Punjab Kings (PBKS) enter the IPL 2026 season with a mix of hunger and heartbreak. After a spectacular run in 2025 that saw them dismantle giants on their way to the final, they fell agonizingly short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the narrative around the franchise has shifted from “perennial underachievers” to “clinical contenders.”

With Shreyas Iyer—a captain known for his tactical composure and ability to build championship cultures—at the helm, the Kings have moved away from their historical tendency of frantic squad overhauls. Instead, they have cultivated a balanced unit that combines explosive international flair with the most exciting young Indian domestic talent. As they head into the new season, the Mullanpur stadium isn’t just expecting entertaining cricket; it’s expecting silverware.

Can PBKS clinch the IPL title this time?

The ghosts of the 2025 final defeat will surely serve as fuel rather than a burden. Last year, PBKS proved they had the temperament to survive the knockout stages, a hurdle that had tripped them up for a decade. The core reason they can go one step further in 2026 is their leadership and stability.

Iyer has already tasted IPL success as a captain and knows how to navigate the pressure of a final. Furthermore, the squad depth appears more robust this year. While they were “undone” by RCB last year, the addition of big-game players like Marcus Stoinis and the rising maturity of Prabhsimran Singh suggests they have more tools to handle high-pressure chases. If their pace spearheads remain fit, there is no technical reason why PBKS cannot cross that final hurdle and finally lift their maiden trophy.

Punjab Kings SWOT analysis: IPL 2026

Strengths

• The spin king factor: With Yuzvendra Chahal leading the attack and Harpreet Brar providing pinpoint accuracy, PBKS boasts one of the most lethal spin duos in the league. Chahal’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs remains their greatest defensive weapon.
• Aggressive Indian core: The retention of Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran provides a fearless batting backbone. These players have proven they can strike at 150+ without needing a “settling-in” period.
• Death bowling mastery: Arshdeep Singh remains one of the world’s best at the back end of an innings. Combined with the raw pace of Lockie Ferguson, PBKS has the variety to defend totals even on small grounds.

Weaknesses

• Over-reliance on all-rounders: While having Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Aaron Hardie is a luxury, it can lead to “selection headaches.” Finding the right balance between these four overseas spots without compromising the bowling or batting depth is a delicate act.
• Top-order consistency: While Iyer anchors the middle, the team has occasionally struggled with finding a consistent opening partner for Prabhsimran who can match his aggression without throwing their wicket away early.

Opportunities

• The Musheer Khan breakout: After a stellar domestic run, all eyes are on Musheer Khan. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a potential “X-factor” that could provide the balance PBKS has lacked in previous years.
• Marcus Stoinis in the finisher role: If Marcus Stoinis is utilized as a pure finisher rather than a floater, he has the potential to win 3-4 games single-handedly, much like he has done in the BBL and previous IPL stints.

Redemption for Shreyas: After missing out on the title last year, Iyer has the opportunity to cement his legacy as the greatest captain in PBKS history by delivering their first-ever star above the crest.

Threats

• The finalist hangover: History shows that teams losing a final sometimes struggle the following year due to the weight of expectation. PBKS must ensure they don’t play “safe” cricket out of a fear of failing again.
• Injury management: With a heavy reliance on overseas fast-bowling all-rounders (Jansen, Hardie, Bartlett), an injury to any of these key pillars mid-season could disrupt the team’s entire structural balance.
• The Mullanpur surface: If the home tracks turn out to be flat high-scoring belters, it might negate the advantage of their skilled spinners and turn games into tosses of a coin.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is already serving up high-stakes drama before the first ball has even been bowled. In a significant roster shake-up, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially drafted Australian left-arm speedster Spencer Johnson into their ranks. The move comes as a tactical response to the unfortunate exit of fellow Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, who has been ruled out of the upcoming tournament due to a persistent hamstring injury.

For CSK, the acquisition of Johnson isn’t just a backup plan; it is a calculated addition of raw pace to an already formidable bowling unit. As the ‘Yellow Army’ gears up for another title hunt under the lights, all eyes are on how this new recruit will adapt to the high-pressure environment of the Chepauk.

How much did Chennai Super Kings pay to bring in Spencer Johnson for Nathan Ellis?

In a move that highlights the strategic efficiency of the CSK management, Johnson has been signed for a price of INR 1.5 crore. This figure aligns with his base price from the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in December 2025, where he initially went unsold. By securing him at this rate, CSK have managed to fill a critical vacancy without overextending their remaining purse.

The financial journey of Johnson in the IPL has been a rollercoaster. Back in 2024, he was the talk of the town when Gujarat Titans secured him for a staggering INR 10 crore. The following year, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him up for INR 2.80 crore. However, after a relatively quiet 2025 season where he took just one wicket in four games, KKR released him.

By contrast, Ellis had been retained by CSK for INR 2 crore prior to his injury. While Ellis was known for his death-over variations and yorkers, Johnson brings a different dimension with his ability to consistently clock speeds above 145 kmph. For INR 1.5 crore, CSK have essentially gained a high-velocity left-arm option, a luxury in T20 cricket at a very competitive market price.

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

Johnson’s road to recovery and injury healing for IPL 2026

The signing comes at a pivotal moment in Johnson’s career, as he has spent the better part of the last year battling a gruelling stress fracture in his back. His domestic coach at South Australia, former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris, recently provided a promising update on the pacer’s health. According to Harris, Johnson received ‘good news’ just days ago, confirming that the crack in his back has finally healed after nearly ten months of frustration.

“He got some good news I think four or five days ago about his back. Finally the crack in his back has healed. He’s had quite a frustrating 8-10 months. So the good news is he’s back bowling. He’s building up again. IPL, I think there might be an opportunity. We’re still waiting to see what happens there. He’s obviously got to do a fair bit of bowling before he goes back into competitive cricket. So we’re working on that as we speak. But it’d be good to see Spence back playing cricket. He’s obviously had some bad luck over the last two years,” Harris said to ESPNCricinfo.

While the medical clearance is a massive hurdle cleared, Johnson is currently in a ‘building up’ phase. Harris revealed that the pacer is presently bowling at approximately 60% capacity. The focus for the South Australian coaching staff is now on straightening him up and making subtle technical adjustments to his bowling action. These tweaks are specifically designed to reduce the mechanical load on his back, ensuring that the injury does not resurface during the intense IPL schedule.

Despite the reduced intensity in training, Harris noted that the ball is already coming out nicely. For CSK, the challenge will be managing his workload during the initial weeks of the tournament. With a pace battery that includes the likes of Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed, CSK have the depth to allow Johnson the time he needs to crank it up to full throttle.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts CSK’s probable XI for IPL 2026

In a major development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), Aryaman Vikram Birla has been appointed as the Chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The announcement comes shortly after a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group acquired the franchise in March 2026 in a deal valued at approximately $1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore), making it one of the most expensive transactions in cricket history.

A landmark deal reshapes RCB

The acquisition marked a turning point for RCB, with ownership shifting from United Spirits Limited to a global consortium of investors. The deal includes both the men’s IPL team and the women’s team competing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), underlining the growing commercial strength of franchise cricket.

With rising valuations and global investor interest, the IPL continues to solidify its position as one of the most lucrative sporting leagues in the world. RCB, fresh off recent on-field success, has emerged as a prized asset within this ecosystem.

Who is Aryaman Birla?

Aryaman stands out as a rare blend of athlete and business leader, bringing first-hand cricketing experience into a high-profile administrative role. Aryaman was born on July 09, 1997 in Mumbai.

Domestic cricket journey

The 28-year-old began his cricketing career as a left-handed opening batter representing Madhya Pradesh in India’s domestic circuit. He made his debut on November 25, 2017 for MP in their Ranji Trophy clash against Odisha. During his time with the team, he shared the dressing room with current RCB captain Rajat Patidar and India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, highlighting his close connection to the current generation of players.

Aryaman featured in nine first-class matches, scoring 414 runs, including a memorable century against Bengal at the iconic Eden Gardens. In the limited-overs format, he played four List-A games, adding 36 runs to his tally. While his domestic career was relatively brief, it provided him with valuable insights into the competitive structure of Indian cricket.

IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals

Aryaman entered the spotlight during the IPL 2018 mega auction, where he was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹30 lakh. Although he did not feature in any matches during his stint with the franchise, the experience exposed him to the dynamics of the IPL ecosystem, including team management, player preparation, and high-pressure environments.

He remained with the squad until he was released ahead of the 2020 season. Despite limited on-field opportunities in the IPL, this phase added to his understanding of franchise cricket—knowledge that is expected to benefit him in his current leadership role at RCB.

Also READ: Consortium led by Aditya Birla Group acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026

A stand on mental health

Aryaman’s journey took a significant turn in 2019 when he stepped away from professional cricket to focus on his mental health. His openness about dealing with anxiety was widely acknowledged and appreciated, setting an example in a sport where such conversations are often overlooked.

This phase of self-reflection, combined with his later corporate experience, has shaped him into a well-rounded leader. His exposure to both dressing-room realities and boardroom strategies gives him a unique perspective as he now takes charge of one of the IPL’s most prominent franchises.

New leadership structure at RCB

The revamped RCB leadership features a combination of business leaders and global investors, aiming to drive both sporting and commercial success.

• Chairman: Aryaman Vikram Birla
• Vice Chairman: Satyan Gajwani (The Times of India Group)
• Strategic Partners: David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures and Blackstone

This leadership mix reflects a strategic approach combining financial strength, media influence, and sports investment expertise.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s how to book tickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home matches

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has already ignited a whirlwind of tactical innovations, but none have captured the imagination quite like the ‘Ultimate Batter’ blueprint revealed by Gujarat Titans (GT) batting coach, Matthew Hayden. During the Shubharambh 2026 event in Ahmedabad, a high-octane evening that united the squad, owners, and fans, the Australian legend went beyond mere coaching drills. He deconstructed the art of batting to assemble a hypothetical, flawless run-machine, while simultaneously passing a literal torch or rather, a legendary bat, to a modern-day finisher.

Matthew Hayden curates ultimate shot-makers list to assemble a flawless batter

Hayden, a man who once intimidated the world’s fastest bowlers, knows that T20 cricket is no longer just about brute force; it is about the surgical precision of specific strokes. In a viral video on social media page of Gujarat Titans, Hayden handpicked the gold standard for every iconic shot in the book.

For the Straight Drive, Hayden looked no further than his own protégé and GT captain, Shubman Gill, citing his impeccable balance and high elbow. When it came to the elegance of the Cover Drive, he chose the ‘Mr. Cricket’ of Australian cricket, Michael Hussey. The aggression of the Square Cut was reserved for Virender Sehwag, while the authoritative Pull Shot was naturally assigned to Ricky Ponting.

Hayden’s list also paid homage to technical maestros. He selected Sachin Tendulkar for the delicate Late Cut and Adam Gilchrist for the whip-like Flick Shot. In a light-hearted moment, he indicated himself as the master of the sweep shot, noting the unique bravery and instinct required to play the stroke effectively. By merging Gill’s timing, Sehwag’s audacity, and Tendulkar’s finesse, Hayden outlined a standard of excellence he expects the Gujarat Titans to emulate this season.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Gujarat Titans: GT’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

Hayden reveals the player who could carry forward his Mongoose bat legacy

Beyond the theoretical and in a different video, the evening took a historic turn when Hayden addressed his own legacy: the infamous Mongoose Bat. Known for its elongated handle and condensed, thick blade, the Mongoose was designed to turn mistimed hits into sixes by maximizing bat speed and sweet-spot density. Hayden famously used it to butcher 93 runs off just 43 balls against Delhi in 2010, a knock that remains etched in IPL folklore.

In a move that electrified the Ahmedabad crowd, Hayden officially ‘passed the bat’ to GT’s designated finisher, Rahul Tewatia. Hayden noted that the modern T20 game is often decided by margins of five to ten runs, making the Mongoose’s power-to-weight ratio a game-changer at the death.

“If I had to hand my Mongoose bat to someone from GT, it’d have to be Rahul Tewatia, he has the power… you will get it, mate,” Hayden stated. For Tewatia, who has already carved a reputation for pulling off impossible chases, inheriting the endorsement of the Mongoose era adds a layer of psychological intimidation to his arsenal.

Also READ: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill felicitated for his incredible achievements ahead of IPL 2026

In a landmark development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been acquired by a powerful global consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. The high-value transaction, estimated at around USD 1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,706 crore), marks one of the biggest franchise deals in cricket history and underlines the IPL’s rapidly expanding global influence.

Aditya Birla Group and others acquire RCB

The consortium comprises a mix of Indian and international heavyweights, including the Aditya Birla Group, US-based sports investor David Blitzer, private equity giant Blackstone, and media powerhouse The Times of India. Together, they have signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100 percent stake in RCB from United Spirits Limited (USL), which operates under the UK-based Diageo plc.

The deal comes after months of speculation, with reports suggesting that the previous owners were aiming for a valuation of around USD 2 billion. While the final figure falls slightly short, it still establishes a new benchmark for franchise valuations in the IPL ecosystem.

RCB’s rising value drives investor interest

RCB’s growing success on and off the field played a key role in attracting strong investor interest. The franchise recently secured their maiden IPL title, ending years of near misses and solidifying its position among the league’s elite teams. Additionally, the women’s team has also enjoyed remarkable success, clinching their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title this year.

This dual success significantly boosted the brand’s appeal, making it an attractive asset for investors looking to capitalize on cricket’s expanding global footprint and the IPL’s commercial strength.

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

Vision for the future

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, emphasized the broader significance of the acquisition. He described the IPL as a transformative force in global sport and highlighted RCB’s strong identity and worldwide fan base as key factors behind the investment.

He noted that the group sees this acquisition as an opportunity to extend its legacy of building world-class institutions into the sports domain. The consortium aims to further strengthen the franchise’s global presence while preserving its core values and loyal fan base.

“Over the past two decades, the IPL has morphed to become a global sporting powerhouse that has changed the face of Indian cricket, creating enormous value for India. RCB, as one of the most compelling franchises in modern sport, offers the Aditya Birla Group a distinctive platform to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport. We are delighted to become custodians of this asset and committed to further building this extraordinary legacy,” said Kumar in a statement.

Aryaman Birla, also part of the consortium, echoed similar sentiments, expressing excitement about shaping the next phase of RCB’s journey. He stressed the importance of deepening fan engagement and driving innovation to ensure sustained growth. Notably, Aryaman was once part of IPL as well. He was roped in by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2018 but did not feature in a game across two seasons. In 2019, he decided to take an indefinite break from cricket.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Gujarat Titans: GT’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

In a clinical display of modern T20 cricket, the New Zealand Women’s team (White Ferns) delivered a masterclass at home, securing a massive 92-run victory over South Africa Women in the 5th T20I on March 25, 2026. While the series has been a hard-fought contest, this encounter belonged entirely to the hosts, who utilized the familiar conditions of Christchurch to overwhelm the visiting Proteas. The win was anchored by a historic batting performance that left the South African bowlers with few answers and the spectators in awe of the sheer talent on display.

Amelia Kerr stars with a blazing hundred against South Africa

The headline of the day was undoubtedly the captain’s knock from Amelia Kerr. After the early loss of Isabella Gaze for just 1, Kerr walked to the crease with intent, transforming the momentum of the innings instantly. She played a sensational innings of 105 runs off just 55 deliveries, striking at a phenomenal rate of 190.90. Her knock was a textbook example of gap-finding and power-hitting, featuring 19 fours and a towering six.

Kerr found a steady partner in Georgia Plimmer (27), and later Brooke Halliday (26), building the platform for a daunting total. Despite a mid-innings wobble where Tumi Sekhukhune (3/32) and Ayabonga Khaka (3/32) managed to pick up key wickets, including the dangerous Sophie Devine for a golden duck, Kerr remained immovable. She reached her century in just 52 balls, guiding New Zealand to a formidable 194/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The South African death bowling struggled to contain the late-innings surge, as Jess Kerr and Izzy Sharp added quick runs to put the target well beyond the psychological reach of the visitors.

Also READ: Jess Kerr, Sophie Devine power New Zealand to series-clinching win over South Africa in 4th T20I

New Zealand’s disciplined bowling falter South African chase

Facing a target of 195, South Africa needed a flying start, but the New Zealand bowling attack, led by the veteran Lea Tahuhu, had other plans. Tahuhu struck in the very second over, removing Chloe Tryon for 1, and the Proteas’ chase never recovered from the early shock. The New Zealand bowlers remained incredibly disciplined, stifling the scoring rate and forcing errors from the South African top order.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (9) and Anneke Bosch (9) both fell cheaply within the Powerplay as the score slumped to 40/4. Tahuhu finished with impressive figures of 3/15, while the spin duo of Nensi Patel and Amelia Kerr kept the pressure high. Kerr proved her all-round worth by bagging 2/6 in a suffocating three-over spell.

South Africa’s middle order offered little resistance; Annerie Dercksen (23) was the only batter to cross the 20-run mark. The New Zealand fielders were equally sharp, supporting their bowlers with clean catches and athletic ground fielding. As the required run rate climbed toward 15 per over, the Proteas opted for survival over aggression, eventually finishing their 20 overs at a dismal 102/9. The 92-run margin of victory underscores a dominant day for New Zealand, fuelled by a captain’s century and a collective bowling effort that left South Africa searching for answers ahead of the next ODI fixtures coming their way.

New Zealand finishes off the series in style 🔥#NZvsSA #AmeliaKerr pic.twitter.com/PCmTN0uANy

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 25, 2026

Also READ: Kashvee Gautam earns maiden call-up as India announce Women’s T20I squad for South Africa tour

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

The IPL witnessed a landmark moment on Tuesday (March 24) as a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani secured ownership of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a record-breaking deal worth USD 1.63 billion (approximately ₹15,300 crore). This historic transaction makes the Royals the first IPL franchise to cross the billion-dollar mark, setting a new benchmark for valuations in the world’s biggest T20 league.

The scale of the deal reflects just how far the IPL has come as a global sporting powerhouse. What started as a domestic cricket tournament has now evolved into one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world, attracting investors from across industries and continents. With this acquisition, Rajasthan Royals are no longer just a cricket team – they are now a billion-dollar sporting asset backed by global business heavyweights.

Interestingly, this isn’t Somani’s first association with the Royals. He had already invested in the franchise back in 2021, acquiring a minority stake. Even then, he had shown strong belief in the league’s potential, stating:

“We see huge potential with this investment, and we are excited for the future of the IPL.”

That early vision has now come full circle, as Somani steps in as the leading force behind the franchise’s new ownership structure.

Who is Kal Somani?

Kal Somani is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the technology ecosystem. His career spans multiple high-impact sectors, including ed-tech, artificial intelligence governance, data privacy, and sports technology.

Among his most notable ventures is IntraEdge, a global technology services firm, along with Truyo and Truyo.AI-platforms focused on data privacy automation and AI governance. He has also been involved in the ed-tech space through Academian, further highlighting his diverse business interests.

But Somani’s ambitions go beyond technology. Over the years, he has been steadily building a presence in the sports world as well. He is a co-owner of Motor City Golf Club and an early investor in TMRW Sports, the venture launched by golf icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. He has also invested in the TGL Golf League, underlining his growing influence in global sports ventures.

What truly elevates this deal, however, is the powerful consortium backing him. The group includes some of the most influential names in American business and sports ownership. Among them is Rob Walton, the heir to the Walmart empire and owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, widely regarded as one of the wealthiest sports owners in the United States.

Also part of the consortium is Sheila Ford Hamp, owner of the Detroit Lions and a key figure in the Ford Motor Company legacy. Together, this alliance combines expertise in technology, retail, and elite sports management – bringing a fresh and powerful dynamic to IPL ownership.

The franchise was previously controlled by British-Indian entrepreneur Manoj Badale through Emerging Media Ventures, alongside stakeholders like RedBird Capital Partners and Lachlan Murdoch. The sale process, managed by investment bank The Raine Group, had been in motion since late last year before culminating in this record deal.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin names Rajasthan Royals’ probable XI for IPL 2026

A new era for IPL and global sports investment

While the agreement has been signed, the transition of ownership is expected to be completed after the IPL 2026 season. Once finalized, Somani and his consortium will officially take charge, ushering in what could be a transformative phase for Rajasthan Royals.

This acquisition is not just about ownership – it signals a shift in how IPL teams are viewed globally. With Somani’s background in artificial intelligence and sports tech, there is strong potential for innovation in areas like performance analytics, fan engagement, and data-driven decision-making. When combined with the sporting expertise of established American owners, the Royals could become a model franchise blending technology with elite sports management.

The ripple effect of this deal is already being felt across the league. Another major franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is reportedly nearing its own sale, with valuations expected to touch USD 2 billion. Interest from global investment giants further highlights the IPL’s growing stature as a premium sports property.

More importantly, this deal reinforces the IPL’s expanding international footprint. The league is no longer just an Indian phenomenon – it is now a global business platform attracting billion-dollar investments and top-tier investors from around the world.

Also READ: “Ravindra Jadeja at No. 4, no Sam Curran” – Suresh Raina predicts Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI for IPL 2026

The stage is set for a thrilling series decider as New Zealand and South Africa head to Christchurch for the 5th and final T20I. With the series currently locked at 2-2, this match is a winner-takes-all encounter.

The series has been a rollercoaster of momentum. South Africa struck first with a dominant opening win, only for the Black Caps to roar back with consecutive victories to lead 2-1. However, the Proteas showed immense grit in the 4th T20I at Wellington, defending a target of 164 to level the scores.

Both squads are featuring several fresh faces following the 2026 T20 World Cup, providing a glimpse into the next generation of talent. New Zealand will look to their experienced leader James Neesham and the bowling of Ben Sears to clinch the trophy at home, while South Africa relies on the red-hot form of Connor Esterhuizen and the spin masterclass of captain Keshav Maharaj.

NZ vs SA, 5th T20I: Match details

• Date and Time: March 25; 11:45 am IST / 6:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm Local
• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

NZ vs SA, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 24 | South Africa won: 14 | New Zealand won: 10 | No result: 0

Hagley Oval Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval is historically one of the most balanced decks in New Zealand, but it traditionally favors pace and bounce. Fast bowlers tend to dominate here, typically accounting for over 60% of the wickets. The morning/evening moisture often assists early swing. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first, as the chasing side has historically found it slightly easier to navigate the conditions under lights.

Probable playing XIs

New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver (wk), Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham (c), Cole McConchie, Josh Clarkson, Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears

South Africa: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Rubin Hermann, Dian Forrester, Jason Smith, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nqobani Mokoena

Also READ: Connor Esterhuizen propels South Africa to series-leveling win over New Zealand in 4th T20I

NZ vs SA, 5th T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
• South Africa’s powerplay score: 40-50
• South Africa’s total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
• New Zealand’s powerplay score: 50-60
• New Zealand’s total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.

Also READ: NZ vs SA T20I Series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just around the corner, as the teams gear up for the final lap before the tournament starts on March 28, Saturday. Reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the first game of the rich cash league.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are one of the newest teams in the IPL. LSG was introduced in 2022, and only two times in their history. These appearances occurred consecutively in their first two seasons, 2022 and 2023. Since then, they have failed to qualify in the top 4 of the tournament.

LSG have the highest-paid player in IPL history; they bought Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2025 for a whopping price of INR 27 crore. However, despite a good batting lineup, they could not qualify for the knockout stages and finished 7th in the league table with just 12 points.

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This season, they do not have the firepower in their bowling to go through the next round. In this article, we find out the players who are LSG’s biggest burden in IPL 2026.

3 players who are LSG’s biggest burden in IPL 2026

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has been one of the finest bowlers in world cricket. However, the pacer has not been as effective in T20s as he is in ODIs and Test matches. He has also been out of the India National Cricket Team for some time now. Shami bowled well in the Ranji Trophy; his form in T20s is a concern.

Shami has been traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad for the IPL 2026 season. The deal was to be an all-cash trade worth INR 10 crore. Mohammed Shami’s injury will also be a concern for the LSG side, as he has suffered from injuries in recent times. Shami is the only experienced Indian pacer in the franchise he will have a huge responsibility on his back.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran has retired from international cricket and only plays franchise cricket across the world. The West Indies batter was excellent last season and almost single-handedly won games for the franchise. He scored 524 runs in 14 matches. He maintained a remarkable strike rate of 196.25 and an average of 43.67.

Now, Pooran, being out of the international games, his flow from last year might also have disappeared. He might have drained all his energy playing in different leagues and will not be able to perform like last year. If Pooran falters, it would be a huge setback for the franchise.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has been doing his practice since recovering from the injury. The Southpaw was a flop last season as monetary pressure was on his back. He failed to deliver for the side as a captain and as a batter as well.

Though Pant scored a hundred in the last match of IPL against RCB, he has not played T20 cricket much, as he is not a part of India’s T20 setup or a regular starter in the ODI setup as well. Rishabh Pant’s 27 crore pressure will be there, and his form is going to be a concern for LSG this season as well.

Also Read: Rinku Singh gets major role for KKR ahead of IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) makes a massive announcement ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). They’ve appointed Rinku Singh as the vice-captain of the team for the IPL 2026 season

KKR’s decision to assign Rinku as the deputy of Ajinkya Rahane is widely appreciated by the fans across social media platforms. Like the previous season, in this season too, the former champions will participate in the tournament under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane.

KKR fans demanded Rinku Singh as the team leader

A part of KKR fans, and the Indian cricket fans and experts, suggested the team sack Rahane from the captaincy and put Rinku Singh in the front row to lead the team. Amid a lot of conversations regarding KKR’s captaincy role, the three-time IPL winners named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain and Rinku as the vice-captain.

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KKR’s announcement to name Rinku as the vice-captain was made during the team’s Knights Unplugged 3.0 event at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, March 24. Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore made the announcement official on stage, in front of the fans.

“I am going to invite a name who became a household name after he hit those five sixes. Rinku Singh. We are delighted to inform you that Rinku, who came on board with us in 2018, will be the vice-captain and work closely with Ajinkya Rahane,” Venky Mysore said.

Rinku Singh. Vice Captain. KKR 😍💜

Watch the Knights Unplugged 3.0 LIVE now on our YouTube channel 📲 pic.twitter.com/bsne3dRpDL

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 24, 2026

Rinku remains a crucial part of the Purple squad

Rinku Singh has been a key part of the franchise since. But made his name permanent among the KKR fans when he hit five back-to-back sixes in the final over of the bowling of Yash Dayal in the IPL 2023 campaign. Gradually, he established himself as a prominent finisher and was selected to play for Team India as well.

So far in his IPL career, the Uttar Pradesh-born has played 59 matches, scoring 1099 runs at an average of 30.53 and a strike rate of 145.18. With the Knight Riders, the middle-order batter got to win the IPL trophy in 2024. Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League, he was a crucial part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumphant team as well.

Mohammad Kaif suggested KKR to groom Rinku as their leader

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif suggested that KKR management groom Rinku for their future team leader as he got leadership experience with the UP cricket team.

“KKR should groom Rinku as a future captain. Rinku Singh is an all-format player. Although he is not part of the Test team, he can bat well in all formats. I come from UP, and I know what he does for UP. A lot of batters score runs, but his runs come in winning cause. So, that guy is ready and captains UP,” Kaif said on this YouTube channel in the recent past.

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