The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has transitioned from a mere sporting tournament into a global financial behemoth, recently crossing valuation milestones that have sent shockwaves through the sporting world. As the league cements its status as the second most valuable sports property globally per match, the off-field drama is proving to be just as explosive as the action on the pitch. The latest season hasn’t just been defined by centuries and wickets, but by a high-stakes digital spat involving the league’s ‘founding father’ and one of its most prominent current owners.

The fuse was lit following the historic sale of two of the league’s legacy franchises: the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The numbers involved are staggering. RR, originally purchased for approximately ₹270 crore in 2008, was recently valued at over ₹15,000 crore. RCB followed suit, with a valuation leap from ₹485 crore at its inception to a massive ₹16,600 crore.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka took to social media to celebrate these figures, attributing the exponential growth to the current governance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Goenka specifically praised the ‘architecture of the IPL’ and the ‘vision of Jay Shah,’ crediting the structuring of digital and broadcast rights for giving investors the confidence to pour billions into the ecosystem. While the tweet seemed like a standard congratulatory note on the league’s health, it acted as a lightning rod for the man who claims the original blueprint for the IPL.

1/ @rajasthanroyals, acquired for roughly ₹270 crore in 2008, have just been sold for over ₹15,000 crore. @RCBTweets, acquired for roughly ₹485 crore, sold for over ₹16,600 crore. Two franchises, same week, each over ₹15,000 crore.

That value was built by the architecture…

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) March 25, 2026

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts probable playing XI of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2026

‘Clown’ remark sparks controversy as Lalit Modi hits out at LSG owner

The response from Lalit Modi, the former IPL Commissioner currently living in London, was swift and characteristically unfiltered. Modi, who was instrumental in launching the IPL in 2008 before his controversial exit, took direct aim at Goenka’s historical perspective—or lack thereof.

In a scathing retort, Modi labeled Goenka a ‘clown’ and suggested the billionaire was suffering from memory loss regarding who actually conceived the IPL model. Modi didn’t stop at professional critiques; he made it personal by comparing Sanjiv to his brother, Harsh Goenka, stating he wished the latter owned the franchise instead, calling him a true cricket fan.

Modi’s outburst underscores a long-standing tension between the league’s old guard and its current leadership. By claiming Goenka has zero knowledge and a swelled-up head, Modi is essentially fighting for his legacy, asserting that the current multi-billion dollar valuations are the result of the foundation he laid nearly two decades ago, rather than just the efforts of current BCCI administrators.

The controversy has divided fans and analysts alike. While many acknowledge the incredible job the current BCCI team has done in scaling the league to ₹16,000 crore valuations, others feel Modi’s foundational role in the IPL architecture is often unfairly scrubbed from the official narrative. As the IPL 2026 season kicks off, this war of words serves as a reminder that in the world of cricket’s elite, egos are often as large as the bank balances.

Seriously this guy really has a memory loss of who conceived the model. Thats ok. He just lives in his own world. We all know that 🤣🤣🤣 @DrSanjivGoenka is a 🤡
wish it was his brother @hvgoenka who owned the ipl franchise. He is a true cricket fan. Not this clown – who thinks… https://t.co/m8eBdAOHHX

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 26, 2026

Also READ: Yograj Singh lambasts Ravichandran Ashwin over remarks on Arjun Tendulkar ahead of IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been as much about the vibes as it is about the yorkers, and the 2026 pre-season captains’ meet proved exactly that. While the official photoshoot is usually a formal affair of blazers and stern expressions, the 2026 edition took a hilarious turn when Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel crossed paths with the newly-minted Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar.

Axar Patel can’t take eyes off Rajat Patidar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ hairstyle at IPL 2026 captains’ event

The highlight of the evening wasn’t the gleaming silver trophy, but rather Patidar’s dramatic aesthetic transformation. Sporting flowing, long locks, Patidar looked less like a middle-order batter and more like a Bollywood protagonist. Axar, known for his dry wit, couldn’t help but pause the shoot to christen Patidar the “Dhurandhar Boy,” a cheeky nod to Ranveer Singh’s rugged, high-octane look in the cinematic hit Dhurandhar: The Revenge.

The exchange, captured in a behind-the-scenes clip that has since shattered social media engagement records, shows Axar circling Patidar with a look of genuine disbelief. “Ye hairstyle ka raaz kya hai?” (What’s the secret behind this hairstyle?), Axar was heard quipping, while Patidar, usually the most soft-spoken man in the room, laughed off the comparison to the silver screen’s fiercest warrior.

Here’s the video:

What caught Axar Patel’s eye in Rajat Patidar’s new hairstyle? 👀#CaptainsDay | #TATAIPL 2026 👉 Starts SAT, 28th MAR, 5:30 PM pic.twitter.com/Or3OFSddIc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 26, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Ananya Birla addresses speculation around renaming RCB after massive ₹16,700 crore sale

Patidar’s bold vision for RCB’s title defense in IPL 2026

While the “Dhurandhar” comparison provided the laughs, Patidar revealed there is a strategic—and perhaps superstitious, method to his makeover. In a recent segment of RCB Bold Diaries, the skipper addressed the viral sensation surrounding his hair with a remark that has sent the RCB ‘12th Man Army’ into a frenzy.

“I want a photo with this hairstyle holding the trophy, it’s a new look for a new challenge. We are here to keep the cup in Bengaluru,” Patidar joked, though his eyes carried the intensity of a defending champion.

Having led RCB to their historic maiden title the previous year, Patidar is under immense pressure to deliver a double. In the world of professional sports, a change in appearance often signals a shift in mindset. For Patidar, the long hair represents a warrior mode as RCB prepare to fend off nine other hungry franchises.

As the DC and RCB captains shared a hug after their playful exchange, the moment served as a reminder of the unique camaraderie within the IPL. While they will be fierce rivals on the pitch, the Dhurandhar banter humanizes these superstars, proving that even under the crushing weight of captaincy, there’s always room for a well-timed joke about a haircut.

Also READ: Vijay Mallya reflects on RCB’s historic ₹16,700 sale ahead of IPL 2026

The BCCI has officially unveiled the roadmap for the 2026-27 home international season, sparking immediate excitement among cricket enthusiasts across the country. Following a period of intense away tours and ICC events, the focus shifts back to Indian soil, where the Men in Blue are set to host a marathon of high-octane cricket. With 22 matches scheduled across 17 different cities, the upcoming calendar ensures that the ‘Blue Wave’ will sweep through every corner of the nation, from the coastal breeze of Trivandrum to the historic grounds of Kolkata. However, for most fans, the schedule release answers one primary question: when will we see the iconic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in action in front of their home crowds?

BCCI announces comprehensive 2026-27 home season schedule

The BCCI’s newly released itinerary is a balanced mix of white-ball fireworks and the prestige of the long format. The season officially kicks off on September 27, 2026, with the West Indies arriving for a multi-format tour. This opening leg features three ODIs in Trivandrum, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh, followed by a five-match T20I series spanning Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

As the winter chill sets in, Sri Lanka will visit in December 2026 for three ODIs and three T20Is, with matches hosted in major hubs like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Pune. This is followed by a quick three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in early January 2027, bringing international cricket to the iconic Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium. However, the crown jewel of the season remains the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Starting January 21, 2027, India will face Australia in a gruelling five-match Test series. This ultimate test of skill will travel through Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, and Ranchi, before reaching its grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in early March.

Also READ: BCCI announces blockbuster home season for 2026-27; West Indies, Australia to tour India

When are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli expected to take the field in Indian colours?

Following their T20I retirement after the 2024 World Cup and their subsequent departure from Test cricket in May 2025, Rohit and Kohli have transitioned into ODI specialists for the national side. Consequently, they will be absent from the T20I legs against West Indies and Sri Lanka, as well as the high-profile Test series against Australia.

The definitive dates for fans to see the duo back on home soil are centered around the ODI segments. They are expected to make their first appearance of the season in the opening ODI against West Indies on September 27, 2026, in Trivandrum. This will be followed by two more matches in the same series.

Their next home outing will be the Sri Lanka ODI series starting December 13, 2026, in Delhi, followed by matches in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Finally, they are slated to lead the batting lineup in the Zimbabwe ODI series starting January 3, 2027, featuring a highly anticipated match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. For Rohit and Virat, these nine home ODIs are more than just fixtures; they are the primary platform to refine their game as they move toward the twilight of their illustrious international careers.

Also READ: RCB legend Virat Kohli reacts to ‘chartered flight to London’ rumours ahead of IPL 2026

The wait is almost over. IPL 2026 is set to get underway on March 28, and the excitement building around this edition is hard to miss. With ten teams, 84 matches, and a packed schedule spread across two phases, it promises to be the biggest IPL yet. Among the ten franchises gearing up for another shot at glory, Mumbai Indians (MI) always attract a special kind of attention. The five-time champions have not lifted the trophy since 2020, and with a squad packed full of stars, there is widespread belief that this could finally be their year again.

MI will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium, and the buzz around their preparations has been impossible to ignore. However, not everyone is ready to give them a clean bill of health just yet. One legendary voice from the world of cricket has flagged a concern and it is one that MI fans would do well to pay attention to.

AB de Villiers names the weak link in MI bowling lineup

Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of IPL 2026, former South African batting great AB de Villiers pointed to left-arm pacer Trent Boult as his biggest worry for Mumbai Indians. De Villiers drew a comparison with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s decline in pace, saying Boult has lost a yard and is not as threatening as he was during his peak years between 2018 and 2020. He also noted that Boult has been leaking more runs of late, and warned that MI could be carrying a false sense of security when it comes to their bowling depth, adding that opposition batters may well identify this as an area to target.

It is a pointed observation from someone who understands the game at the highest level. The concern is not without merit either. While Boult was MI’s leading wicket-taker last season with 22 wickets, he conceded runs at an economy rate of almost nine, which in T20 cricket is a number that can hurt a team badly, especially in the middle overs and death.

Boult holds the record for the most wickets in the opening over of an IPL innings with 31, and his left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball have long made him one of the most dangerous powerplay bowlers in the competition. But de Villiers’ point is that the version of Boult who was truly unplayable at the top of the innings is no longer quite the same threat he once was. If batters walk in with a game plan against him, that partnership with Jasprit Bumrah could look more vulnerable than it appears on paper.

“The one worry for me is Trent Boult. It’s similar to a Bhuvi situation, where he has lost a yard. He is not as spicy as he was from 2018 to 2020. He seems to be more expensive over the last while. MI probably feel they have a lot of insurance there, but maybe it’s a false sense of security. It could be an area some of the opposition batters will target,” said De Villiers.

Also READ: Wasim Jaffer outlines his Mumbai Indians playing XII prediction for IPL 2026

Expectations high from the five-time champions

Despite the concern over Boult, Mumbai Indians on the whole look formidable heading into IPL 2026. Former India opener Abhinav Mukund described MI as a dominant force on paper, highlighting the number of in-form players in the squad and pointing to the addition of Quinton de Kock as a particularly strong move. He noted that the squad is so packed that even a player of Shardul Thakur’s quality may struggle to find a place in the playing eleven, which tells you everything about the depth available.

The batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and de Kock is among the most star-studded in the competition. If Bumrah is fully fit and fires alongside Boult and Deepak Chahar, MI have the firepower to go all the way. But de Villiers’ warning serves as a timely reminder on paper is one thing, and what actually happens out in the middle is another.

For a team that has not won the title in five years, the hunger is clearly there. Whether the bowling holds up over a long tournament will be one of the most interesting subplots of IPL 2026.

Also READ: Former CSK star picks his ideal playing XI of Mumbai Indians for IPL 2026

With the excitement building around the upcoming Indian Premier League season, the tournament is already sparking conversations about team combinations and player form. Among the franchises under the spotlight, Punjab Kings will be hoping to finally turn promise into consistent performances.

A major part of their plans revolves around their pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh, who has emerged as one of India’s most dependable T20 bowlers in recent years. Known for his composure in pressure situations and ability to strike early, the left-arm seamer carries significant expectations heading into the new season.

As PBKS aim to build a strong campaign, Arshdeep’s role with the new ball and in the death overs will be crucial. Fans and experts alike are eager to see whether he can maintain his consistency and take another leap in performance during IPL 2026.

Irfan Pathan highlights area of concern in Arshdeep Singh’s bowling

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently shared his thoughts on Arshdeep’s game, pointing out a specific area that needs improvement. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan acknowledged the pacer’s wicket-taking ability but stressed that his effectiveness with the new ball has dipped slightly in recent times. According to Pathan, Arshdeep has not been able to consistently bring the inswinger into play during the early overs—a variation that once made him particularly dangerous. The lack of movement with the new ball, he suggested, could reduce the bowler’s impact during the powerplay phase, where early breakthroughs are vital.

“Arshdeep, who was your highest wicket-taker, has been consistently taking wickets. One thing he will definitely need to focus on is how he bowls with the new ball. Because over the past year, or slightly less than a year, from what I have observed, he hasn’t been bowling much inswing with the new ball,” said Pathan.

Pathan also drew attention to a noticeable rise in Arshdeep’s economy rate over the past year. He explained that while the pacer continues to pick up wickets, controlling the flow of runs will be equally important, especially in a high-scoring format like the IPL. The former cricketer’s remarks underline the fine margins that separate good bowlers from great ones in T20 cricket. For Arshdeep, refining his new-ball skills and maintaining discipline with line and length could be the difference-maker in IPL 2026.

“His statistics, compared to before and after the Asia Cup, have slightly declined in terms of new ball bowling. He will need to pay attention to that and also keep an eye on his economy rate,” added Pathan.

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

Impressive numbers underline Arshdeep’s impact

Despite the concerns raised, Arshdeep’s overall record remains highly impressive. He played a vital role in India’s triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, finishing as one of the leading wicket-takers with 17 scalps while maintaining an excellent economy rate. In the powerplay phase of T20 cricket, Arshdeep has consistently delivered breakthroughs. He has taken 90 wickets in that phase across T20s, placing him among the most effective Indian bowlers early in the innings, just behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar in terms of wickets.

His contributions for Punjab have been equally significant. Since making his debut in 2019, Arshdeep has grown into the franchise’s leading wicket-taker, picking up 97 wickets in 87 matches. He now stands on the brink of another milestone, needing just three more wickets to become the fourth Indian left-arm seamer to reach 100 IPL wickets. Expectations will be high from the star pacer in the upcoming season of the cash-rich league.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan names Punjab Kings’ playing XI for IPL 2026

Pre-season training camps are usually all business, drills, fitness sessions, tactical discussions, and plenty of hard work behind closed doors. But every now and then, a moment sneaks out that captures the spirit of a dressing room better than any press conference ever could. That is exactly what happened at Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s pre-season nets, when a short clip posted on RCB’s official social media stopped cricket fans in their tracks.

Venkatesh Iyer’s move to RCB and what he brings to the table

Venkatesh Iyer was picked up by RCB for ₹7 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, having previously been a key part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup. In his time with KKR, he played 62 matches and scored 1,468 runs as a left-handed batter, averaging a strike rate of 137.32 with one century and 12 fifties to his name.

But what has always made Iyer interesting is that he is not just a batter. His ability to bowl at a decent pace and contribute with the ball adds a layer of flexibility that any T20 side values. RCB head coach Andy Flower has already highlighted Iyer’s all-round utility as crucial to the team’s balance, and going by the nets footage, Iyer seems to be taking that responsibility seriously.

Virat Kohli terms Iyer as Allan Donald

Iyer was seen bowling in the nets and nailing a precise yorker that sends the off-stump flying. Standing nearby and watching it unfold is none other than Virat Kohli, who reacts immediately with a grin and drops a reference that no Indian cricket fan would miss. Kohli called out to Iyer saying “Venkateshwar, tu toh Allan Donald bana hua hai” — comparing him to the South African pace legend right there in the middle of a practice session.

Here is the video:

Wake up 12th Man Army, a new nick name just dropped. 🤭🤭

Watch the video for what VK said. 😂🔥

This is Emmvee presents RCB Shorts.#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/GjhdlJv2TM

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2026

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

RCB to kick off IPL 2026 campaign against SRH

For those unfamiliar with the name, Allan Donald is widely regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers to ever play the game. The South African, nicknamed “White Lightning,” terrorized batters throughout the 1990s and early 2000s with his searing pace, accuracy, and ability to generate sharp bounce on any surface. He took 330 Test wickets and was instrumental in South Africa’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse after their return to international cricket.

So when Kohli, a man who has faced the best bowlers in the world across formats, casually drops that name while watching a net session, it is not something you brush aside. It was clearly said in good humour, but the underlying point was clear: Iyer was bowling with genuine pace and precision, enough to earn a reaction from one of cricket’s most competitive minds.

RCB begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad this Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, and if the energy coming out of their pre-season camp is anything to go by, the defending champions are going into IPL 2026 in a very good headspace indeed.

Also READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad signals new opening pair for CSK in IPL 2026

With excitement building for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, predictions from former cricketers have started pouring in. Among the latest voices are two ex-England captains — Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook — who have picked different favourites to lift the coveted trophy. While both acknowledged the competitiveness of the league, their choices reflect contrasting beliefs about experience versus momentum.

Michael Vaughan backs comeback of 5-time champions

Vaughan has tipped Mumbai Indians to reclaim glory and secure their sixth IPL title. The five-time champions have not won the tournament since 2020, when they defeated Delhi Capitals in a dominant final performance. The former England skipper believes that Mumbai’s squad depth and winning pedigree make them strong contenders to end their title drought. He pointed out that despite a few underwhelming seasons, the franchise still possesses a balanced mix of experienced stars and emerging talents.

According to Vaughan, Mumbai’s ability to handle pressure in crunch moments could prove decisive over the course of a long and demanding tournament. He suggested that teams with a history of success often find ways to bounce back, and MI might be primed for exactly that in 2026.

“Mumbai Indians are winning it this year. They haven’t won it in a few [years] but they have got an incredible team,” Vaughan said on The Overlap Cricket YouTube channel.

Alastair Cook goes with star-studded side to repeat the history

In contrast, Cook has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to defend their title successfully. The Bengaluru-based side enters the season as defending champions and will be aiming to become only the third team in IPL history to win consecutive titles. Cook expressed confidence in the team’s leadership and structure, particularly highlighting the influence of head coach Andy Flower. He believes that RCB’s recent success has instilled a winning mentality within the squad, something that could carry them through another successful campaign.

If RCB manage to win again, they would join an elite list alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians — the only teams to have previously achieved back-to-back titles.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Who is Aryaman Birla? Meet the new chairman of RCB

Season opener sets the tone

The IPL’s 18-year history has seen a handful of teams dominate the competition. Apart from Mumbai and Chennai, Kolkata Knight Riders have also established themselves as a successful unit with multiple titles. However, every new season brings fresh challenges and surprises, making predictions far from certain. RCB’s recent rise has added a new dimension to the competition, while traditional powerhouses like Mumbai will be eager to reassert their dominance. With several teams strengthening their squads, IPL 2026 is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet.

The tournament is set to kick off with an exciting clash between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign a day later against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.

Also READ: Pat Cummins reveals when he will be available to play for SRH in IPL 2026

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has officially kicked off, but the fireworks began well before the first ball was bowled. This 11th edition of the league, known as HBL PSL 11, has expanded to an eight-team format, introducing new franchises like the Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. While the tournament is being held under tight regulations across two primary hubs in Lahore and Karachi, the pre-season energy reached a boiling point during the traditional captains’ press conference. What was meant to be a standard media interaction quickly turned into a viral sensation, thanks to a sharp and witty intervention by Karachi Kings’ skipper, David Warner.

David Warner slams distracted Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan in PSL 2026 press conference

During the high-profile media event, the stage was set with the captains of all eight franchises. However, as the veteran Australian opener was fielding questions regarding his team’s strategy and new signings, a segment of the panel seemed to lose focus. Specifically, Pakistan stars Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, along with Marnus Labuschagne, were caught in a private conversation, sharing whispers and laughs while Warner was mid-sentence.

In a moment that has since taken social media by storm, Warner didn’t just ignore the chatter—he addressed it with his signature Bull grit. Pausing his response to a reporter, Warner turned to his fellow captains and quipped:

“What’s wrong, gentlemen? Oh, sorry, we got some school kids here.”

The room erupted in laughter, effectively schooling the distracted players and shifting the spotlight back to the official proceedings. While some online rumours jokingly suggested the distraction was caused by a stray sound from Rizwan, the viral footage confirms it was the light-hearted murmuring that drew Warner’s ire. The Aussie veteran, who led Karachi Kings to a strong third-place finish last season with 368 runs, clearly isn’t in Pakistan just for the vibes, he’s there for the business of cricket.

Here’s the video:

Rizwan farted during the PSL captains
press conference, and all the captains started laughing.

David Warner then said, Whats wrong, gentlemen ? Do we have some school kids here ?pic.twitter.com/QMzoKKjDRw

— Shah (@Shahhoon1) March 25, 2026

Also READ: From Carlos Brathwaite to Wasim Akram: Star-studded commentary panel announced for PSL 2026

Warner’s PSL preparations and warning to other competitors

Once the school kids were settled, Warner pivoted back to the serious nature of Karachi Kings’ campaign. He expressed immense confidence in the squad’s evolution, particularly praising the strategic moves made during the first-ever PSL auction. The addition of world-class leg-spinner Adam Zampa and the stability of Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha have transformed the Kings into a balanced powerhouse.

Warner highlighted that with the tournament restricted to fewer venues this year, there is no excuse for teams not to adapt quickly. He noted that the squad’s familiarity with the conditions in Karachi and Lahore would be a massive advantage.

“We’ve got a good group of players, and I think we did well at the auction as well,” Warner stated firmly.

His closing remark served as a chilling warning to the other seven franchises: the Kings are not just looking to emulate last year’s performance, but to “compete against these guys and smash them all.” With a fortified middle order featuring Azam Khan and the experience of Moeen Ali, Warner’s Karachi Kings are signalling that they are the team to beat in 2026.

Also READ: PSL 2026 to be held behind closed doors amid Pakistan’s oil crisis

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out an exciting schedule for India‘s 2026-27 home international season, setting the stage for months of high-quality cricket. With four visiting nations. the calendar is loaded with 22 matches spread across 17 cities, ensuring fans from every corner of the country get a chance to experience live action.

One of the standout aspects of the announcement is the return of international cricket to Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium after a long gap, along with Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium hosting a Test match in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the very first time. The schedule reflects a clear intent to take the game beyond traditional hubs and deepen its reach.

West Indies tour to kick off the season

India’s home summer begins with the West Indies touring from late September to mid-October 2026. The series includes three One Day Internationals followed by five T20 Internationals, offering a blend of formats early in the season.

The ODI leg will be staged in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh, while the T20Is will travel through Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The spread of venues highlights the board’s effort to rotate matches across regions and engage diverse fan bases.

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe add white-ball flavor

After a brief break, Sri Lanka will arrive in December for a short white-ball series consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is. Matches will be played in major venues including Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad for ODIs, while Rajkot, Cuttack and Pune will host the T20 fixtures.

The new year will begin with Zimbabwe’s tour, featuring a three-match ODI series in January 2027. Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai have been selected as host cities, giving the tour a compact yet impactful footprint.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to headline the season

The highlight of the home season will undoubtedly be the much-anticipated Test series against Australia. The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy will run from January 21 to March 3, 2027, promising intense battles between two of the strongest Test sides.

Nagpur will host the opening Test, followed by matches in Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. The inclusion of Guwahati as a Test venue marks a significant milestone, reflecting the growing infrastructure and popularity of cricket in the northeast.

Also READ: BCCI introduces new guidelines for IPL 2026 with stricter rules to ensure smooth and professional conduct

Complete schedule of India’s blockbuster home season

West Indies Tour of India

Sri Lanka Tour of India

Zimbabwe Tour of India

Australia Tour of India (Border-Gavaskar Trophy)

Also READ: BCCI confirms date, match time and venue for Ireland vs India T20I series 

As the countdown to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) gathers pace, excitement among fans has reached fever pitch. With fresh squads, new leadership dynamics, and tactical shake-ups, every franchise is under the microscope. Among them, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have emerged as one of the most talked-about teams heading into the new season.

The Orange Army has made bold moves both on and off the field, signaling a renewed intent to return to the top tier of the competition. After an inconsistent 2025 campaign, the franchise appears determined to strike the right balance between explosive batting and reliable bowling. Fans are particularly eager to see how SRH’s revamped lineup performs under pressure, especially given their reputation for aggressive cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals His SRH XI

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has now weighed in with his ideal playing XI for SRH in IPL 2026, offering a mix of experience, youth, and firepower across departments.

Ashwin’s chosen XI features a dynamic opening pair in Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both known for their aggressive stroke play. The middle order includes Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Heinrich Klaasen, forming a solid core capable of accelerating at any stage of the innings.

The all-round strength is bolstered by players like Liam Livingstone, while lesser-known names such as Salil Arora and Harsh Dubey add depth and flexibility to the lineup. The bowling attack, meanwhile, features a mix of pace and variations with Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, and Shivang Kumar.

Ashwin also named Jaydev Unadkat as the Impact Substitute, providing an additional experienced option depending on match situations. His XI reflects a strategy built around aggressive batting complemented by a versatile, if slightly untested, bowling unit.

Ashwin’s SRH XI for IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Shivang Kumar.

Impact Sub: Jaydev Unadkat.

Also READ: Meet David Payne: Veteran England left-armer stepping in as Jack Edwards’ replacement for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026

High Expectations from the Orange Army

Heading into IPL 2026, expectations are sky-high for SRH. The team is widely seen as one of the most explosive yet unpredictable sides in the tournament. After finishing sixth in the previous season, the franchise has undergone significant changes to address tactical shortcomings—particularly the lack of a dependable “Plan B” when conditions didn’t suit their attacking style.

A key storyline early in the season will be the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins due to a back injury. In his absence, Ishan Kishan is set to lead the side, while Abhishek will serve as vice-captain. This leadership shift adds another layer of intrigue to SRH’s campaign.

Despite these uncertainties, the team is expected to stick to its trademark “ruthless aggression” approach. Analysts believe SRH possess the firepower to challenge for a top-four finish, although their fortunes may ultimately hinge on the consistency of their bowling attack. If their bowlers can withstand pressure in crucial moments, SRH could well transform from a mid-table contender into a serious title threat this season.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis picks ideal batting number for KL Rahul in IPL 2026