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IND vs SA [WATCH]: Axar Patel cleans up Aiden Markram with a beauty in the first T20I
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IND vs SA [WATCH]: Axar Patel cleans up Aiden Markram with a beauty in the first T20I



The opening T20I of the India vs South Africa series at the Barabati Stadium witnessed a moment of pure bowling brilliance when Axar Patel dismissed South African skipper Aiden Markram with a stunning delivery. The dismissal, which came off the very first ball of the sixth over, became one of the standout highlights of India’s commanding victory.

Axar Patel produces a beauty to uproot Aiden Markram’s stumps

South Africa, in pursuit of India’s competitive total, were looking to rebuild their innings when Markram took strike against Axar. What followed was a textbook example of left-arm accuracy and subtle variation. Axar bowled a flatter-length delivery targeting middle and leg, giving the batter almost no room to manoeuvre. Deceptively skidding through instead of turning, the ball zipped into Markram, who pressed back trying to work it towards the leg side.

But the South African captain misjudged the line and pace. Beaten on the inside edge, Markram watched in disbelief as the ball straightened just enough to clip the leg stump, sending it cartwheeling. Axar’s celebration reflected the significance of the breakthrough, while the crowd erupted in appreciation of the perfectly executed delivery.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Fans erupt as Hardik Pandya propels India to emphatic win over South Africa in the first T20I

Hardik Pandya powers India to commanding win

India opened the five-match T20I series with a dominant performance, riding on Hardik Pandya’s explosive innings to seize control after a shaky start on a challenging surface. While most batters struggled to find rhythm, Pandya’s counter-attacking knock transformed India’s total from a potentially below-par score into a highly competitive one.

The momentum he created carried into the bowling effort, where India’s attack dismantled South Africa’s top order in quick succession, removing Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, Markram and David Miller before the visitors could build any foundation. Dewald Brevis tried to steady the chase with a composed effort amid constant pressure, but as wickets fell around him and the asking rate kept rising, South Africa never recovered and eventually folded for just 74.

Also READ: IND vs SA: Fans fume as India drop Sanju Samson in the first T20I against South Africa





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India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series
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India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series



The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a revamped 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with young talents G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma receiving their maiden call-ups. The series marks India’s first international outing since clinching their historic maiden Women’s World title last month, adding further excitement to the home campaign beginning December 21.

G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma take their first big step

In a clear sign of India’s growing trust in its youth pipeline, wicketkeeper-batter Kamalini and teenager Vaishnavi have broken into the senior setup after standout displays at the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Both were pivotal to India’s campaign in Malaysia and were subsequently named in the tournament’s best XI—an achievement that kept them firmly on selectors’ radar.

Kamalini, who made her WPL debut for Mumbai Indians earlier this year, has been chosen as the secondary wicketkeeper. Her rapid progression comes at a crucial time, with regular keeper Yastika Bhatia currently in rehab following an ACL injury sustained ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup. Kamalini’s sharp glovework and improving batting consistency have made her a strong contender for long-term grooming.

Vaishnavi, at just 19, has been one of the most promising spin prospects in the domestic circuit. The left-arm spinner dominated the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 21 dismissals in 11 games at a remarkable economy rate of 4.5. Her accuracy, flight variation, and temperament under pressure played a major role in Madhya Pradesh’s run to the final.

Also READ: “I need to clarify that…”: Smriti Mandhana calls off her wedding with Palash Muchhal

Shafali Verma retains her spot; several players miss out

Shafali Verma continues to be backed by the selectors after a prolific run in domestic cricket, which also earned her a last-minute place in the ODI squad ahead of the World Cup semifinal. Her power-hitting remains a crucial asset in India’s top order as they prepare for a busy T20 calendar leading into next year.

However, India have made notable exclusions compared to their previous T20I series in England. Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, and Shuchi Upadhyay have been omitted to make way for the returning Renuka Singh Thakur and the new entrants. Seamers Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, and Sree Charani retain their spots after steady performances.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will continue to lead a balanced unit comprising experience and youth across departments.

The much-anticipated series gets underway on December 21 in Visakhapatnam, which will also host the second T20I. The teams will then shift to Thiruvananthapuram for the remaining three matches, promising packed stadiums and high-stakes cricket as India resume action post their world title triumph.

India’s squad for the T20I series vs Sri Lanka

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

WATCH: WBBL|11: Ellyse Perry survives as bails stay intact despite ball hitting the stumps

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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IND vs SA: Fans fume as India drop Sanju Samson in the first T20I against South Africa
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IND vs SA: Fans fume as India drop Sanju Samson in the first T20I against South Africa



The selection choices for the first T20 International between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with the exclusion of popular wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson leaving fans and pundits alike incensed. The team management’s decision to stick with the combination that concluded the recent Australia series, notably retaining Jitesh Sharma as the first-choice glovesman, has been widely slammed as a backward step in the crucial build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026.

India drop Sanju Samson by sticking to recent template

India’s Playing XI, led by Suryakumar Yadav, saw the return of key all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opener Shubman Gill, but otherwise maintained the core group from the preceding series. This meant there was no space for Samson, nor for spinner Kuldeep Yadav, with the team management reportedly favoring the finishing abilities of Jitesh in the lower-middle order.

Samson, who had previously been batting at the top of the order before the return of vice-captain Gill, has since struggled to cement his position in the middle-order, a situation that Captain Suryakumar has previously acknowledged as a “good headache” for the team.

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh.

Also READ: India’s opening conundrum intensifies as Suryakumar Yadav clarifies roles of Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill ahead of South Africa T20Is

The omission of Samson, especially in a critical series intended to finalize the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, did not sit well with the vast majority of fans. Social media platforms were flooded with angry messages and trending hashtags, with many lambasting the BCCI and the team management for what they perceive as inconsistent and unfair treatment of the talented Kerala cricketer.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: IND vs SA: 3 Indian players who can trouble South Africa in the T20I series





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



Actress-cum-anchor Sahiba Bali has finally reacted to the swirl of rumours linking her to India all-rounder Washington Sundar, using a wry Instagram Story to question the very basis of the gossip.

Coffee-date clip fuels dating rumours between Sahi Bali and Washington

Speculation around Sahiba and Sundar spiked after a fan-shot video from Dubai appeared online earlier this year, showing the pair leaving a café together ahead of India’s Champions Trophy fixture. Social-media pages and gossip forums quickly branded her Sundar’s girlfriend, stitching the clip with old photos and screenshots to suggest a secret romance.

Sahiba Bali clears the air on Washington Sundar dating rumours

Rather than issuing a long written note, Sahiba opted for an understated, almost sarcastic story, framing the rumours as directionless as people trying to track her movements.

In a short video clip of herself riding through a city street, Sahiba overlaid the caption: “internet rumours being as baseless as my whereabouts (surprised at both),” a tongue-in-cheek line widely read as her first public comment on the alleged relationship.​

The line “baseless as my whereabouts” doubles as a jab at the constant “spotted” culture around celebrities and the guesswork that often passes for reporting. By refusing to name Sundar directly, she dismissed the chatter without adding more fuel, signalling that her personal life is not up for public decoding via grainy videos and out-of-context screenshots.​

Also READ: Sahiba Bali reveals crush on Pat Cummins; Australia captain responds with grace

Fans divided but many back Sahiba

Responses to her post have been split: some fans continued to ship the alleged couple, replying with heart emojis and playful comments, while many others applauded her for calling out baseless gossip with humour instead of anger. Several users pointed out that Sahiba has repeatedly kept her dating life private and that no one is entitled to an explanation simply because a cricketer and an actor were seen sipping a coffee together.

Meanwhile, Sundar has maintained complete silence on the subject, sharing only cricket and training-related updates across his social handles in recent weeks. He will soon be seen in action in the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Also READ: Explained – Why fast bowler Arshdeep Singh took sports presenter Sahiba Bali out for an ice cream?



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IND vs SA, T20I Series: Complete list of commentators and presenters – Shaun Pollack, Irfan Pathan to Mayanti Langer, Jatin Sapru
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IND vs SA, T20I Series: Complete list of commentators and presenters – Shaun Pollack, Irfan Pathan to Mayanti Langer, Jatin Sapru


India’s five-match T20I series against South Africa, scheduled from December 9 to 19, will not only showcase top on-field talent but also a star-studded broadcast team across multiple languages.

From cricket veterans like Shaun Pollack to fan-favourites Mayanti Langer and Jatin Sapru, viewers will have a packed commentary and presentation line-up throughout the series.

The English panel features Ravi Shastri, Shaun Pollock, Pommie Mbangwa, Sunil Gavaskar, Harsha Bhogle and Robin Uthappa, bringing a blend of global experience, sharp analysis and storytelling. Their focus will be on tactics, match-ups and big-picture trends through the India-South Africa rivalry.

Harsha Bhogle (PC: X.com)

In Hindi, Aakash Chopra, Irfan Pathan, Abhishek Nayar, Parthiv Patel, Varun Aaron and Jatin Sapru will cater to the massive north-Indian audience. Expect detailed breakdowns of bowling plans, batting approach and plenty of light-hearted banter tailored for Hindi-speaking fans.

Regional language experts: Tamil, Telugu and Kannada

Tamil coverage will be helmed by Abhinav Mukund, Anirudha Srikkanth, K Srikkanth, KV Sathyanarayanan, S Badrinath, Sriram S and Sadagopan Ramesh, providing deep local insight and tactical nuance for southern viewers.

The Telugu team includes Hanuma Vihari, R Sridhar, MSK Prasad, Ashish Reddy, T Suman, NC Kaushik and Kalyan Krishna, bringing international and domestic experience to analysis of batting technique, spin play and strategy.

In Kannada, Venkatesh Prasad, Sunil Joshi, J Suchith, Bharath Chipli, Srinivasa Murthy, Vijay Bharadwaj and Akhil Balachandra headline the panel, ensuring Karnataka fans get region-specific perspectives and anecdotes.

Bhojpuri viewers will be served by Saurabh Kumar, Gulam Husain, K, Ashutosh Aman, Sumit Mishra, Satyaprakash, Shivam Singh and Mani Meraj, aiming to bring high-energy, desi-style commentary to the hinterland audience.

The Haryanvi team features Manvinder Bisla, Anil Chaudhary, Vishwaas, Sumit Narwal and Sonu Sharma, adding local flavour and relatable humour for fans from the northern belt.

For Bengali coverage, Shreevats Goswami, Sanjeeb Mukherjea, Gautam Bhattacharya, Shiladitya Chatterjee and RR Kaushik Varun will analyse games with a strong focus on technique and tactical depth. Marathi viewers will have Kedar Jadhav, Aditya Tare and Chaitanya Sant bringing insights from domestic and IPL experience.

Also READ: IND vs SA T20I Series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | When & where to watch in India, USA, South Africa, UK & other countries

Mayanti Langer to lead the group of presenters

Fronting the broadcast will be a strong presenting group of Mayanti Langer, Tanay Tiwari, Anant Tyagi and Swedha Singh Bahal.

Mayanti Langer
Mayanti Langer (PC: X.com)

They will host pre-match, mid-innings and post-match shows, conduct interviews, and drive discussions with analysts and former players, ensuring fans get comprehensive build-up and reaction around every T20I of the IND vs SA series.

Also READ: Hardik Pandya slams paparazzi for capturing a derogatory video of his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma



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Top 5 individual scores on T20 debut: Amit Passi equals record feat
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Top 5 individual scores on T20 debut: Amit Passi equals record feat



Baroda wicketkeeper-batter Amit Passi has made an unforgettable entry into senior T20 cricket, blasting a sensational 114 off 55 balls on debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025.

Amit Passi joins Bilal Asif at the top of global T20 debut charts

The knock, played at Hyderabad’s Gymkhana Ground against Services, saw Passi equal the world record for the highest individual score on T20 debut, matching Pakistan’s Bilal Asif, who set the benchmark in 2015.

The 26-year-old’s innings instantly propelled him into cricket’s statistical spotlight, making him only the third Indian men’s cricketer to score a T20 century on debut.

Opening the batting, Passi launched a fearless assault from the outset, mixing classical stroke play with raw hitting power. His 55-ball 114 included 10 fours and 9 sixes.

Passi brought up his maiden T20 ton in 44 deliveries, dominating all phases of the innings and setting up Baroda’s imposing total of 220/5. His knock proved decisive as Baroda clinched a 13-run victory, moving further up the Elite Group standings.

Top 5 highest scores on T20 debut 

With his debut fireworks, Passi now sits second – jointly at the top – in the list of the highest individual scores by any player on T20 debut across domestic and international competitions.

  1. Bilal Asif (Pakistan) – 114, Sialkot Region vs Islamabad Region, National T20 Cup 2015
  2. Amit Passi (India) – 114, Baroda vs Services, SMAT 2025–26
  3. Moin Khan (Pakistan) – 112, Sialkot Stallions vs Lahore Lions, 2005
  4. Matthew Spoors (Canada) – 108 not out (T20I), vs Philippines, 2022
  5. Shivam Bhambri (India) – 106, Chandigarh vs Himachal Pradesh, SMAT 2019

Baroda celebrates new match-winner

Baroda’s total of 220/5 was built almost entirely around Passi’s dominance, with his early acceleration allowing the middle order to bat freely. His ability to clear both sides of the wicket impressed scouts and analysts, who praised his balance at the crease and his readiness for high-pressure situations.

Also READ: Ayush Mhatre breaks Rohit Sharma’s record with exceptional century in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2025

Services fought hard in the chase but eventually fell short at the finish line, completing what became an evening defined by Passi’s heroics.

What makes Passi’s T20 debut remarkable?

  • Passi now holds the highest T20 debut score by any Indian male cricketer.
  • He is among the fastest debut centurions in SMAT history.
  • His innings showcased a blend of technique and brute force rarely seen in a first professional T20 outing.

Also READ: Top 5 youngest centurions in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history ft. Vaibhav Suryavanshi



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IND vs SA, 1st T20I, Match Prediction: Who will win between India and South Africa?
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IND vs SA, 1st T20I, Match Prediction: Who will win between India and South Africa?



The long multi-format tour of South Africa to India will now shifts to its final and most explosive phase: a five-match T20 International series. The series opener pits the reigning T20 World Cup champions, India, against a star-studded South Africa side at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. India, led by the aggressive Suryakumar Yadav, is high on confidence after their recent ODI series win and their dominant global T20 form. South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, is seeking redemption after recent setbacks in the shortest format but possesses an arsenal of power hitters and express pacers, making this a highly anticipated clash between two T20 heavyweights.

IND vs SA, 1st T20I: Match Details

Detail Information
Date and Time December 9 (Tuesday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm LOCAL
Venue Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is) India holds a strong advantage, winning 18 of the 31 matches played, with South Africa securing 12 victories (NR: 1).

Barabati Stadium Pitch Report

The Barabati Stadium has a very limited history of T20 Internationals, hosting only three previous matches. Historically, the surface has been known to be a balanced track, offering assistance to both pace and spin, although the fast bowlers have a better average here. Crucially, South Africa has won both their previous T20I encounters against India at this venue while chasing. The pitch tends to be on the slower side, making a score around the 160-170 mark defendable. However, with the possibility of dew setting in during the second innings, the captain winning the toss will most likely elect to bowl first to make use of the easier chasing conditions.

India vs South Africa: Team dynamics and key players

India: India are the top-ranked T20I team globally, boasting a formidable batting line-up with the explosive Abhishek Sharma at the top, the returning vice-captain Shubman Gill, and the exceptional stroke play of Suryakumar Yadav. The return of all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah significantly strengthens the side. India’s spin attack, featuring the wrist-spin of Kuldeep Yadav and the mystery of Varun Chakravarthy, is expected to be a key weapon on home pitches.

South Africa: South Africa brings immense firepower to the shortest format, with key returns from Anrich Nortje and David Miller. The batting relies on the experience of Quinton de Kock and Miller, complemented by young, explosive talents like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs. Captain Aiden Markram provides stability and a handy off-spin option. Their pace attack, featuring Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, is capable of bowling at high speeds and challenging the Indian batters. They will be keen to exploit their perfect 2-0 record against India at this venue.

Also READ: IND vs SA: 3 South African players who can trouble India in the T20I series

IND vs SA, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

  • India wins the toss and bowls first
  • South Africa powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
  • South Africa total score: 160-175

Case 2:

  • South Africa wins the toss and bats first
  • India powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
  • India total score: 175-190

Match result: India to win the contest

Also READ: IND vs SA: 3 Indian players who can trouble South Africa in the T20I series



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5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) can target in the IPL 2026 auction
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5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) can target in the IPL 2026 auction



As the countdown begins for the IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16th in Abu Dhabi, the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise is poised to make calculated moves to fill their remaining eight slots, five of which are for overseas players. With a war chest of INR 21.8 crore, DC are among the teams with a healthy purse, positioning them to target high-impact players.

The Capitals, looking to strengthen their middle order, fast bowling, and all-round options, are expected to aggressively pursue a mix of proven internationals and strong domestic talents. Here is a breakdown of some high-value players the Delhi Capitals could target at the auction, including a snapshot of their recent T20 performance in 2025.

5 players that Delhi Capitals can go for in IPL 2026 mini auction

1) Steve Smith (Overseas batter)

  • Role: Top/Middle-Order Anchor and Tactical Leader

Steve Smith offers immense value as a world-class accumulator and a strategic voice. Given DC’s need for an experienced batter who can anchor the innings and bat through the middle overs, Smith’s consistency and ability to adapt to varying pitches make him an ideal candidate.

His consistent anchoring (demonstrated by his high 2025 average) would provide much-needed stability to the top four, allowing the aggressive players around him to express themselves freely. Securing Smith would utilize a crucial overseas slot for a top-tier performer.

2) Sarfaraz Khan (Indian batter)

  • Role: Explosive Middle-Order Indian Batter

Sarfaraz Khan is a name expected to attract fierce bidding, particularly from teams like DC looking for an impactful Indian middle-order batter. His phenomenal domestic T20 record and ability to accelerate late in the innings could solve DC’s occasional struggles post-powerplay.

His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in late 2025, which included a scintillating 100 off 47 balls, highlights his match-winning capability and explosive strike rate, making him a high-potential domestic investment.

3) Gerald Coetzee (Overseas fast bowler)

  • Role: Pace Spearhead and Death Over Specialist

The young South African pacer, Gerald Coetzee, is a high-demand commodity due to his genuine pace, aggression, and proficiency in death overs. DC is constantly seeking a reliable overseas fast bowler.

Though his IPL 2025 run was cut short by injury, his ability to take crucial wickets in the middle (evident from his 2/32 figure in the SA20) remains his core value. His addition would significantly bolster DC’s pace battery and provide a valuable overseas bowling option.

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

4) Venkatesh Iyer (Indian all-rounder)

  • Role: Batting All-rounder/Finisher

Venkatesh Iyer, an established Indian all-rounder, will be a high-priority target. His primary value lies in his destructive left-handed batting in the middle-order and the utility of his medium-pace bowling. Iyer’s impact, particularly the 45 (29) and 60 (29) scores in IPL 2025, shows his capacity for game-changing innings. While his bowling was used less frequently, his potential as a batting all-rounder provides DC with crucial balance and depth.

5. David Miller (Overseas finisher)

  • Role: Power Hitter and Finisher

David Miller, known as ‘Killer Miller,’ remains one of the most reliable overseas finishers in the world. With DC often requiring a big hitter to close out innings, Miller’s experience and explosive strike rate would be invaluable. His average of 58.50 in the SA20 2025 highlights his exceptional finishing ability, often remaining unbeaten to guide his team home. His consistent match-winning performances in that tough role make him a calculated risk worth taking for a team aiming to maximize their scoring potential in the final overs.

Also READ: 5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction



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



The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction poised for a complete overhaul, armed with an unprecedented INR 64.30 crore, the largest available purse among all franchises.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Armed with the biggest purse ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction

Their disappointing 8th-place finish in IPL 2025, coupled with major releases (including Andre Russell and their frontline keepers), signals a determined shift in strategy. Under new head coach Abhishek Nayar, the focus is squarely on filling the massive structural vacancies: a long-term pace-bowling all-rounder, an express pace attack leader and an Indian wicketkeeper-batter. This massive financial advantage allows KKR to dominate the bidding for five marquee players who can immediately transform the squad’s balance, pace depth, and top-order firepower, ensuring they aggressively pursue a fourth IPL trophy.

5 players Kolkata Knight Riders can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Cameron Green (Overseas Pace-Bowling All-Rounder)

Cameron Green is anticipated to be KKR’s absolute top priority and the primary recipient of their massive purse. The Australian all-rounder is a generational talent, combining explosive, high-strike-rate batting (IPL SR over 153) with genuine fast-medium pace bowling. His acquisition instantly transforms KKR’s structural balance, providing a stable, multi-utility pillar who can bat high up the order or finish innings. KKR are prepared to set the overseas ceiling price (around ₹18 crore) to secure Green, solving their most crucial high-impact vacancy that was previously filled by Andre Russell.

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Overseas Express Pacer)

Following the release of multiple overseas pacers, KKR desperately needs a specialist quick, particularly one who excels in the death overs. Matheesha Pathirana, released by CSK, is the ideal candidate. Known for his unique sling-shot action and lethal death-overs yorkers, Pathirana is an irreplaceable, high-volume wicket-taker who solves a crucial structural weakness in KKR’s pace attack. KKR’s financial advantage makes them favourites to secure the young Sri Lankan pacer for a high price, giving them a genuine wicket-taking option for the crucial final five overs of an innings.

3. Anrich Nortje (Overseas Pace Attack Leader)

Anrich Nortje is a vital target for KKR despite his release, as the team needs a proven leader for their pace attack who can deliver express pace and consistency in the middle and death overs. The South African speedster was retained for a substantial sum in the past, reflecting his status as an elite foreign quick. While Nortje has faced fitness concerns, his ability to clock speeds over 150 km/h and disrupt opposition momentum is unmatched. Reacquiring him secures a world-class strike bowler who can mentor the young Indian fast bowlers and provide a vital wicket-taking option, should KKR choose to partner them.

Also READ: 5 players Delhi Capitals (DC) can target in the IPL 2026 auction

4. Venkatesh Iyer (Indian Batting All-Rounder)

The release of Venkatesh Iyer was a calculated financial risk, as KKR is expected to aggressively buy him back at a more reasonable price than his previous ₹23.75 crore retention fee. Iyer offers the indispensable dynamic left-handed top-order batting and can contribute overs of medium-pace, addressing the need for versatile Indian all-rounders. His high ceiling as a match-winner remains crucial to KKR’s domestic core, and his reacquisition ensures a strong, proven domestic talent is immediately injected back into the top half of their batting line-up, which is essential for team balance and continuity.

5. Kartik Sharma (Indian Wicketkeeper-Batter)

The most pressing vacancy for KKR is a frontline Indian wicketkeeper-batter after releasing all their keepers. Kartik Sharma, an uncapped 20-year-old and former DC player, is widely tipped to be the highest-paid uncapped player and KKR’s primary target for this role. Sharma is praised for his fearless, power-hitting ability (T20 SR over 162), making him a potential middle-order finisher alongside Rinku Singh. Securing this highly-rated domestic talent not only solves the crucial Indian keeper vacancy but also strengthens their death-overs batting firepower at a low base price, providing excellent value for a franchise looking to build for the long term.

Also READ: 5 players Chennai Super Kings (CSK) can target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction



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IPL 2026: No RCB matches at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium? Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar puts all speculation to rest
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IPL 2026: No RCB matches at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium? Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar puts all speculation to rest



Reports of a controversial shake-up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season emerged following a tragic stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this year. With the stadium temporarily deemed unsafe for mass gatherings, the hosting rights for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) home games were thrown into serious doubt. Rumours gained traction suggesting that the franchise would be forced to relocate its fixtures to an alternative venue. The MCA Stadium in Pune quickly became the frontrunner, with officials from the Maharashtra Cricket Association confirming preliminary discussions were underway to offer their ground as a potential temporary home for RCB.

IPL 2026: RCB to miss Chinnaswamy Stadium games? Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar ends the uncertainty

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emphatically shut down all speculation regarding the shifting of IPL matches from Bengaluru, assuring that all fixtures for the 2026 season will remain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Speaking after casting his vote in the KSCA elections, Shivakumar stated that losing the IPL was unacceptable, viewing the tournament as a symbol of the state’s pride.

He directly addressed the inquiries about relocating matches, including the IPL, following the stadium tragedy, providing a firm, unequivocal statement: “This is a matter of respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will take steps to ensure that the next IPL matches are held here.” Shivakumar stressed his personal commitment to the sport, stating, “I am a cricket fan.”

He added that the government would ensure all available cricket matches, including those from the Women’s cricket games, would be hosted: “We will allow whatever matches are available in the coming days.” His assurance stands as a significant political commitment to maintain Bengaluru’s status as a central hub for Indian cricket, dismissing the reports that cited safety and structural concerns.

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

Commitment to safety upgrade and plan for a new stadium

The Deputy CM’s assurance came with an explicit commitment to addressing the safety concerns that led to the stadium’s temporary suspension following the stampede during the RCB title celebrations, which tragically claimed 11 lives. The incident, caused by overwhelming crowds, raised serious questions about crowd management and the venue’s infrastructure.

Shivakumar detailed the government’s dual strategy to restore the stadium’s reputation and expand the city’s cricketing capacity: “We will take care that the recent disaster does not happen again and ensure that the stadium’s dignity remains.” He emphasized that moving forward, the facility would be operated with stringent legal and safety measures: “The stadium will be developed by managing the crowd within the legal framework.”

Furthermore, he revealed a long-term plan to develop new infrastructure, which would act as a contingency and a way to support the growing demand for large-scale matches: “In addition, we will build a bigger stadium as an alternative.” This comprehensive plan is designed to safeguard the future of major cricketing events in Bengaluru.

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