Cricket presenter Gaurav Kapur and actress Kritika Kamra have finally put months of speculation to rest by making their relationship Instagram-official. The duo chose a warm and intimate breakfast setting to hard launch their romance on social media, instantly sending fans and the entertainment world into a frenzy.

Gaurav Kapur and Kritika Kamra confirm relationship

On Wednesday, Kritika shared a cosy carousel of pictures featuring Gaurav, confirming what fans had been suspecting for a while. The photos show the couple enjoying a relaxed breakfast date, capturing each other on camera, laughing together and sharing easy, unguarded moments that radiate comfort and chemistry. One of the standout frames in the series is a shot of their sneakers side by side, a subtle but intimate symbol of togetherness that quickly became a favourite among fans.

Rather than a long emotional note, Kritika opted for a low-key, playful approach, letting the images do most of the talking. The understated, slice-of-life aesthetic of the post struck a chord with followers, who praised the couple for choosing an honest, real-world moment instead of a heavily staged announcement. Within minutes, the post began trending across social platforms, with many calling it one of the sweetest celebrity “hard launches””of the year.

What truly elevated the post for cricket and pop-culture fans was Kritika’s clever use of captions. She captioned the primary photo “breakfast with…”, leaving the sentence open-ended but obvious enough for followers to connect the dots. On another image, she added the tongue-in-cheek line, “Does it have to be this cheesy?”, blending humour with romance in a way that felt authentic to her social media persona.

The wording was also a smart hat-tip to Gaurav Kapur’s hugely popular cricket chat show, Breakfast With Champions, where he hosts leading cricketers over informal breakfast conversations. By anchoring their relationship reveal around a breakfast table and a playful caption, Kritika not only confirmed their romance but also cleverly referenced the show that made Gaurav a household name among cricket fans. For many, this inside nod made the post feel even more personal and endearing.

Fans rejoice Gaurav and Kritika’s relationship after months of speculations

The Instagram post effectively ended months of whispers about the duo’s personal equation. Gaurav and Kritika had been spotted together several times in Mumbai, at private gatherings, screenings and industry events, sparking curiosity about whether they were more than just friends.

Once the pictures went live, the comments section was flooded with love. Friends from the film, OTT and sports communities joined fans in congratulating the couple, dropping heart emojis, fire emojis and playful inside jokes. Many followers described them as an “adorable couple” and thanked them for finally making things “official”. Entertainment portals, fan pages and cricket communities quickly picked up the story, further amplifying the buzz around their announcement.

Also READ: Celebrity anchor Sahiba Bali responds to viral dating buzz with Washington Sundar

A new power couple at the crossroads of cricket and entertainment

With the latest post, Gaurav Kapur and Kritika Kamra have emerged as one of the newest cross-industry power couples, blending the worlds of cricket broadcasting and screen entertainment.

Gaurav, known for his witty hosting, sharp sporting insight and easy rapport with players, enjoys a strong fan base across digital and television platforms.

Kritika, meanwhile, has carved a niche for herself through acclaimed work in television and OTT, earning praise for her versatility and screen presence.

Also READ: Is Mrunal Thakur dating Shreyas Iyer? Bollywood actress responds with a humorous post

The ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to commence on Friday, December 12, 2025, and will run through to the final on Sunday, December 21, 2025, making it a compact, high-stakes tournament spanning just ten days.

ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025: Tournament Details

The competition is being fully hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), utilizing two world-class venues in Dubai to manage the packed fixture list. The matches will be shared between the ICC Academy Ground and The Sevens Stadium. This tournament holds immense importance as it serves as a critical preparatory event for the participating teams ahead of the forthcoming ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, allowing the young stars to adapt to pressure and gain crucial experience in the 50-over format.

ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025: Teams, format and groups

A total of eight teams are participating in this edition, representing the top cricketing nations in Asia. The field includes the five full-member nations of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, along with three qualified associate teams: the UAE (hosts), Nepal, and Malaysia. The tournament follows the traditional 50-over One Day International (ODI) format, emphasizing stamina and tactical depth. Teams are initially divided into two groups of four for a single round-robin league stage.

Group A features the high-profile rivalry between India and Pakistan, alongside the UAE and Malaysia. Group B comprises defending champions Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knock-out semi-finals, where the group winner will face the runner-up from the opposite group, leading up to the final clash.

Former ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 champions and current title aspirants

The history of the U19 Asia Cup is dominated by India, who are the most successful side in the tournament’s history with an impressive eight titles. However, the current champions entering the 2025 edition are Bangladesh, who secured their second title in the 2024 final by defeating India. This makes the competition particularly fierce, as both India and Bangladesh will be keenly watched as favorites, alongside the traditionally strong teams of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament opens with a double-header on December 12, but the most anticipated fixture is the India vs. Pakistan group stage match, scheduled for December 14, which traditionally sets the tone for the rivalry and passion within the tournament.

ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025: Captains of all participating teams

This year, the tournament sees Bangladesh enter as the defending champions, having won the previous edition. The rivalry between India and Pakistan will be a major highlight, with their group stage clash set for December 14.

• India Captain: Ayush Mhatre
• Pakistan Captain: Saad Baig
• Bangladesh Captain: Azizul Hakim Tamim
• Afghanistan Captain: Mehboob Taskin
• Sri Lanka Captain: Vimath Dinsara
• Nepal Captain: Ashok Dhami
• UAE Captain: Yayin Rai
• Malaysia Captain: Deeaz Patro
  

Also READ: India squad for U19 Asia Cup 2025: Ayush Mhatre to captain Vaibhav Suryavanshi-starrer team

ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025: Complete Schedule

ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup: Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• Live Telecast (India): The matches will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network.
• Live Streaming (India): Fans can stream the games live via the SonyLIV app and website.

Also READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi to miss IPL 2026? BCCI unveils new eligibility rules for U-16 and U-19 players

In a gripping contest at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, India produced one of the standout moments of the 2nd T20I when wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma executed a lightning-fast MS Dhoni-esque run out to dismiss a rampant Quinton de Kock on 90. The moment arrived just as South Africa were threatening to surge towards an even bigger total, and it became an instant highlight of the match, drawing massive reactions across social media.

Jitesh Sharma’s sharp work cuts short Quinton de Kock’s masterclass

India, having won the toss and opted to bowl, were under pressure as De Kock dominated proceedings with clean, authoritative strokeplay. But on the very first ball of the 16th over, Varun Chakravarthy induced a rare error. Bowling a flatter ball outside off, he forced de Kock into an under-edge that trickled towards the wicketkeeper. Thinking he had safely played it out, De Kock momentarily stepped out of his crease.

That was all the time Jitesh needed. With immaculate presence of mind and razor-sharp glovework reminiscent of Dhoni at his peak, Jitesh collected the ball cleanly and whipped off the bails in one swift motion. De Kock’s desperate attempt to stretch back into the crease was in vain as the third umpire confirmed he was short. The South African opener, who was marching towards a well-deserved century, had to walk back for a scintillating 90, greeted by a standing ovation from the Mullanpur crowd.

Here’s the video:

Smart glovework from #JiteshSharma ends Quinton de Kock’s knock, perfect timing to break South Africa’s momentum. ⚡#INDvSA, 2nd T20I, LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/BI0R1pksPm pic.twitter.com/eHOkcQzYzR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 11, 2025

Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Varun Chakaravarthy castles Reeza Hendricks with a stunning carrom ball in 2nd T20I

De Kock leads South Africa to a massive total in Mullanpur

Despite the heartbreak at falling short of a century, De Kock’s knock proved pivotal in powering South Africa to a formidable total (213/4) in the venue’s debut men’s international fixture. His early aggression neutralised India’s disciplined start, especially after Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Reeza Hendricks inside the PowerPlay.

De Kock then consolidated and accelerated, forging a crucial partnership with skipper Aiden Markram. Their stand laid the foundation for a potential 200-plus score before Chakravarthy returned to break the alliance in the 12th over. India found a brief opening thereafter, removing de Kock and Dewald Brevis in quick succession, hinting at a comeback.

However, the momentum shifted again as David Miller and Tristan Stubbs‘ replacement, Ferreira, unleashed a ferocious assault in the final overs. The duo targeted India’s seamers with brutal precision. Arshdeep Singh endured a particularly tough outing, conceding seven wides in a single over and struggling to regain rhythm. Jasprit Bumrah, uncharacteristically expensive, leaked 45 runs from his four overs, further aiding the visitors’ late surge.

In stark contrast, Chakravarthy emerged as India’s standout performer with the ball. His composed, probing spell not only yielded two wickets but also applied pressure during crucial phases, preventing an even bigger score.

Also READ: Robin Uthappa slams Gautam Gambhir for overlooking Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s heroics against South Africa

South Africa produced a commanding performance in the second T20I against India, defeating the hosts by 51 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. After being put in to bat, the visitors powered their way to a formidable total before their bowlers dismantled India’s chase with discipline and sustained pressure.

Quinton de Kock leads South Africa to a formidable total

Opting to bowl first, India were immediately put under pressure as Quinton de Kock unleashed a spectacular assault. The left-hander hammered 90 off just 46 balls, striking five fours and seven sixes, and dominated India’s attack with his clean ball-striking, mainly targeting the deep square-leg region. Though India managed early success with Reeza Hendricks falling for 8, de Kock’s fluency kept the innings moving briskly.

Aiden Markram chipped in with a steady 29 off 26, while Dewald Brevis added a quick 14. The finishing touch came from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed 30 off 16, and David Miller, who contributed 20 off 12, helping South Africa post an imposing 213/4. Varun Chakaravarthy stood out with the ball, claiming 2/29, while Axar Patel took one wicket. However, India’s pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, proved expensive as they conceded 54 and 45 runs respectively.

India falter in steep chase despite Tilak Varma’s brilliance

Chasing 214, India needed a fast start but were rocked early when Shubman Gill departed for a golden duck. Abhishek Sharma provided a brief spark with 17 off 8, but the middle order struggled to stitch meaningful partnerships. Captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 5, leaving India reeling in the powerplay.

Tilak Varma was the lone bright spot, crafting an outstanding 62 off 34 deliveries, striking five sixes and giving India hope of reviving the chase. Jitesh Sharma added a brisk 27 off 17, but regular wickets at the other end halted any momentum. Hardik Pandya managed 20, while the lower order crumbled quickly, resulting in India being bundled out for 162 in 19.1 overs.

Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir gets furious as Arshdeep Singh bowls 7 wides in one over during 2nd T20I – IND vs SA

Ottniel Baartman’s four wicket burst seals the contest

South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans superbly, with Ottniel Baartman emerging as the star of the innings. The pacer delivered a stunning spell of 4/24, breaking the back of India’s chase. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi supported him well with two wickets each, while Lutho Sipamla also chipped in with key breakthroughs. Despite a strong crowd and India’s reputation for chasing, the visitors maintained control throughout, denying the hosts any sustained momentum. With this emphatic 51 run win, South Africa bounced back strongly to square the series.

Here’s how fans reacted:

WELL PLAYED, QUINTON DE KOCK. 🔥

– 90 (46) against India in the 2nd T20i, missed out on a very well deserving hundred. pic.twitter.com/e62W5yLfWU

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 11, 2025

𝗩𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻 with another classy half-century 🔥

[Quinton de Kock | IND vs SA | Play With Fire] pic.twitter.com/zItBwHrm6j

— Sunrisers Eastern Cape (@SunrisersEC) December 11, 2025

Quinton De Kock today he was batting not for his country. Bro is on a mission 💀 pic.twitter.com/EDhD4Uvnch

— Dev (@refocus21) December 11, 2025

This is the Baartman we came to know and love!! We saw his quality tonight, excellent T20 bowler!! Well done Ottas (4-24) 👏🔥

Just a message to the coach & selectors, please dont now mess with his confidence by “rotating” him next game, I beg 🙏#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EiKhbWTrX3

— Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) December 11, 2025

Fantastic work by Ottneil Baartman today, who finishes with figures of 4/24 in his 4 overs.

Economical and incisive ⭐

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) December 11, 2025

India 🇮🇳 vs South Africa 🇿🇦
South Africa beat India by 51 Runs. South Africa levels the series 1-1 . Ottneil Baartman took 4 wickets , Marco Jansen, Lungi Nigidi and Lutho Sipamla took 2 wickets each

— Shivansh rajpal (@RajpalShiv46534) December 11, 2025

Ottneil Baartman hit the jackpot.
3 wickets in a single over.#INDvSA

— Sukumaran BP (@BpSukumaran) December 11, 2025

Ottneil Baartman ne wickets ki jhadi lga di #INDvSA #INDvsSA

— Sharma (@panditrockss) December 11, 2025

Quinton de Kock is the player of the match for his 2 catches n 90 runs .. He just proved his worth for fastest cricket.. IPL Frenchise must have a look

— ¥0 m@n! (@maniwinz) December 11, 2025

South Africa vs India batting today felt like a copy–paste template.
Tilak Varma literally playing the Quinton de Kock role, and baaki sab players bhi dono teams mein almost same pattern follow kar rahe.#INDvSA #TilakVerma #ShubhmamGill #SuryakumarYadav #JaspritBumrah…

— sagar // unserious (@unserioussagar) December 11, 2025

Quinton de Kock batting at 195 SR right before the IPL auction, subtle. Man is basically sending franchises a pre bid remind 😂🙌 #INDvsSA #IPL2026 #IPLAuction #SAvsIND

— Op (@Opr0007) December 11, 2025

Quinton de kock

Is a CLUTCH. !!!! 🐐 #INDvsSA #T20I

— Rohit Jagtap (@iRohit97) December 11, 2025

Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Varun Chakaravarthy castles Reeza Hendricks with a stunning carrom ball in 2nd T20I

The second T20I between India and South Africa was filled with drama, but perhaps the most talked-about moment wasn’t a boundary or a wicket, but a single, nightmarish over bowled by young Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh. The over saw him concede a staggering seven wides, leading to a visibly furious reaction from Team India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir.

Arshdeep Singh delivers a disastrous over

Consistency is key in T20 cricket, and for a fast bowler, maintaining a tight line and length is non-negotiable. However, in the high-pressure environment of a bilateral series, Arshdeep seemed to completely lose his radar. He ended up delivering 13 balls in the 11th over. Facing Quinton de Kock, the left-arm pacer was struck for a six off the opening delivery, and things only worsened from there. He sent down two wides in succession, missing the off-side guideline, and the control issues continued as he followed up with five more wides. The extended over included seven wides and cost India 18 runs. With this, Arshdeep matched Naveen-ul-Haq‘s unwanted T20I record for most deliveries bowled in a single over.

Gautam Gambhir loses his cool

While players on the field tried to offer encouragement, the camera repeatedly panned to the Indian dugout, capturing the palpable tension. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, a man known for his intense passion and zero-tolerance for lack of commitment, was seen in an absolute state of fury. He was captured grimacing, shaking his head vehemently, and expressing his frustration in a manner that was uncharacteristically public for a coach.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/hEJpAzQ8PD

— ` (@Aaravmediaa) December 11, 2025

Also WATCH: Jitesh Sharma channels inner MS Dhoni to remove Quinton de Kock on 90 with lightning run-out in 2nd T20I

Quinton de Kock’s explosive knock propels South Africa to big total and adds intrigue ahead of the IPL 2026 auction

Notably, De Kock produced a stunning 90 off just 46 deliveries, propelling South Africa to an imposing total of 213/4 in the second T20I against India. At his fluent best, De Kock is one of the most eye-catching stroke-makers in world cricket, and he showcased that elegance on a pitch that offered true bounce. He dominated the middle overs with his power-hitting, sending seven balls over the ropes, most of them soaring towards deep square leg.

Having recently taken back his ODI retirement and still weighing his T20 plans after last year’s World Cup, De Kock appears revitalized and in prime touch. A knock of this quality—coming less than a week before the mini-auction—is sure to draw attention from IPL franchises and could spark intense interest in the versatile wicketkeeper-batter.

Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Varun Chakaravarthy castles Reeza Hendricks with a stunning carrom ball in 2nd T20I

The IPL 2026 mini-auction is fast approaching, scheduled for December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and the logistical planning for the event is already underway, as confirmed by a recent Cricbuzz report. One of the major talking points revolves around the attendance of key team personnel, with a notable absence expected from the Punjab Kings (PBKS) coaching staff.

Ricky Ponting’s potential absence from the IPL 2026 mini-auction auction? Here’s what we know

According to the Cricbuzz report, Punjab Kings Head Coach Ricky Ponting will not be attending the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant personnel change for the franchise’s delegation. Ponting’s inability to be present stems from his prior contractual commitments to a major Australian broadcaster for the Ashes Test series.

The report indicates that the third Test is scheduled to begin just a day after the auction, making it logistically impossible for the coach to travel to the Middle East for the bidding event. This situation means that the PBKS management team will have to execute their detailed auction strategy without the immediate input of their head coach, emphasizing the importance of strong pre-auction planning and defined player targets. This absence is particularly important given PBKS’s strategic goals of filling four remaining slots, including two overseas positions, with their modest remaining purse of Rs 11.50 crore after retaining 21 players, the highest number of retentions across all ten franchises.

Also READ: EXPLAINED: Why Harry Brook won’t feature in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

Will Shreyas Iyer lead the PBKS delegation in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

In the wake of Ponting’s confirmed absence, the Cricbuzz report highlights that PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer is expected to take on the leadership role for the franchise’s auction delegation in Abu Dhabi. Iyer, who is currently recuperating from a spleen injury sustained while playing for India in October, has had his name submitted to the BCCI as part of the team’s maximum allocation of eight representatives allowed inside the auction hall.

This move is consistent with an evolving trend in the IPL, where franchises are increasingly empowering their captains to influence squad composition, a practice previously seen with figures like Gautam Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders and Rishabh Pant at Delhi Capitals.

Iyer’s participation is crucial for PBKS as they need to efficiently use their limited funds to secure a few high-impact players, and his on-field experience and understanding of the team’s balance and dressing room dynamic will be invaluable in making instantaneous, high-pressure decisions at the auction table to acquire their priority targets.

Also READ: 5 uncapped stars who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 mini auction

England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook may be barred from featuring in the IPL 2026 auction, but the 25-year-old is set to earn one of the biggest paydays of his franchise career after agreeing to a lucrative contract with Sunrisers Leeds – formerly Northern Superchargers – in The Hundred.

Sunrisers Leeds set to pay a whopping amount to Harry Brook

According to ESPNcricinfo, Brook has signed a deal worth around £470,000 (approx. ₹5.26 crore) ahead of the 2026 edition, making him one of the highest-paid players in the tournament’s new franchise era. Brook has been part of the Leeds-based side since 2021 and took over as captain in 2024, becoming their most prolific run-scorer in the competition.

Brook’s new deal comes in the first major signing window since the Sun Group, owners of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC), acquired a 100% stake in the franchise earlier this year. The group paid £100 million (₹1,092 crore approx.), prompting the ECB to rename Northern Superchargers as Sunrisers Leeds, expanding the brand’s global footprint.

The ECB’s decision in 2024 to allow private ownership and foreign investment triggered a structural overhaul of The Hundred, including the introduction of an IPL-style player auction from 2026. However, teams are allowed a round of direct signings before the auction – and Sunrisers Leeds moved swiftly to secure Brook as a marquee player for their long-term plans.

With the first Hundred Auction scheduled for March 2026, Brook’s signing gives Sunrisers Leeds a stable anchor as they prepare their squad for a fully market-driven system similar to the IPL.

Also READ: England pacer Mark Wood ruled out of the remaining Ashes 2025-26 vs Australia; replacement announced

Brook’s IPL fallout: From ₹6.25 crore contract to two-year ban

Brook’s handsome Sunrisers Leeds deal stands in contrast to his immediate IPL future, which has been halted due to a BCCI-imposed ban until 2028.

The England batter last played in the IPL in 2024 and was signed for ₹6.25 crore by Delhi Capitals (DC). However, he withdrew from the IPL 2025 season without citing injury or medical grounds – an action that angered multiple franchises.

Several teams wrote to the BCCI demanding stricter regulations after repeated pullouts by overseas stars threw squad planning into disarray. In response, the board introduced a new rule:

Any player who pulls out of the IPL after being bought – without a legitimate injury or health reason – or skips the mega auction deliberately – will face a suspension of 2 years before entering the auction pool.

As a result, Brook cannot register for the IPL in 2026 or 2027, ruling him out until the 2028 auction.

Also READ: 5 players Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

The anticipation is building for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, where team strategies will be built, and fortunes will be made. As is often the case, uncapped stars are likely to remain a key focus. They generally fall into a limited price category and possess immense skill, with the majority standing on the edge of making their international debuts for their respective countries. Franchises will keenly compete for these high-potential players, eager to secure versatile and future-proof talent. Here are some uncapped stars, all with a base price of INR 30 lakh, who are expected to trigger intense bidding wars.

5 uncapped players who can trigger a bidding war in IPL 2026 auction

1) Tanush Kotian (India) – Off-spin all-rounder

Known as one of India’s premier domestic off-spinning all-rounders, Tanush Kotian is riding a phenomenal wave of recent form. His exceptional performance in the 2023-24 domestic season earned him the prestigious ‘Player of the Tournament’ award after his crucial centuries and wicket-taking ability led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title. This proven capability under pressure, combined with his rare skillset, makes him a highly coveted asset.

His maiden call-up to the Indian national team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in Australia in late 2024 (as a replacement for the retired Ravichandran Ashwin), despite not yet making his debut, underscores the high potential for future growth that franchises will be eager to invest in.

2) Atharva Ankolekar (India) – Left-arm spin all-rounder

A promising young left-arm orthodox spin-bowling all-rounder, Atharva Ankolekar is highly valuable due to the need for quality Indian players who can balance a squad. His potential is highlighted by his past success as the highest wicket-taker in the U-19 Asia Cup and his vital all-round contributions to Mumbai’s 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win.

Demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Ankolekar’s demand is palpable, as evidenced by his status as the most expensive player in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction. He offers an attractive, versatile, and high-potential option for franchises seeking a top-tier Indian spin option who can also contribute with the bat.

3) Traveen Mathew (Sri Lanka) – Overseas off-spin all-rounder

Traveen Mathew represents a rare and high-potential prospect as a young, internationally experienced off-spin bowling all-rounder from Sri Lanka. His strong performance in the 2025 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, including a key three-wicket haul against the Pakistan Shaheens, signals his potential for success in competitive T20 formats.

Backed by List A career statistics showing an impressive 29 wickets at an average of 18.48, and having already featured in leagues like the ILT20, franchises view him as a strategically valuable overseas player. He offers flexibility in team composition and, with 15 wickets in 15 T20s, has the potential to become a surprise package in the tournament.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Quinton de Kock in the IPL 2026 auction

4) Sunny Sandhu (India) – Fast-bowling all-rounder

Sunny Sandhu is a promising young right-arm medium-fast bowling all-rounder—a prized asset for any T20 squad due to the essential requirement for Indian pace-bowling all-rounders. His potential as an explosive finisher was vividly demonstrated in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, where he scored a game-changing 30 runs off just 9 balls for Tamil Nadu, showcasing exceptional power-hitting ability under pressure.

This is combined with his knack for taking key wickets and high performance in U-23 state tournaments. The young player even received a viral social media endorsement from veteran Indian spin legend Ashwin, making him one of the most exciting, high-potential Indian players in the pool.

5) Delano Potgieter (South Africa) – Overseas power-hitter & pacer

Delano Potgieter is a strong contender to trigger a bidding war, thanks to his exceptional all-round abilities and recent match-winning performances in top T20 leagues like the SA20. As a left-handed power-hitter who can bat flexibly in the top order and a right-arm medium pacer known for taking crucial wickets and maintaining a low economy rate, he offers a rare and valuable skillset that provides immense team balance.

His significant performance in the 2025 SA20 season, including a spectacular five-wicket haul of 5/10 and quick-fire runs, has already made him a sought-after talent. Furthermore, his uncapped status in the IPL allows teams to acquire him at an attractive base price without consuming a valuable overseas slot, greatly increasing his demand.

Also READ: 5 franchises that can target Lungi Ngidi in the IPL 2026 auction

IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, promises high-stakes bidding with Rajasthan Royals entering with ₹16.05 crore purse and nine slots, including one overseas spot. After retaining a core featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Jofra Archer, RR aim to bolster pace attack, middle-order stability, and all-round depth amid a competitive pool of 77 slots across franchises. This event follows the November 15 retention deadline, setting the stage for strategic picks to revive RR’s playoff push.​

5 players that Rajasthan Royals can go for in IPL 2026 mini auction

1. Matheesha Pathirana

The Sri Lankan slinger’s raw pace and yorker mastery make him ideal for RR’s death bowling needs, especially with Archer’s injury history. In IPL 2025 for Chennai Super Kings, he claimed 13 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 32.62, building on a career tally of 47 wickets in 32 games at 21.62. His 2024 heroics, including 4/28 against MI, highlight potential to complement RR’s seam unit in high-pressure chases.​

2. Rachin Ravindra

As a versatile left-hand opener and part-time spinner, Rachin Ravindra offers RR top-order firepower and balance, addressing vulnerabilities exposed in 2025. Retained by CSK for IPL 2025, he aggregated 413 runs in 18 IPL matches at a strike rate of 143.90, with a high of 65* and two fifties. His 191 runs in eight 2025 games at 128.19 SR underline consistency for powerplay aggression.​

Also READ: 5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

3. Cooper Connolly

This Australian all-rounder’s explosive middle-order batting and handy leg-spin position him as a dynamic X-factor for RR’s batting depth. In BBL 2025 for Perth Scorchers, Cooper Connolly smashed 351 runs in 10 innings at 50.14 average and 131.46 SR, including two fifties, while taking six wickets at 7.41 economy. International exploits, like dismissing Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025, signal IPL readiness for finishing roles.​

4. Shai Hope

RR could eye Shai Hope as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter to challenge Dhruv Jurel, providing overseas stability with his T20 prowess. In 2025 T20Is, he scored 324 runs in eight innings at 46.3 average and 149.3 SR, featuring a century. His IPL stint with Delhi Capitals yielded 183 runs in nine matches at 22.88 average, showcasing acceleration potential for middle overs.​

5. Auqib Nabi

The Jammu & Kashmir pacer’s domestic surge marks him as an uncapped gem for RR’s Indian pace reinforcements, trialed by Mumbai Indians ahead of auction. In 2024-25 Ranji, he grabbed 44 wickets at 13.93 average, ranking second-highest, with T20 stats of 40 wickets in 33 games. Recent Duleep Trophy feats, like four scalps in four balls, promise raw swing and control.

Also READ: 5 players Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin ignited widespread curiosity across social media platforms when he shared a cryptic collage on X, featuring Bollywood actress Sunny Leone paired with an image of Chennai’s Sadhu Street. Posted without any caption except two eye emojis on December 8, 2025, the image quickly amassed thousands of views and reactions, leaving fans puzzled over the unusual pairing. This playful upload from the veteran spinner, known for his innovative social media presence, soon unraveled into a clever tribute to an emerging Tamil Nadu talent, blending pop culture with cricket flair.​

The post masterfully employed wordplay, merging “Sunny” from Sunny Leone with “Sandhu”—a Tamil term for narrow street, as depicted in the Sadhu Street photo—to spotlight 22-year-old Sunny Sandhu. Sandhu, a right-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler born on October 15, 2003, grabbed attention in his second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) match. On December 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, he delivered a match-turning 30 runs off 9 balls, including multiple boundaries and sixes, in a vital 37-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan. This explosive finish propelled Tamil Nadu to chase down Saurashtra’s 183 for a thrilling three-wicket victory with eight balls remaining, boosting their Group D standing.​

Ashwin’s endorsement highlighted Sandhu’s potential ahead of IPL 2026 auctions, where the youngster has entered with a Rs 30 lakh base price, drawing parallels to his own history of nurturing domestic stars. Fans decoded the puzzle rapidly, flooding comments with appreciation for the off-spinner’s wit, which amplified visibility for the Punjab-origin cricketer now shining for Tamil Nadu.​

👀 👀 pic.twitter.com/BgevYfPyPJ

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 9, 2025

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Wasim Jaffer’s hilarious response to Ashwin’s social media post

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer amplified the fun by retweeting Ashwin’s post with a quip: “Chhod aaye hum, woh galiyan 😂 And Ash please give me my social media manager back, thanks.” Referencing the iconic Bollywood song from Baarish about leaving behind certain streets, Jaffer’s reply perfectly captured the post’s “street” theme while jokingly implying Ashwin had “borrowed” his creative team. The response exploded online, garnering hundreds of likes and shares within hours, cementing the exchange as peak cricket humor.​

Jaffer’s timely intervention turned the moment into a cross-generational banter fest, with fans lauding the duo’s camaraderie and creativity. This viral interplay underscores how Ashwin’s quirks continue to unite cricket enthusiasts, spotlighting fresh faces like Sandhu amid SMAT excitement.

Chhod aaye hum, woh galiyan 😂 And Ash please give me my social media manager back, thanks 🙏😜😅 https://t.co/XeRhgJXtmQ

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 9, 2025

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