Another massive news event arrived just a few days ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). Royal Challengers Bengaluru is sold to the Birla group.

On the evening of March 24 (Tuesday), Harsh Goenka informed about the massive move through a short ‘X’ post. “RCB sold to Birlas! Great move,” Harsh Goenka shared the information on social media at 7.39 PM.

As soon as he shared the information, cricket fans started to notice it at a rapid pace. Here, in the post, ‘Birlas’ can be a reference to the Aditya Birla Group, which is chaired and controlled by Kumar Mangalam Birla.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sold to the Birla group

According to Cricbuzz, Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (ToI), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone’s perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE, Blackstone) have jointly invested approximately INR 16,706 crore to claim the 100 percent ownership of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The acquisition involves both men’s and women’s teams at the IPL and WPL.

RCB sold to Birlas! Great move.

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) March 24, 2026

Aryaman Vikram Birla, Director, Aditya Birla Group, will act as the Chairman of the newly structured ownership, and Satyan Gajwani of The Times of India Group will serve as the Vice-President of the company.

David Blitzer, the founder of Bolt Ventures, and Viral Patel, CEO of BXPE, are the other individuals who are involved in the takeover.

Official statements from the new owners of the franchise

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, said that IPL has become a powerhouse in the global sports industry and changed the financial aspect of Indian sports. With the entire ownership of RCB, they will try to extend its legacy of institution-building into the arena of global sport.

“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,” Kumar Mangalam Birla said in a statement.

“It is a privilege to come together in this partnership to shape the next phase of growth for RCB. This partnership brings together a deep understanding of sports, media, and consumer businesses. Together, we will continue to Play Bold – on the pitch, in the community, and for the fans who make RCB what it is,” Aryaman Birla, the new chairman, said.

Rajasthan Royals’ ownership sold for around $1.63 billion

Meanwhile, RR also has a new owner on board. A consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani has become the new owner of the Rajasthan-based franchise.

It is known that the Somani-led consortium has pursued the ownership of Rajasthan Royals for a whopping price tag of around $1.63 billion (£1.2 billion).

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

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is around the corner. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosted the Knights Unplugged 3.0 event in Kolkata, where they introduced the whole KKR team and coaching staff formally to the fans and announced the captain in the form of Ajinkya Rahane and vice-captain Rinku Singh for the upcoming edition of the IPL.

KKR management also gave felicitation to the former Knight Andre Russell, who retired from the IPL after the management released him during the mini-auction last year. Russell was the part of the KKR since 2014 and has won two trophies with the franchise. He has been added as the power coach for the upcoming season for KKR.

KKR retires Andre Russell’s number 12 jersey

The Purple and Gold side have now honoured Andre Russell as they have retired the number 12 jersey to respect the legacy of the West Indies all-rounder. The newly appointed power coach landed in Kolkata late at night and joined the side for the event.

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Andre Russell has been a part of the KKR family for nearly 12 years. He won the IPL in his first season with the franchise and later on in 2024. The Caribbean powerhouse has been a match-winner for the side over the years and won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice back in 2015 and 2019 for his exceptional all-round performances.

The 37-year-old made 133 appearances for KKR, scoring 2651 runs with a strike rate of 174.18. Russell has proved his worth each time for the franchise with powerful batting and bowling performances in the past. However, with age catching up, he failed to deliver the same in the last season, scoring just 167 runs and his average also dipped to 18.56.

We would like to retire this number- Venky Mysore

“In your honour, we would like to retire this number for KKR,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore announced, a declaration that ensures no other Knight will ever wear the number that Russell turned into a symbol of fear for bowlers worldwide.

KKR RETIRING NUMBER 12 JERSEY FOR ANDRE RUSSELL 🥹

– A Standing Ovation for the Iconic moment. pic.twitter.com/50Otzi2y1c

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 24, 2026

During the event, a video was played of his decade-long journey with the franchise, and he got emotional after watching the video. “I got a bit emotional watching that video,” Russell admitted to the cheering crowd.

I played like it was the last game- Andre Russell

“It’s been over a decade of amazing achievements, having been part of two title-winning teams. To see what it meant to everyone… that’s a different enjoyment. World Cups feel special. When you win the IPL, it’s something different. The last one we won, I got teary-eyed.”

“When you have left everything on the field, you don’t regret walking away from the game. Every game I played, I played like it was the last game of my IPL career”, he said.

“I have no regrets about being in this role. I am excited,” Andre Russell said. “We have one of the youngest and very talented coaching staff. I would love to be a part of a coaching staff like this. It makes my job easier. I hope whatever knowledge I bring to the table can make their job easier.”

Also Read: RCB gets new buyer ahead of IPL 2026, sold to…..

Just days before their IPL 2026 opener, Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves dealing with unexpected uncertainty. Their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has checked into the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and with no official clarification yet, fans are left anxious about his availability for the start of the season.

The situation has sparked concern mainly because of Bumrah’s absence from a recent Mumbai Indians team event, “The Mix.” While key players like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma were present, Bumrah was nowhere to be seen. Instead, reports suggested he had travelled to the CoE – a facility known for rehabilitation and performance monitoring.

Jasprit Bumrah visit to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence 

What makes this development more intriguing is the lack of clarity. Neither the BCCI nor the Mumbai Indians management has confirmed whether Bumrah is dealing with an injury or simply undergoing routine fitness checks. This uncertainty has only fueled speculation, especially with MI set to face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Earlier, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene had indicated that players involved in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign were given extra rest.

“Every year, our aim is to get there (win the IPL trophy). But I know it’s a long season. So pre-season will start the way we usually start, working hard, getting new boys into the setup. And with our (T20) World Cup guys, we’ve given them a bit of an extended break so that they will join us next weekend,” Jayawardene had said.

While that explains a delayed arrival, it doesn’t fully answer why Bumrah is currently at the CoE instead of linking up with the squad. Naturally, this has led to widespread speculation. Many believe it could simply be a precautionary assessment after his heavy workload, especially considering his standout performance in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, where he delivered a match-winning spell.

For now, though, the silence from official channels continues to keep everyone guessing.

Also READ: “It’s about building a legacy…”: Hardik Pandya outlines his IPL 2026 ambitions for Mumbai Indians

Why Bumrah’s availability is crucial for Mumbai Indians?

The concern around Bumrah isn’t just about one player missing a game – it’s about the backbone of Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack. His numbers from IPL 2025 highlight exactly why his presence is so vital. He picked up 18 wickets in just 12 matches while maintaining a stunning economy rate of 6.67 – an extraordinary feat in a format dominated by high-scoring games.

Bumrah isn’t just another bowler; he’s MI’s go-to option in every phase – new ball, middle overs, and death. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him irreplaceable. Even with quality pacers like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar in the squad, replicating Bumrah’s unique skill set is nearly impossible.

As things stand, MI fans are left waiting for an official update. The hope remains that Bumrah’s visit to the CoE is just a precautionary step before he joins the squad fully fit. But until confirmation arrives, the question lingers – will MI have their biggest match-winner ready when IPL 2026 begins?

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts Mumbai Indians’ playing XI for IPL 2026, backs Rohit Sharma as top-scorer

The excitement around the Indian Premier League (IPL) is getting high day-by-day as the 2026 season is all set to get underway on March 28. With teams finalizing their combinations and fans eagerly waiting for the action to unfold, all eyes are once again on one of the most successful franchises in the league’s history — Mumbai Indians (MI).

After a few inconsistent seasons, MI head into IPL 2026 with renewed confidence and a squad that looks both balanced and explosive. The return of familiar faces and the addition of dynamic players have sparked optimism among fans and experts alike. With Hardik Pandya leading the side, the five-time champions are aiming to reclaim their dominance and potentially create history by clinching a record sixth IPL title.

Former CSK batter picks his ideal playing XI of Mumbai Indians

Former Chennai Super Kings batter S Badrinath has shared his ideal playing XI for Mumbai Indians ahead of the new season, and his selection reflects both experience and firepower across departments.

At the top of the order, Badrinath has backed Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock to provide a solid yet aggressive start. The duo’s experience and ability to handle pressure make them one of the most reliable opening combinations in the league.

The middle order looks equally formidable with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya forming the core. Suryakumar’s innovative strokeplay, Tilak’s composure, and Hardik’s all-round capabilities offer MI both stability and explosiveness in crucial phases of the game.

Adding further depth is England’s Will Jacks, who brings power-hitting and off-spin options, along with young talent Naman Dhir, who has impressed with his domestic performances.

In the all-rounders and bowling department, Mitchell Santner provides a spin option alongside batting depth, while the pace attack looks lethal with Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, and Jasprit Bumrah. This trio is capable of dismantling any batting lineup with the new ball and at the death. Badrinath has also named Shardul Thakur as the Impact Substitute, giving MI additional flexibility depending on match conditions.

S Badrinath’s MI XI for IPL 2026: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact Sub: Shardul Thakur

Also READ: SWOT Analysis of Mumbai Indians: MI’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Can Mumbai Indians win their sixth IPL title?

Mumbai Indians enter IPL 2026 as one of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy. On paper, the squad ticks nearly every box, with a powerful Indian core and impactful overseas additions. The presence of Rohit, Suryakumar, and Tilak ensures stability in the batting lineup, while the return of De Kock strengthens the top order. Will Jacks adds an X-factor as a finisher, making the batting unit deep and versatile.

Their bowling attack is equally impressive, with Bumrah and Trent Boult reuniting to form one of the most dangerous pace duos in T20 cricket. Chahar’s ability to swing the new ball further enhances their powerplay threat. However, there are a few concerns. The lack of experienced Indian spin options could be a potential weakness, especially on turning tracks. Additionally, the fitness of key pacers like Bumrah and Chahar will be crucial over the course of the tournament.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts Mumbai Indians’ playing XI for IPL 2026, backs Rohit Sharma as top-scorer

Captaining an IPL team is often described as one of the most demanding jobs in world cricket. The relentless pressure, the weight of franchise expectations, and the unforgiving nature of a two-month tournament have broken many seasoned leaders. So when a captain manages to lift the trophy in their very first season at the helm, it’s not just impressive – it’s extraordinary.

Over the 18 editions of the Indian Premier League, only four men have achieved this rare distinction. Each came from a different background: one was a legendary spinner leading a bunch of underdogs, another was a young batter thrust into the role midway, a third was a comeback king leading a brand-new franchise, and the latest was a hometown hero who ended a franchise’s 18-year wait. Their stories are as diverse as they are inspiring.

Here are the four players who conquered the IPL in their debut season as captain:

1. Shane Warne – Rajasthan Royals (2008)

When the IPL kicked off in 2008, no one gave Rajasthan Royals (RR) a chance. They were written off as the weakest team on paper – a squad made up of relatively unknown Indian players and a few overseas names past their prime. But what they had was Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, who was handed the captaincy in what would be his first and only season as an IPL skipper.

Warne did more than just captain; he completely transformed a bunch of underdogs into a cohesive, fearless unit. His leadership was a blend of tactical genius and pure belief. He famously gave young, uncapped players like Ravindra Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan and Swapnil Asnodkar the confidence to perform on the big stage. Warne himself led from the front, picking up 19 wickets and orchestrating the bowling changes with his trademark intuition.

In the final against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Royals defended a modest 164, winning by three wickets in a nail-biter. Warne’s captaincy that season remains one of the most celebrated underdog stories in sporting history, and he remains the only captain to have won the IPL in its very first edition while leading a team in his debut season as skipper.

2. Rohit Sharma – Mumbai Indians (2013)

Rohit Sharma’s elevation to Mumbai Indians (MI) captaincy in 2013 was born out of necessity rather than a long-term plan. Halfway through the season, with MI struggling, the franchise decided to replace Ricky Ponting with their young vice-captain. Rohit, then just 26, took over a team that had never won an IPL title despite being one of the most star-studded sides.

What followed was a masterclass in calm, composed leadership. Rohit didn’t try to do anything flashy; he simply brought stability and clarity. He backed his players, used Lasith Malinga to devastating effect, and produced crucial knocks himself – most notably a brilliant 60 not out in the final against CSK to chase down 148 with ease.

That victory marked the beginning of MI’s transformation into the most successful franchise in IPL history. Rohit went on to win four more titles with MI (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020), but his debut season as captain in 2013 set the template: he stepped into a tough situation midway, never looked back, and lifted the trophy in his first attempt.

3. Hardik Pandya – Gujarat Titans (2022)

Hardik Pandya’s story in 2022 was one of the most remarkable comebacks in IPL history. After being released by Mumbai Indians following an injury-plagued season, he was named captain of the newly formed Gujarat Titans (GT). The pressure was immense – not just to lead a new franchise, but also to prove his fitness and value as a premier all-rounder after a long injury layoff.

Hardik embraced the responsibility with exceptional maturity. He built a team culture centred around calmness under pressure, a philosophy that became Gujarat’s hallmark. His own performances were outstanding: he scored 487 runs at a strike rate of 131.29 and picked up 8 wickets with his medium pace, showing he could once again deliver as an all-rounder.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 glory – Indian players who are also IPL champions

Under his leadership, the Titans topped the league stage in their very first season and went on to beat Rajasthan Royals in the final. Hardik became the third captain to win the IPL in his debut season as skipper, and he did it with an expansion team – a feat even more extraordinary given the franchise had no prior history to lean on.

4. Rajat Patidar – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025)

The latest entrant to this exclusive club, Rajat Patidar, delivered what many consider the most emotional fairytale of them all.

After 18 years of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their title drought in 2025, and they did it with a captain who had never led a side in the IPL before – and who had started that very season as a player uncertain of his place in the XI.

Patidar was named captain just days before the tournament began following an injury to Faf du Plessis. Few gave RCB a real chance; they had a history of falling short in knockout games. But Patidar, a hometown batter who had risen through the ranks, brought a calm, aggressive style of leadership. He led from the front with the bat, amassing over 500 runs, and his tactical decisions – especially in the playoffs – were hailed as brave and clear-headed.

The final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was the stuff of legend. Patidar marshalled his bowlers perfectly, and with the bat, he anchored the chase to secure RCB’s first-ever IPL title. His achievement stands out not only because he did it in his maiden season as captain, but because he ended the longest trophy drought in IPL history while doing so.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik lists RCB’s top 5 IPL moments, 2024 thriller vs CSK among best

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced some new guidelines for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. These rules aim to protect pitch quality, ensure fair play, maintain a neat on-field look, and bring more discipline to how teams prepare and behave during the high-pressure tournament.

Here’s a clear look at the key changes that every franchise, player, and support staff member must follow this year.

No practice allowed on match days

One of the biggest shifts is the complete ban on any practice sessions or fitness tests on the main square on match days. Teams can no longer squeeze in last-minute nets or drills once the match is scheduled. This move is designed to preserve the playing surface and give every side equal conditions.

For regular practice sessions (on non-match days), each team will get two nets in the designated practice area and one side wicket on the main square for range hitting. At venues like Wankhede Stadium, special arrangements ensure both teams get their own space if they train at the same time. No open nets are permitted, and teams cannot use or share the wickets allotted to the opposition, even if one side finishes early.

Also READ: Punjab Kings star Shreyas Iyer spotted watching ‘Dhurandhar 2’ ahead of IPL 2026

Support staff limits and approvals

Only 12 accredited support staff members (including the team doctor) will be allowed on match days. For extra help, like throw-down specialists or net bowlers, franchises must submit a list in advance for BCCI approval. On practice days, only accredited staff can enter the dressing room or step onto the field of play.

Travel and family rules

Players must travel to the stadium for practice sessions in the official team bus (teams can split into two batches if needed). Family members and friends have to use separate vehicles and can only watch from the hospitality area, and they won’t be allowed near the practice zones.

Dress code and presentation rules

To keep the broadcast and on-field presentation clean, players are encouraged to wear the Orange Cap and Purple Cap during matches. If a player doesn’t wear the cap, they must put it on for at least the first two overs until the broadcaster captures the shot.

In post-match presentations, sleeveless jerseys and floppies (slippers) are strictly banned. The first violation will bring a warning, while a second offence will result in a financial penalty.

Other important do’s and dont’s

• Players and support staff must not sit in front of the LED boards. Designated seating spots with towels and water bottles will be marked for substitutes.
• Teams are requested not to hit balls onto the LED boards, even though hitting nets are provided.
• Any change in a player’s jersey number must be informed to the BCCI at least 24 hours in advance.
• All PMOA-accredited staff must carry their accreditation cards on match days; first miss gets a warning, second brings a fine.

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar criticizes overseas players for delayed arrivals ahead of IPL 2026

After a rollercoaster 2025 season that saw them finish third in the league stage only to suffer a heartbreaking exit in the Eliminator, the Gujarat Titans (GT) enter IPL 2026 with a sense of unfinished business. Under the steady leadership of Shubman Gill and the tactical mentorship of Ashish Nehra, the Titans have opted for continuity over chaos.

By retaining their core and making surgical additions like Jason Holder and Tom Banton in the mini-auction, GT have signaled that they believe their championship DNA is still intact. As the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad prepares to roar again, the Titans look like a team primed to transition from contenders back to champions.

Can Gujarat Titans turn things around this season?

Last season, GT were a powerhouse in the league phase, fueled by a historic Orange Cap run from Sai Sudharsan (759 runs) and a stellar 650-run contribution from Gill. However, their Achilles’ heel was a middle-order that often crumbled when the top three failed to fire.

To turn things around in 2026, the Titans have addressed two major “if factors”:

• Bowling depth: The addition of Holder and Luke Wood provides insurance for a pace attack that, while elite, has occasionally struggled with injuries.
• The Rashid factor: Rashid Khan had a statistically quiet 2025. For GT to go all the way, they need their Afghan maestro to rediscover his “mystery” and stifle batters in the middle overs.

With Matthew Hayden joining as the new batting coach, there is a clear strategic shift toward more aggressive middle-order play, which could be the final piece of the puzzle.

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

Gujarat Titans SWOT analysis ahead of IPL 2026

Strengths

• Elite top-order engine: In Gill and Sai Sudharsan, GT possesses arguably the most consistent opening duo in the league. Adding Jos Buttler at number three gives them a ‘Triple Threat’ that can take the game away from any opposition within the Powerplay.
• Formidable Indian pace battery: The trio of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Ishant Sharma provides a wealth of experience and ‘hard-length’ bowling that suits the bouncy tracks in Ahmedabad.
• The finishing icemen: Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan remain one of the most dangerous finishing pairs. Their ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat is a psychological edge GT holds over most teams.

Weaknesses

• Middle-order fragility: Beyond the top three, there is a significant drop-off in terms of consistent run-scoring. If Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler are dismissed early, the pressure on Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar to anchor the innings becomes immense.
• Rashid Khan’s diminishing returns: Analysts have noted that batters are becoming more comfortable playing out Rashid’s overs. If he cannot pick up wickets in the middle phase, GT’s defensive shield begins to crack.

Opportunities

• Glenn Phillips’ redemption: After missing most of last season due to injury, Phillips is back. His superman antics in the field and explosive T20 pedigree at number four or five could solve GT’s middle-order woes.
• Emerging talents: Players like Kumar Kushagra and Nishant Sindhu have been waiting in the wings. IPL 2026 could be the breakout year where these youngsters transition into household names.
• Strategic impact player use: With a squad deep in all-rounders (Holder, Sundar, Tewatia), GT has the flexibility to exploit the Impact Player rule better than most, potentially playing an extra specialist bowler without sacrificing batting depth.

Threats

• Over-reliance on the top three: A bad day at the office for the big three (Gill, Sudharsan, Buttler) could lead to low totals, putting unbearable pressure on the bowlers.
• Jos Buttler’s form: Buttler enters 2026 following a lean patch in international cricket. If the ‘Boss’ doesn’t find his rhythm early, GT loses its primary intimidator in the top order.
• Fatigue and injuries: With a pace-heavy attack involving Siraj and Krishna—both of whom have history with workloads—managing fitness across a grueling 14-match season will be a tightrope walk.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals: DC’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

The journey of Shubman Gill from a young batting talent to India’s Test captain has been nothing short of inspiring. Now, the Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper has added another proud chapter with a special felicitation for his heroics on English soil.

In the competitive world of Indian cricket, where pressure never eases, Gill stood tall as the new leader. His performances in the 2025 Test series against England turned heads and silenced doubts. The 26-year-old from Punjab not only batted with grace but also guided a young Indian side through tough conditions overseas.

Shubman Gill’s unforgettable England tour

Leading India for the first time in Tests, Gill faced one of the toughest challenges in cricket, swinging conditions in England. But the young captain delivered like a seasoned pro. He piled up 754 runs in the five-match series at a stunning average of 75.40, smashing four centuries along the way.

His knocks included a majestic double hundred and several match-defining innings that helped India fight hard and draw the series 2-2. Gill became the first Indian captain to score a double century in England. He also set records for the most runs by a visiting captain in a Test series and stood second only to legends like Sunil Gavaskar in Indian batting tallies for a single series.

From anchoring the innings under cloudy skies to converting starts into big scores every single time he crossed fifty, Gill showed maturity far beyond his years. His leadership kept a transitional Indian team motivated and competitive till the very end.

Also READ: Gujarat Titans appoint new assistant coach for IPL 2026

The felicitation moment

Back home, Gujarat Titans honoured their captain in a heartfelt ceremony as part of the team’s pre-IPL 2026 activities. The event carried the tagline “Conquering the unfathomable” — a perfect description of what Gill achieved in unfamiliar English conditions.

Team officials, coaches and teammates gathered to celebrate his incredible run. The felicitation highlighted not just the runs but also the leadership, resilience and class he showed while wearing the India cap for the first time as skipper.

For a player who once carried the tag of “white-ball specialist,” this England series proved his worth in the longest format. The honour from GT adds a personal touch, recognizing their leader’s national pride and contribution.

Gill looked humble and motivated as he accepted the honour. This gesture from GT shows the strong bond between the player and his IPL team as they gear up for another title push in 2026.

Here is the video:

Conquering the unfathomable 🙌

Our Captain Shubman Gill was felicitated for his incredible achievements in England 👏 pic.twitter.com/ugUpXpsafC

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) March 23, 2026

Also READ: Gujarat Titans appoint new batting coach ahead of IPL 2026

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 set to kick off on March 28, discussions around the controversial Impact Player rule have once again taken center stage. Introduced in IPL 2023, the rule allows teams to substitute a player during a match, significantly altering team combinations and strategies. While some experts believe it has added tactical depth and excitement, others argue it has reduced the role of all-rounders in the game.

The latest voice to join this ongoing debate is Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel, who has openly admitted that he is not a fan of the rule, particularly because of how it affects players like him.

Axar Patel explains why he doesn’t like the Impact player rule

Axar did not hold back while sharing his honest opinion on the Impact Player rule. The Delhi Capitals captain made it clear that, as an all-rounder, he feels the rule diminishes the value of players who contribute in both departments.

“I don’t like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder,” Axar said with a laugh.

He elaborated that earlier, teams relied heavily on multi-skilled players who could balance both batting and bowling responsibilities. However, the introduction of the rule has shifted that mindset. According to Axar, teams now tend to pick specialists instead of all-rounders.

“Because of this rule, the team management goes for a particular batsman or bowler, thinking ‘Why do we need an all-rounder?’,” he explained.

Despite his personal reservations, Axar acknowledged the importance of adapting to the rules. “At the same time, rules are rules and we need to follow them. From a personal point of view though, I don’t like the rule,” he added.

Also READ: IPL 2026: How many matches will Mitchell Starc miss for Delhi Capitals?

Expectations high from Axar and Co.

Heading into IPL 2026, expectations are significantly higher for Delhi Capitals, who are being widely regarded as strong title contenders. Unlike previous seasons, the franchise has built a squad that experts describe as “intelligently constructed,” focusing on balance rather than star power alone.

One of DC’s biggest strengths lies in their spin department, with Axar and Kuldeep Yadav forming arguably the most effective spin duo in the tournament. Their ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets could prove decisive, especially at the spin-friendly Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The batting lineup also appears well-rounded, with KL Rahul expected to provide stability at the top. He is supported by experienced finishers like David Miller and the explosive Tristan Stubbs, giving the side both depth and firepower.

In the bowling department, the presence of Mitchell Starc adds significant bite to the pace attack. With support from T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, and Mukesh Kumar, DC possess a versatile bowling unit capable of adapting to different match situations.

Also READ: Delhi Capitals address speculation over Mitchell Starc’s availability for IPL 2026

Just days before IPL 2026 gets underway, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been hit with a major setback. Their left-arm pacer Yash Dayal will not be part of the squad this season, a development that has raised plenty of questions among fans.

Putting an end to all speculation, RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat confirmed the news during a pre-tournament press conference. While Dayal remains contracted to the franchise, he won’t be available for the upcoming campaign due to personal reasons.

Official confirmation about Yash Dayal from the RCB camp

Addressing the situation, Bobat made it clear that the franchise has stood by Dayal throughout and continues to support him. However, both parties have agreed that stepping away from the tournament is the right decision for now.

“Yash will not be joining the squad, as you know, he is going through a personal situation currently,” Bobat said. “Just to clarify, we have been very supportive of Yash to date, and that’s reflected in the fact that we have retained him whenever we have had the opportunity to retain him. And he remains under contract.”

He further added, “We have been communicating with him regularly, and I spoke with him earlier today as well. But it has been decided that it is not in his or franchise’s best interest at this point in time to join with the squad.”

Bobat also revealed that RCB had already prepared for such a scenario while planning their squad. “We went into our auction planning for the worst-case scenario,” he said.

Dayal’s absence is a significant blow for the team, especially considering his contribution in their title-winning IPL 2025 campaign. The left-arm seamer picked up 13 wickets and brought balance to the bowling unit with his ability to swing the ball and deliver in crunch moments.

While the franchise has chosen not to go into details, describing it as a “personal situation,” the backdrop involves serious legal challenges faced by Dayal. Reports suggest he is currently dealing with multiple cases, including one in Ghaziabad related to allegations of exploitation under the pretext of marriage.

Another case, filed in Jaipur under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, is even more serious, involving allegations from a minor. In December 2025, a special POCSO court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, citing the gravity of the case and ongoing investigation.

These developments have already kept him away from competitive cricket for a while. He missed the UP T20 League and hasn’t featured in any match since the IPL 2025 final. There have also been reports suggesting that state authorities struggled to reach him for selection discussions.

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A ripple effect in RCB’s bowling plans

For RCB, this situation creates a ripple effect in their bowling plans. Dayal’s absence leaves a gap in the pace attack, especially with Australian quick Josh Hazlewood also expected to miss the early part of the tournament due to injury concerns.

The team will now rely heavily on experienced names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, along with young Indian pacers such as Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh and Mangesh Yadav. Their overseas options include Jacob Duffy, Nuwan Thushara and all-rounder Romario Shepherd.

Adding to the challenge, RCB cannot bring in a replacement for Dayal since he is still officially under contract. This limits their flexibility and puts more pressure on the available bowlers to step up.

As the team gears up to begin their title defence on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, all eyes will be on how they manage this unexpected setback. While the squad still has depth, losing a proven performer like Dayal just before the season is far from ideal.

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