the tempo of the 50-over contest.

However, South Africa Women arrive in Christchurch determined to overcome the absence of key veterans and find more consistency in their batting ranks. Captain Laura Wolvaardt remains the cornerstone of their lineup, boasting an elite ODI average and the ability to anchor long innings. Moreover, the squad can take heart from the performances of Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune, who both claimed 3 wickets each in the final T20I despite the high-scoring nature of the game. Furthermore, the visitors intend to utilize the middle-order power of Chloe Tryon and the all-round skills of Nadine de Klerk to challenge the Kiwi bowlers. Furthermore, the Proteas look to improve their fielding standards and power-play execution to stay competitive across the full 100 overs.

Therefore, both legendary squads will fight with high intensity to claim the early advantage in this three-match series. New Zealand Women aim to utilize their winning rhythm and Amelia Kerr’s world-class form to secure a comfortable victory. Additionally, South Africa Women intend to leverage their pace-bowling strength and Wolvaardt’s technical expertise to stage a comeback and secure their first win of the 2026 tour.

NZ-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head Record:

NZ-W vs SA-W Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

NZ-W vs SA-W Playing 11s (Predicted):

New Zealand Women Playing 11:

1) Isabella Gaze

2) Georgia Plimmer

3) Maddy Green

4) Suzie Bates

5) Brooke Halliday

6) Amelia Kerr

7) Nensi Patel

8) Jess Kerr

9) Rosemary Mair

10) Flora Devonshire

11) Kayley Knight

South Africa Women Playing 11:

1) Sinalo Jafta

2) Laura Wolvaardt

3) Tazmin Brits

4) Sune Luus

5) Anneke Bosch

6) Chloe Tryon

7) Nadine de Klerk

8) Annerie Dercksen

9) Nonkululeko Mlaba

10) Ayabonga Khaka

11) Tumi Sekhukhune

Hot Picks for NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

NZ-W vs SA-W South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Isabella Gaze
• Batters – Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders – Sune Luus, Amelia Kerr ©, Nadine de Klerk (vc), Annerie Dercksen
• Bowlers – Jess Kerr, Nonkululeko Mlaba

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Isabella Gaze
• Batters – Laura Wolvaardt ©, Brooke Halliday (vc), Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders – Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Amelia Kerr, Nadine de Klerk
• Bowlers – Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nonkululeko Mlaba

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Players to Avoid:

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Expert Advice:

NZ-W vs SA-W Match Winner Prediction:

Considering the team home advantage, New Zealand Women are expected to win this match.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament – it is a powerhouse of business, entertainment, and global influence. Behind every franchise stands a group of influential owners ranging from industrial tycoons to Bollywood celebrities and global investment firms. These individuals and organizations bring financial strength, strategic thinking, and brand value that shape the league beyond the boundary ropes.

Here’s a look at the owners of all 10 IPL teams for the 2026 season:

1. Mumbai Indians – Mukesh Ambani

Owner Business: Reliance Industries

Mukesh Ambani, one of the richest individuals in the world, owns Mumbai Indians through Reliance Industries. The conglomerate has interests in energy, telecom, retail, and media. With strong involvement from Nita Ambani, Mumbai Indians have grown into one of the most successful and professionally run franchises in IPL history.

2. Chennai Super Kings – N. Srinivasan

Owner Business: India Cements

N. Srinivasan, a former BCCI president and seasoned administrator, owns Chennai Super Kings via India Cements. His deep understanding of cricket and business has played a key role in CSK’s consistent success and stability over the years.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Aditya Birla Group-led consortium

Owner Business: UltraTech Cement and consortium

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is owned by the Aditya Birla Group, led by chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, with Ananya Birla and Aryaman Vikram Birla emerging as key faces of the new ownership structure. This new setup brings a modern and dynamic approach to the Bengaluru franchise.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Kalanithi Maran

Owner Business: Sun TV Network

Kalanithi Maran, founder of Sun TV Network, owns Sunrisers Hyderabad. His media empire spans television, radio, and film production.

His daughter Kavya Maran is often seen actively representing the franchise during auctions and matches.

Also READ: WATCH: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan engage in hilarious banter ahead of the IPL 2026

5. Kolkata Knight Riders – Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta

Owner Business: Red Chillies Entertainment and Mehta Group

Shah Rukh Khan co-owns Kolkata Knight Riders through Red Chillies Entertainment, alongside actress Juhi Chawla and businessman Jay Mehta of the Mehta Group. This unique blend of glamour and business expertise makes KKR one of the most high-profile teams in the league.

6. Rajasthan Royals – Kal Somani (led consortium)

Owner Business: Kal Somani-led consortium (backed by Rob Walton of Walmart family and Hamp family)

US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani now leads the ownership of Rajasthan Royals through a high-profile consortium. The group recently acquired the franchise in a record deal and includes major global investors from the Walmart and Ford families.

7. Delhi Capitals – Parth Jindal and GMR Group

Owner Business: JSW Group and GMR Group

Parth Jindal represents the JSW Group in co-owning Delhi Capitals along with the GMR Group. With interests spanning steel, energy, and infrastructure, the ownership brings strong corporate backing and strategic depth to the franchise.

8. Lucknow Super Giants – Sanjiv Goenka

Owner Business: RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group

Sanjiv Goenka owns Lucknow Super Giants through the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group. The group has diversified interests in power, retail, IT services, and FMCG, providing a solid foundation for the relatively new IPL franchise.

9. Gujarat Titans – CVC Capital Partners

Owner Business: CVC Capital Partners

CVC Capital Partners, a global private equity giant, owns Gujarat Titans. With investments across sports, healthcare, and finance, CVC brings an international and professional management style to the franchise.

10. Punjab Kings – Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman and Karan Paul

Owner Business: Diverse sectors – Entertainment, FMCG, Trading and Hospitality

Preity Zinta co-owns Punjab Kings along with Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul. Their combined expertise across entertainment, consumer goods, trading, and hospitality gives Punjab Kings a unique and diverse ownership structure.

Also READ: From Auqib Nabi to Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Here are top uncapped stars to watch out from each franchise in IPL 2026

Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has launched a fierce attack against Indian media pundits and certain individuals he accuses of spreading heavily misinformed opinions regarding the shoulder and elbow injury that will sideline him for the opening matches of IPL 2026.

In a candid Instagram statement on Saturday, Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler confirmed he is dealing with a recently diagnosed issue in his shoulder and elbow – an injury he says he was unaware of the full extent of during the Australian summer. The revelation comes amid growing speculation in Indian cricketing circles questioning his fitness and commitment to the franchise.

“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer,” Starc wrote.

The left-arm pacer did not hold back in his criticism of those who questioned his availability, emphasizing that external commentary had overstepped the mark.

“These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me,” he added.

Mitchell Starc apologises to Delhi Capitals and their fans

While pushing back against the media narrative, Starc acknowledged the inconvenient timing of the setback and expressed regret to the Delhi Capitals organization and their supporters. He stopped short of specifying how many matches he would miss but reaffirmed his commitment to joining the franchise as soon as possible.

“With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” Starc stated.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra emerged as one of the most prominent voices questioning Starc’s absence. In a recent episode of his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed skepticism about the pacer’s fitness status, pointing to the gap since the conclusion of the Ashes series in January this year.

“If Mitchell Starc is also not going to come at the start, what is Cricket Australia doing? … even though he is absolutely fit. He has already said goodbye to T20Is. So, what has he done in the last two months or so?” Chopra had remarked.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Here’s why RCB players are wearing black armbands against Sunrisers Hyderabad in today’s match

Confusion over Starc’s No-Objection Certificate

The uncertainty surrounding Starc’s availability was compounded by mixed messaging from the Delhi Capitals camp. In recent press conferences, the franchise management declined to confirm the nature of the injury, stating only that Cricket Australia (CA) had not yet issued the No-Objection Certificate (NoC) required for his participation.

Adding to the confusion, CA’s official website, cricket.com.au, had previously suggested that the governing body was deliberately holding Starc back from the early IPL fixtures to manage his workload ahead of a congested international schedule spanning 2026 and 2027.

Starc’s emphatic clarification now confirms the injury is physical rather than administrative, drawing a firm line between medical reality and the speculation he says has dominated Indian media coverage in recent days.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – How many matches will Mitchell Starc miss for Delhi Capitals?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 kicked off with high-octane drama at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, March 28. In a quintessential Bengaluru atmosphere, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and elected to field first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While the ‘Orange Army’ entered the match with their reputation as clinical power hitters, they were met with a masterclass in pace bowling by RCB’s New Zealand import, Jacob Duffy. In a single, game-changing over, Duffy dismantled the most feared opening duo in the league, sending shockwaves through the SRH dugout.

SRH rocked early as Jacob Duffy removes Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head in quick succession

The match swung decisively in RCB’s favor during the third over of the innings. Duffy, operating with a scrambled seam and impeccable lengths, first targeted Abhishek Sharma. After being tucked up by a series of back-of-length deliveries, Sharma attempted to break the shackles on the first ball of the over (2.1). However, the 133kph delivery forced a sliced pull shot. The ball went straight up, and Jitesh Sharma kept his composure underneath it to complete the catch. Abhishek departed for a sluggish 7 off 8 balls, continuing a lean patch that has shadowed him since the pre-season.

The Chinnaswamy crowd had barely finished celebrating when Duffy struck the final blow of the over (2.6). Travis Head, known for his ability to snatch games away in the Powerplay, fell victim to a 136kph short ball outside off. Head connected with a signature hard, flat pull, but he couldn’t find the gap. The ball rocketed toward deep square leg, where Phil Salt showed exceptional athleticism. Salt cupped the ball near his chest and tumbled backward with the momentum, but maintained a firm grip. With Head dismissed for 11 off 9 balls (including two boundaries), the ‘Travishek’ partnership was effectively neutralized, leaving SRH reeling at 23/2.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why RCB players are wearing black armbands against Sunrisers Hyderabad in today’s match

SRH’s early wobbles make consolidation period a task against RCB in opening clash

The early wickets of the openers forced SRH into an immediate defensive shell, turning the opening clash into a steep uphill climb. The pressure didn’t let up, as Duffy returned to claim Nitish Kumar Reddy for just 1 run, caught by Abhinandan Singh. By the end of the 5th over, SRH had slumped to 29/3, a far cry from the explosive starts they were known for in previous seasons. Duffy’s initial spell was nothing short of elite, finishing his four-over quota with remarkable figures of 3/22 at an economy of 5.50, including 13 dot balls.

The responsibility of the recovery fell onto the shoulders of captain Ishan Kishan and the reliable Heinrich Klaasen. Despite the early wobbles, Kishan showed immense resilience, counter-attacking to reach 45* off 24 balls, while Klaasen provided support with a steady 19. By the 10th over, SRH managed to drag the total to 87/3, thanks to a 50-run partnership that stabilized the ship. However, the damage inflicted by Duffy in those opening minutes remains the talking point of the IPL 2026 opener, proving that even on a batter-friendly pitch like Bengaluru, disciplined pace can still reign supreme.

Also READ: From Auqib Nabi to Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Here are top uncapped stars to watch out from each franchise in IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 kicked off with a thunderous roar at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (March 28) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a statement victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In a high-octane season opener, RCB chased down a formidable target of 202 with clinical precision, winning by 6 wickets with a staggering 26 balls to spare. The night belonged to the ‘King’ and the ‘Prodigal Son,’ as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal turned a stiff chase into a stroll in the park, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

Jacob Duffy’s early destruction and Ishan Kishan’s valiant counter in the first innings

Winning the toss and electing to bowl, RCB immediatey put SRH on the back foot thanks to a sensational opening spell by Jacob Duffy. The New Zealand pacer dismantled the SRH top order with surgical precision, removing the dangerous Travis Head (11) and Abhishek Sharma (7) within the first three overs. When Nitish Kumar Reddy fell shortly after, SRH were reeling at 29/3, and a collapse seemed imminent.

However, SRH captain Ishan Kishan staged a heroic rescue act. Playing a true captain’s knock, Kishan blasted 80 runs off just 38 deliveries, peppered with 7 fours and 3 massive sixes. He found temporary support in Heinrich Klaasen (31), as the duo stabilized the innings with a rapid mid-over acceleration. Despite Kishan’s brilliance, RCB’s death bowling remained disciplined. Romario Shepherd emerged as the wrecker-in-chief in the latter half, picking up 3 wickets for 54 runs. SRH eventually clawed their way to 201/9 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive on a traditionally batting-friendly Bengaluru surface.

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal take RCB home with their explosive knocks

The chase began with a minor hiccup as Phil Salt departed early for just 8, but that only set the stage for one of the most dominant partnerships in recent IPL history. Kohli and Padikkal took the SRH bowling attack to the cleaners, exhibiting a perfect blend of classic timing and brute force.

Padikkal, returning to the colors where he first rose to fame, was the primary aggressor early on. He reached a blistering fifty in just 21 balls, eventually finishing with 61 runs off 26 balls, including 7 fours and 4 sixes. His departure at 110/2 didn’t slow the momentum, as Kohli took over the mantle of the anchor-aggressor.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, striking at 181.57. His innings was a vintage display of gap-finding and calculated risk-taking, punctuated by 5 towering sixes. Even a brief double-strike by David Payne, which removed Rajat Patidar (31) and Jitesh Sharma (0) in the 13th over, couldn’t derail the train. Kohli, alongside Tim David (16*), guided RCB past the finish line in just 15.4 overs, finishing at 203/4. This emphatic win not only earned RCB two points but also provided a massive boost to their Net Run Rate, marking a perfect start to their 2026 campaign.

Also WATCH: Jacob Duffy folds both SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head in single over during IPL 2026 opener

Here’s how fans reacted:

VIRAT KOHLI IN THE LAST 25 INNINGS IN IPL:

42(20), 18(7), 51(43), 70*(44), 42(27), 92(47), 27(13), 47(29), 33(24), 59*(36), 31(30), 7(6), 67(42), 22(14), 62*(45), 1(3), 73*(54), 70(42), 51(47), 62(33), 43(25), 54(30), 12(12), 43(35) & 69*(38)#kohli #RCBvsSRH #IPL #rcb pic.twitter.com/r6J1eURv3x

— 𝕶𝖔𝖍𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖊 (@kohliverse37917) March 28, 2026

Chasing? That’s his game. 😮‍💨🔥

4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣* runs while chasing in the #TATAIPL. 🎯

A first. THE standard. KING KOHLI. 👑

HISTORY CREATED BY KING KOHLI. 👑

– Virat Kohli becomes the first batter in the IPL to score 4,000 runs while chasing.#RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/UMBaHAIk7t

— Gunner (@VinayTweet07) March 28, 2026

RCB beat SRH by 6 wickets 😊#cricket #RCBvSRH #IPL2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/VDl8SrQfzZ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 28, 2026

DEVDUTT PADIKKAL ON FIRE! 🔥

21-ball fifty — pure destruction by the impact player! 🤯💥#RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/YY3V3J5ENd

— Khan (@ccricket713) March 28, 2026

🚨 Stat watch 🚨

Devdutt Padikkal vs Sunrisers Hyderabad = lowest impact 👀

Strike rate: 101.29
Sixes: just 2 😮‍💨

SRH have kept him quiet more than any team 💥

Time to break the pattern or struggle continues? 🤔 #3rdManView #IPL2026 #RCBvSRH | @RCBTweets https://t.co/V48ov0gB50 pic.twitter.com/KkjVllVBNn

— Third Man View (@3rdManView) March 28, 2026

FIFTY FOR DEVDUTT PADIKKAL FROM JUST 21 BALLS 🥶

– Dev has been a different beast in recent times, dominating in all formats from IPL to Karnataka.#RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/yFU2mvGTbv

— Nafees (@Nafees_22) March 28, 2026

A STANDING OVATION FOR DEVDUTT PADIKKAL FROM CHINNASWAMY CROWD 👌 pic.twitter.com/hIpA1FCfaX

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 28, 2026

HISTORY CREATED BY KING KOHLI. 👑

– Virat Kohli becomes the first batter in the IPL to score 4,000 runs while chasing. pic.twitter.com/vAWisLGlg1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 28, 2026

VIRAT KOHLI & DEVDUTT PADIKKAL COOKED SRH 🥶pic.twitter.com/KVdJEluM9Y

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) March 28, 2026

Devdutt Padikkal against SRH today pic.twitter.com/IGPpFo2MNO

— Aman_Chain 🏳️ (@Amanprabhat9) March 28, 2026

Virat Kohli is retired from test and T20, he is not playing regularly international cricket but he still holds that magical touch.

He is still by far the best batsman in the world and this version looks even more dangerous.pic.twitter.com/fNE0l6cWnx

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) March 28, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why RCB players are wearing black armbands against Sunrisers Hyderabad in today’s match