In a significant early setback for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), legendary cricketer MS Dhoni is expected to miss the opening two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The development comes just days before the tournament kicks off, leaving fans and the franchise adjusting to life without their talismanic leader at the start of the campaign.

Reason why MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026

The franchise issued an official statement on the morning of their season opener, confirming that Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. The update indicated that the veteran wicketkeeper-batter will likely remain sidelined for at least the first fortnight of the competition.

In a message shared on social media, CSK extended their support to the iconic cricketer, wishing him a speedy recovery. While the injury is not believed to be long-term, the timing is far from ideal, especially with a packed schedule awaiting the five-time champions.

“Official Statement . MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026. Get well soon, Thala!” wrote CSK on X.

Official Statement

MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026.

Get well soon, Thala! 💛🦁 pic.twitter.com/4dgmt5EWFi

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 28, 2026

Crucial matches ahead without MSD

CSK’s campaign begins with a clash against Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati. However, Dhoni’s absence is expected to stretch beyond just the opener. The team is set to face Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals within the first two weeks—fixtures that could play a key role in shaping their early momentum.

Without Dhoni’s on-field leadership and finishing prowess, CSK may need to rethink their combinations and strategy. His calm presence behind the stumps and tactical acumen have often been decisive in tight encounters, making his temporary absence a considerable challenge.

Despite the setback, CSK do have multiple wicketkeeping options in their ranks. The squad includes Sanju Samson, who recently joined from Rajasthan Royals, along with Kartik Sharma and Urvil Patel. Samson, with his experience and leadership credentials, could be a frontrunner to take up additional responsibilities during Dhoni’s absence. Team management will now be tasked with identifying the right balance, not just in terms of personnel but also leadership on the field. Filling Dhoni’s shoes, even temporarily, is no easy task given his influence on the team over the years.

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

Dhoni’s legacy and fitness concerns

At nearly 45, Dhoni remains one of the most enduring figures in the IPL. With 278 matches to his name, he holds the record as the most capped player in the tournament’s history. Over recent seasons, he has managed persistent knee issues but continued to feature regularly, showcasing remarkable resilience.

His leadership was instrumental in guiding CSK to their fifth IPL title in 2023, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest captains in franchise cricket. However, recurring fitness concerns have increasingly become part of his narrative in the later stages of his career.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details: When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK & other countries

The squads for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 reflect a perfect mix of proven match-winners and bold auction decisions, making this season one of the most exciting in recent years.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained their core built around Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, while adding Venkatesh Iyer to strengthen their batting firepower. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made headlines by investing ₹25.2 crore in Cameron Green, aiming to solidify their middle order alongside Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have taken a future-focused approach by bringing in Sanju Samson and backing young uncapped talents like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma.

Gujarat Titans (GT) continue to rely on their strong opening duo of Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, supported by a lethal pace attack featuring Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. Leadership dynamics still add intrigue this season, with Riyan Parag stepping up as Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, while Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel continue in their leadership roles with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) respectively.

However, injuries have already shaken up several squads before the tournament begins. KKR will miss Harshit Rana, with Navdeep Saini coming in as a replacement. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have signed David Payne to replace Jack Edwards and will also start without Pat Cummins. RCB face concerns with Josh Hazlewood unavailable for initial few matches and Yash Dayal absent, while Mumbai Indians (MI) await clarity on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. Despite these challenges, IPL 2026 promises a thrilling and highly competitive season starting March 28.

IPL 2026 Squads

Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Sanju Samson, MS Dhoni,, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Aman Khan, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary, Jamie Overton*, Dewald Brevis*, Matt Short*, Spencer Johnson*, Zak Foulkes*, Matt Henry*, Noor Ahmad*, Akeal Hosein*

Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel (captain), Prithvi Shaw, Karun Nair, Nitish Rana, Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Sahil Parakh, KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Madhav Tiwari, T Vijay, Ajay Mandal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc*, Pathum Nissanka*, Dushmantha Chameera*, Lungi Ngidi*, David Miller*, Tristan Stubbs*, Kyle Jamieson*

Gujarat Titans

Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jayant Yadav, Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Jos Buttler*, Tom Banton*, Luke Wood*, Glenn Phillips*, Jason Holder*, Rashid Khan*, Kagiso Rabada*

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*

Lucknow Super Giants

Rishabh Pant (captain), Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Himmat Singh, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Mukul Choudhary, Arshin Kulkarni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, M Siddharth, Akash Singh, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, Naman Tiwari, Matthew Breetzke*, Aiden Markram*, Anrich Nortje*, Nicholas Pooran*, Josh Inglis*, Mitchell Marsh*, Wanindu Hasaranga*

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*

Also READ: From AB de Villiers to Suresh Raina – Star Sports unveils elite list of commentators for IPL 2026

Punjab Kings

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Harnoor Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Harpreet Brar, Musheer Khan, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Vishal Nishad, Yash Thakur, Azmatullah Omarzai*, Ben Dwarshuis*, Cooper Connolly*, Marcus Stoinis*, Mitchell Owen*, Xavier Bartlett*, Marco Jansen*, Lockie Ferguson*

Rajasthan Royals

Riyan Parag (captain), Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Aman Rao, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Sushant Mishra, Kuldeep Sen, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer*, Lhuan-dre Pretorius*, Donovan Ferreira*, Kwena Maphaka*, Nandre Burger*, Adam Milne*, Shimron Hetmyer*, Dasun Shanaka*

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Satwik Deswal, Kanish Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Mangesh Yadav, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell*, Phil Salt*, Jordan Cox*, Josh Hazlewood*, Tim David*, Romario Shepherd*, Jacob Duffy*, Nuwan Thushara*

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins* (captain), Ishan Kishan (stand-in captain), Aniket Verma, R Smaran, Salil Arora, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Krains Fuletra, Zeeshan Ansari, Amit Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Onkar Tarmale, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone*, Brydon Carse*, David Payne*, Travis Head*, Heinrich Klaasen*, Kamindu Mendis*, Eshan Malinga*

* – Overseas players

Also READ: IPL 2026 Schedule, Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK & other countries

England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from IPL 2026 just days before the tournament, a move that could now attract the attention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The 31-year-old, who was set to make his IPL debut with Delhi Capitals after being bought for ₹2 crore, will now miss the season entirely.

Duckett’s decision has surprised fans and cricket circles alike, given the excitement around his first IPL stint. By stepping back to focus on his international career, he has opened the possibility of facing regulatory consequences, although it remains unclear whether the BCCI will enforce the rules in this case.

Could BCCI rules see Ben Duckett banned until IPL 2029?

Under BCCI regulations, any overseas player who withdraws after being picked in the auction without a valid injury can face a two-season ban from participating in the IPL or its auctions.

If applied, this rule could potentially see Duckett miss IPL seasons until 2029. A similar situation occurred with fellow England batter Harry Brook, who is currently serving a ban after withdrawing in a previous season.

The cricketing community now watches closely to see whether the BCCI will take formal action in Duckett’s case, making this the key talking point around his withdrawal.

Why Duckett stepped back despite potential BCCI consequences?

Duckett’s choice is also shaped by his recent struggles in red-ball cricket. During the Ashes in Australia, he scored just 202 runs in ten innings as England went down 4-1.

With intense competition for spots in the national side, Duckett has decided to focus on improving his Test performances. By staying in England, playing domestic cricket, and prioritising red-ball preparation, he aims to strengthen his long-term prospects of representing England across formats.

At 31, Duckett is aware that missing an IPL opportunity could affect his future chances in the league, but he remains hopeful of returning one day, potentially with Delhi Capitals.

Also READ: Prithvi Shaw targets India return with ‘200% effort’ ahead of IPL 2026

Duckett apologizes to Delhi Capitals

The England opener also expressed regret over his decision, apologizing to Delhi Capitals and their supporters. He revealed that while he had been genuinely looking forward to playing in the IPL, stepping away was necessary at this stage of his career.

He further explained that he intends to refresh mentally and physically after a demanding winter and prepare for upcoming international assignments, including England’s home Test series against New Zealand later this year.

Duckett has also confirmed plans to feature in early County Championship matches for Nottinghamshire, working closely with coaches to rebuild confidence and regain the form he showed in the previous English summer.

Delhi Capitals face last-minute replacement challenge

Duckett’s withdrawal has left Delhi Capitals in a difficult situation just before the tournament begins on March 28. With limited time remaining, the franchise may now need to find a suitable replacement to fill the gap in their squad.

Last-minute changes can disrupt team combinations and planning, especially when overseas players are involved. Delhi may now need to reassess their strategies quickly as they prepare for the new season.

Also READ: Former Indian opener predicts the top 4 teams in IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 season kicks off with a massive clash between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This opening fixture is a repeat of the 2024 high-scoring thriller, set against the backdrop of a sold-out Chinnaswamy crowd.

RCB begins their title defense under Rajat Patidar, the man who led them to their historic maiden trophy in 2025. On the other side, Ishan Kishan takes the reins for SRH as interim captain while Pat Cummins is expected to miss the initial stage of the tournament.

RCB enters as the “defending champions” for the first time in history, sporting a new look with title sponsor Nothing and a core squad focused on continuity. SRH, known for their record-breaking aggression, will look to spoil the party with their explosive top order featuring Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Match details

• Date and Time: March 28; 7:30 pm IST / 2 pm GMT
• Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

RCB vs SRH, Head-to-Head Record in IPL

Matches played: 25 | RCB won: 11 | SRH won: 13 | No result/Tied: 1

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch remains a batter’s dream, characterized by its remarkably flat surface, high altitude, and lightning-fast outfield that reliably produces high-scoring thrillers. With its famously short boundaries—averaging just 55 to 65 meters square—even mistimed edges frequently clear the ropes, putting immense pressure on the bowling units. Historically, the surface offers a hint of movement for the new ball under lights, but once the powerplay concludes, the track typically transitions into a highway where scores north of 200 are standard. As the evening progresses, the significant dew factor often makes the ball difficult to grip for spinners and death-over specialists, making chasing the overwhelming tactical preference for any captain winning the toss.

Also READ: BCCI announces schedule for the second phase of IPL 2026

Squads

RCB: Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy

SRH: Ishan Kishan (c), Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Salil Arora, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Harsh Dubey, Brydon Carse, Shivang Kumar, Krains Fuletra, Liam Livingstone, David Payne, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar, Praful Hinge, Shivam Mavi, Pat Cummins

RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• RCB wins the toss and bowls first
• SRH’s powerplay score: 50-60
• SRH’s total score: 190-210

Case 2:

• SRH wins the toss and bowls first
• RCB’s powerplay score: 40-50
• RCB’s total score: 170-190

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Here’s why IPL 2026 will have no opening ceremony

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower has dropped a massive update on the star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood‘s availability ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opening match.

Andy Flower said that the veteran Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood won’t be available for the tournament opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 28.

Josh Hazlewood won’t be ready for tomorrow – RCB head coach Andy Flower

Josh Hazlewood has been out of competitive cricket action for a long time now. He missed the Ashes series because of hamstring and Achilles issues and is yet to achieve fitness for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Speaking to the reporters, Andy Flower said, “Hazlewood won’t be ready for tomorrow. But we are monitoring his fitness.”

While talking about the legendary batter Virat Kohli, Andy Flower said that he is super fit and ready to fire.

“Kohli is looking super fit, the way he is timing in practice, he is at the top of his game.”

In Rajat’s first year, he has led the team to a title – Andy Flower

The RCB head coach also lavished rich praise on the skipper Rajat Patidar for maintaining his cool under pressure and gave a special shoutout to the wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. He stated:

“In Rajat’s first year, he has led the team to a title. He had a bit of experience as the captain of MP. Very likable man, stays calm, the bowlers like it. Jitesh is very energetic.”

The Impact Player rule has been a debatable topic with several players raising their voices against it. However, Andy Flower seems to be on a different page. He elaborated:

“Impact sub has been a good innovation. It is interesting for the audience. Tactically, it is a good addition. One of the things of cricket is about selection. When you select a single-skilled player, it could affect the balance. Impact sub hides such things.”

Pat Cummins’ fitness is good – Daniel Vettori

Just like Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins has been troubled a lot by fitness issues and is currently out of action. He is set to miss the initial half of the Indian Premier League.

Providing an update on the SRH skipper, Daniel Vettori said that his fitness is good at the moment and he is slowly building the bowling load. He elaborated:

“Cummins’ fitness is good. It is about building bowling loads. Over the next 10/15 days, hopefully we will get a timeline.”

“We are an aggressive team, we bat deep. The challenge for us is to assess the conditons on tricky wickets.”

Also Read: Kamran Akmal trolls Pakistan Super League after Hyderabad Kingsmen jersey turns ball pink

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are all set for a schedule that is both exciting and challenging for them in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). The SRH will kick off their season on March 28 with a big match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru.

And just like a full circle, they will also end their league stage against the defending champions on May 22, but at their home ground in Hyderabad. SRH will have to manage the first few games without their regular captain, Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from a back injury.

Read Also: RCB vs SRH Match Prediction – Who Will Win Match No.1? | IPL 2026

Your daily dose of cricket!

Until the Australian superstar returns, Ishan Kishan will lead the side while Abhishek Sharma will be his deputy. At the mini-auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad has added ten new faces to their squad. Two of them are overseas stars, Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards.

They bring power, all-round ability, and some much-needed depth. Among the Indian signings are Shivam Mavi, Shivang Kumar, Salil Arora, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar, Praful Hinge, and Krains Fuletra.

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Full Schedule

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Venue Details

The Men in Orange will travel across the seven cities during the IPL 2026 apart from staying at Hyderabad for the seven home games. They will play their away games in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mullanpur, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Home and Away Matches

SRH’s campaign will begin with two away games against the RCB and KKR in the IPL 2026. They will not play any of their group stage matches at a neutral venue.

SRH will play their seven games at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, while the rest of the seven away games will be at the rival teams’ home grounds.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Squad IPL 2026

Ishan Kishan, Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Salil Arora, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Harsh Dubey, Brydon Carse, Shivang Kumar, Krains Fuletra, Liam Livingstone, Jack Edwards, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (captain), Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar, Praful Hinge, Shivam Mavi

Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 Captain and Coaching Staff

Captain: Pat Cummins/Ishan Kishan (stand-in)

Head Coach: Daniel Vettori

Batting Coach: Hemang Badani

Assistant coach: Assistant coach

Assistant Batting Coach: Hariesh Jaikumar

Spin/Strategy Coach: Muttiah Muralitharan

Bowling Coach: Varun Aaron

Fielding coach: Ryan Cook

Physiotherapist: Shyam Sundar Jayapalan

Read Also: RCB coach rules Josh Hazlewood out of IPL 2026 opener, Pat Cummins update arrives

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) begin their IPL 2026 journey with an away clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on March 30, before returning to their fortress, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, for their first home game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 3. As always, CSK’s campaign promises a blend of big-ticket clashes, strategic scheduling, and strong home advantage, all of which could shape their push for another title.

One of the biggest highlights of the season will be the iconic rivalry with Mumbai Indians (MI). The two sides will meet twice in what is widely considered the IPL’s “El Clasico.” The first encounter is set for April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium, followed by the return leg at Chepauk on May 2. Both matches are evening fixtures, ensuring high-intensity contests under lights at two of cricket’s most electrifying venues. Interestingly, CSK will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) only once this season, with that clash scheduled for April 5 in Bengaluru – making it a rare single meeting between two of the league’s most popular teams.

As the tournament progresses, CSK’s schedule begins to tilt in their favour. The final phase of the league stage is particularly advantageous, with three of their last four matches set to be played at Chepauk. They host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 10, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 18, and Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 21, while their only away fixture in this period is against LSG in Lucknow on May 15. This home-heavy finish could play a crucial role in their playoff qualification hopes, especially given CSK’s strong record at Chepauk.

CSK will also need to adapt to varying conditions during the season, particularly in their two afternoon matches. They travel to Ahmedabad to face the Titans on April 26 and host LSG on May 10, with both games starting at 3:30 PM IST. Afternoon fixtures often demand different strategies due to heat and pitch behavior, making adaptability key.

On the team front, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed a new opening combination, with Sanju Samson set to partner him at the top. Samson, who joined CSK in a high-profile trade that saw Ravindra Jadeja move to the Royals, comes into the season in outstanding form after being named Player of the Tournament in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The squad also features the ever-reliable MS Dhoni, alongside exciting additions like Dewald Brevis and Ayush Mhatre. With a balanced mix of pace options such as Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Choudhary and Jamie Overton, and a strong spin unit led by Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal and Akeal Hosein, CSK appear well-equipped for the season.

With a favourable finish, marquee clashes, and a refreshed squad, CSK will once again be aiming to stay true to their legacy – consistency, composure, and a strong push for the IPL 2026 title.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin predicts CSK’s top batter in IPL 2026

CSK IPL 2026 Full Schedule

• March 30 – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 3 – Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings – Chennai 7:30PM IST
• April 5 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 11 – Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• April 14 – Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• April 18 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• April 23 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 26 – Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings – Ahmedabad – 3:30PM IST
• May 2 – Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• May 5 – Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• May 10 – Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants – Chennai – 3:30PM IST
• May 15 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings – Lucknow – 7:30 PM IST
• May 18 – Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• May 21 – Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans – Chennai – 7:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Chennai Super Kings – CSK’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head into IPL 2026 with a schedule that blends fresh venues, tough travel stretches, and a crucial home run towards the end of the season. One of the standout features this year is their split home setup.

PBKS will play four matches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur), hosting Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Later in the tournament, they shift base to the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, where they will host three key matches against Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

PBKS begin their campaign at home against GT on March 31, a fixture that gives them an immediate opportunity to set the tone. After finishing as runners-up last season, captain Shreyas Iyer and his side will be eager to start strong and carry forward that momentum. However, the early part of the schedule quickly becomes demanding. PBKS face three consecutive away matches in different parts of the country – against CSK in Chennai, KKR in Kolkata and MI in Mumbai. This stretch will test the team’s depth, adaptability and ability to handle pressure away from home.

A major highlight of Punjab’s schedule comes in mid-May, when they play three consecutive home games in Dharamshala. Known for its scenic beauty and lively conditions, the venue returns to the IPL calendar this season and could play a key role in PBKS’s playoff push. Playing multiple matches at the same venue allows the team to settle into conditions, something that could give them an edge during this decisive phase.

With Ricky Ponting continuing as head coach, Punjab Kings will aim to build on last season’s success. If they can navigate the early away challenges and capitalize on their strong home finish, PBKS could once again be serious contenders for the title.

Also READ: Will Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings punish Lockie Ferguson for missing early part of IPL 2026?

Punjab Kings Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• March 31 – Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – New Chandigarh – 7:30PM IST
• April 3 – Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings – Chennai – 7:30PM IST
• April 6 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST
• April 11 – Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – New Chandigarh – 3:30PM IST
• April 16 – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 19 – Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants – New Chandigarh – 7:30PM IST
• April 25 – Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings – Delhi – 3:30PM IST
• April 28 – Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – New Chandigarh – 7:30PM IST
• May 3 – Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 6 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 11 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Dharamhsala – 7:30PM IST
• May 14 – Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Dharamshala – 7:30PM IST
• May 17 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Dharamshala – 3:30PM IST
• May 23 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Punjab Kings – PBKS’ report card ahead of IPL 2026

In a heartwarming story ahead of IPL 2026, Jitesh Sharma shared how Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta reached out to him with genuine warmth even after he left the franchise. The RCB wicketkeeper-batter revealed that Preity made a personal phone call to apologise because she could not bring him back in the auction.

Jitesh, who played for Punjab Kings from 2022 to 2025, moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru before the 2025 season and played a key role in their title-winning campaign. Despite his success with RCB, the bond he shared with Preity Zinta clearly remains strong.

Jitesh Sharma shares the heartening incident involving Priety Zinta

Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Jitesh narrated the emotional moment. After the auction, Preity called him and said, “I am very sorry, I couldn’t get you in the auction.” Jitesh added that she treats him like her younger brother and has always been supportive.

Jitesh also shared that both he and Preity come from Himachal Pradesh and would often talk for hours about life, beyond cricket. This small gesture shows the personal relationships that often develop between players and franchise owners in the IPL. While the league is highly competitive and business-driven, moments like these highlight the human side of cricket.

Also READ: Jitesh Sharma takes a dig at his former side PBKS ahead of IPL 2026

Jitesh’s journey from PBKS to RCB success

Jitesh had a rollercoaster journey with Punjab Kings. He started as a backup keeper, gradually earned more opportunities, and even captained the side briefly. However, it was his move to RCB that brought the best out of him. His finishing and sharp glove work played an important part in helping RCB lift their maiden IPL trophy.

Even after the move and the title win, Preity’s call reflects the respect and affection she holds for Jitesh. Jitesh himself sounded grateful while sharing the story and made it clear that there are no hard feelings.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan flags ‘key concern’ in Arshdeep Singh’s bowling ahead of IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will begin their IPL 2026 journey with a home fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium. With a new-look squad, all eyes will be on how captain Rishabh Pant shapes the team’s identity right from the opening game.

This season signals a new chapter for LSG. Under Pant’s leadership, the franchise has undergone several key changes, strengthening both their batting and bowling departments. The additions of Mitchell Marsh and Mohammad Shami bring experience and versatility, while the pace duo of Anrich Nortje and Mayank Yadav adds serious firepower. In the spin department, Wanindu Hasaranga offers wicket-taking ability, giving LSG a well-rounded bowling attack. Alongside established names like Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram, the squad appears balanced and competitive.

LSG will enjoy strong home support this season, with seven matches scheduled at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. After their opener against DC, they will host Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). Playing a majority of matches at home gives LSG a great opportunity to build consistency, especially if they can adapt well to the conditions in Lucknow.

LSG will also need to adjust to afternoon conditions in two matches this season. They travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 5 and later host GT on April 12, with both games starting at 3:30 PM IST. Afternoon matches often demand different strategies due to heat and pitch behaviour, making preparation key.

With a new captain, a strengthened squad, and a schedule that balances opportunity with challenge, LSG will be aiming to make a strong statement in IPL 2026. If they can navigate the early away stretch and capitalize on their home advantage, they have the potential to emerge as serious contenders this season.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Lalit Modi labels LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka ‘clown’ over his reaction to RR and RCB’s record acquisition deal

Lucknow Super Giants Full IPL 2026 Schedule

• April 1 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• April 5 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants – Hyderabad – 3:30PM IST
• April 9 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants – Kolkata – 7:30PM IST
• April 12 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans – Lucknow – 3:30 PM IST
• April 15 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 19 – Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants – New Chandigarh – 7:30PM IST
• April 22 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals – Lucknow- 7:30PM IST
• April 26 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• May 4 – Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• May 7 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• May 10 – Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants – Chennai – 3:30PM IST
• May 15 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• May 19 – Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants – Jaipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 23 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Lucknow Super Giants – LSG’s report card ahead of IPL 2026