Krunal Pandya is ready to conquer another Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The spin bowling all-rounder was the player of the match in the final of the IPL 2025 season to help RCB claim their maiden league trophy, after 18 years. Pandya was named the player of the match for his exceptional bowling figure of 2/17 in 4 overs.

It was not the first time that the spin bowling all-rounder was named the best player in an IP. When he was with the Mumbai Indians (MI), in the 2017 season, Pandya emerged as the best performer in the final. He did the same in 2025, to become the only player to be player of the match in IPL finals twice.

Krunal Pandya’s all-round performance helped the Mumbai Indians to win IPL 2017

In the final of IPL 2017, the Mumbai Indians were up against the Rising Pune Supergiants. The 20-over match was a low-scoring contest, but it forced the fans to stand on their toes out of excitement.

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The team led by Rohit Sharma won the summit clash by only 1 run, posting 129 runs in the first innings. With Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith, Pune started the run chase well, but eventually failed to meet the asking run rate, mostly because of Pandya.

The finger spinner bowled with an economy rate of 7.75, and added 47 runs in 38 runs with the bat. He was the top run scorer for the Mumbai Indians in the summit clash. Later, MI released him ahead of the 2022 season.

Best yet to come: Krunal Pandya said 4 years ago

Four years ago, after leaving MI, the all-rounder said that his best was yet to come.

“Everyone wants to be the player who has that award. But, honestly, not really. One thing I know is: my best is yet to come. And I feel it is going to come very, very soon. I’m well prepared,” Pandya said 4 years ago.

“I’m in a great zone. Just a matter of time. Because every cricketer has a phase where things go as he wants, so I want to be so, so ready for that phase where I grab it not with both hands, but with my entire body and make the most of it,” he added.

Did Krunal Pandya get his best IPL moment by winning the IPL 2025 Final?

Winning IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as well as the second Player of the Match award, was it the best of Krunal Pandya? The 34-year-old again said that he is still a long way from going, as he has got the momentum after winning the IPL 2025.

“Feels really good that whatever I said in 2022 has come out exactly the way I said it. After 17 years of drought, and then in the 18th season, RCB winning the trophy and me being part of it – I had a decent, tiny contribution to their success – can’t ask for more than this.

“Going forward, I’m still hungry. I feel like this is just the beginning,” Krunal Pandya said to ESPNcricinfo ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

Read More: Ex-PBKS all-rounder reckons SRH’s new latent is at the same level as Abhishek Sharma

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter feels Cameron Green, the INR 25.20 crore player from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is not even close to Andre Russell by any means. The Knight Riders picked Green using all their might after they released Russell ahead of the IPL mini-auction.

Andre Russell too soon announced his retirement from the IPL. The former West Indies all-rounder had announced his international retirement last year. Russell went down with 2500+ runs and 123 wickets across 115 IPL innings.

He won two IPL titles with the Kolkata Knight Riders back in 2014 and then after a decade in 2024. He was also one of their most valuable assets after he was named the Most Valuable Player across IPL seasons.

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Cameron Green is not even close to Andre Russell-Mohammad Kaif

Kolkata felt that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who is young and dynamic, would be more than just a replacement for the veteran Andre Russell. However, Mohammad Kaif doesn’t feel the same way.

The former DC coach believes that Green is a promising batter, but when compared to Andre Russell, he is not even near his impact. Russell had the reputation of finishing off games for the Knights. He rescued them from the toughest of situations.

“Cameron Green is not even close to Andre Russell. He is a good batter, but the difference is huge when you compare with Russell,” a former RCBian remarked.

No, no, Russell’s absence won’t be filled- Mohammad Kaif

The former player then continued and said that not only Cameron Green, but also West Indian batter Rovman Powell cannot fill in for Russell’s void. This is because the former all-rounder had a golden arm and picked up wickets every time he was handed the ball.

“No, no, Russell’s absence won’t be filled (by Powell). He contributed a lot with his batting and was also a golden arm. He didn’t get to bowl four overs at times, but whenever he bowled, he took wickets. His void cannot be filled even by Cameron Green,” he added.

Shah Rukh Khan…….requested him to take up a coaching role- Kaif’s bold declaration

Mohammad Kaif opined that KKR might not have wanted to repeat the same mistake with Russell as they did at the time of releasing Chris Gayle, who went on to wreak havoc in the IPL, but for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“I feel that they didn’t want to repeat what happened with Chris Gayle. Andre Russell still plays in different leagues and has not completely retired.

“I think there was a change in plan later on, as KKR felt that if this guy goes into the auction and does what Chris Gayle did after being released, they would be committing the same mistake twice,” he noted.

He also claimed that the KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan might have intruded and requested Russell to continue as a coach for KKR and help the new kids with some power-hitting coaching.

“They later decided to talk to him and get him in the support staff. We all thought he was going to be released, but maybe Shah Rukh Khan got involved and spoke to him and requested him to take up a coaching role to help other players,” he added.

ALSO READ: “His season” Ex-CSK star predicts Rohit Sharma to rule IPL 2026

Australian middle-order batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has withdrawn from the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), starting from March 26. He was about to play for one of the new PSL franchises Rawalpindi Pindiz. As he is no longer a part of the league, the franchise is set to announce his replacement ahead of the tournament.

It is widely claimed that in place of the swashbuckling Aussie batter, another Australian batter, Usman Khawaja can join the Rawalpindi Pindiz. With a wide range of experiences in the top level of the game, Khawaja can be a good replacement for the team. If Khawaja comes on board, then he can help the team with his leadership qualities as well.

Usman Khawaja set to be the replacement of Jake Fraser-McGurk in the PSL 2026

Pakistan Super League has been hit by another blow, as multiple overseas players have opted not to play ahead of the tournament opener. With only a few days to go before the beginning of the league, Jack Fraser-McGurk’s withdrawal came as a massive shock to the PSL team.

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The 23-year-old is a proven T20 batter, and an exciting talent who can be a prospect for any team across the globe. Pakistan cricket fans were eagerly waiting for a batter like him to play in this year’s league.

Official announcement regarding Jake Fraser-McGurk’s withdrawal came a day ago

“Jake Fraser-McGurk has opted out of the tournament due to personal reasons. We respect his decision and wish him well. His replacement will be announced soon,” the franchise wrote on X.

After a while, the post was removed from the team’s official social media accounts, but the proof remains, as many followers shared or reposted the information. Later, the franchise owner himself wished the batter good luck for the upcoming days.

“Unfortunate, but wishing JFM the very best and good luck from Pakistan and Rawalpindi,” Ahsan Tahir, the owner of Rawalpindi Pindiz wrote on his ‘X’ post.

Why signing Usman Khawaja can be a brilliant move by Rawalpindi Pindiz?

Jake Fraser-McGurk was unsold and failed to attract a buyer at the PSL’s inaugural player auction. Later, the franchise signed him directly. The upcoming PSL season, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, will feature eight teams, including two new entrants—Rawalpindi and Hyderabad Kingsmen. This time, the tournament will host 44 matches in 39 days.

On the other hand, Usman Khawaja, 39, is a seasoned campaigner. The batter captained the Big Bash League (BBL) team Brisbane Heat in the past. With all of his expectations and technical abilities, the batter can provide solidity in the batting order.

Usman Khawaja, who is originally from Pakistan, has previously played for the league with the Islamabad United. During the 2020-21 PSL season, the batter played 7 matches for Islamabad and scored 246 runs in total with a batting average of over 49 and a strike rate of 152.79. If he can do the same with Rawalpindi, then the absence of Jake Fraser-McGurk will not bother the team in any way.

Read More: PSL owner demands ban on Dasun Shanaka, Blessing Muzarabani after IPL switch

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) face several challenges ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. While the franchise management assembled a strong squad during the recent auction, certain expensive acquisitions and aging fast bowlers could threaten the overall team balance.

The Sunrisers will begin their campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28. Following this opener, Ishan Kishan and his team will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on April 2 before hosting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 5.

3 Players Who Could Be SRH’s Biggest Burden in IPL 2026

Liam Livingstone

Sunrisers Hyderabad made a bold late move by signing Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore after his release from Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise targeted him to add balance with his all-round ability.

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However, Livingstone enters the season under pressure after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign. He struggled to make any consistent impact for RCB, scoring just 112 runs in eight innings at a poor average of 16.00 and a strike rate of 133.33.

Notably, he has also fallen out of favor with England, having last played in March last year. His dual role makes him a risky pick, and failure to deliver could turn this expensive signing into a major concern.

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins remains a major concern for Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026 due to his ongoing injury issues. The Australian skipper has been dealing with fitness setbacks, raising doubts over his availability for the full season.

SRH have heavily relied on Cummins as their pace spearhead and leader. However, his uncertain fitness could disrupt team balance, especially with the franchise already managing multiple bowling combinations. Ishan Kishan is set to lead the team in the absence of Cummins.

Cummins’ absence or limited participation would be a significant blow given his impact with both ball and leadership. If he fails to regain full fitness in time, SRH could struggle to maintain consistency in crucial phases of the tournament.

Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy is also a concern for Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026 due to his recent dip in form. The young all-rounder has struggled to deliver consistent performances with both bat and ball in recent outings.

In IPL 2025, Reddy managed limited returns, scoring under 200 runs across the season while failing to make a significant impact with the ball. He also featured in T20Is recently but could not convert starts into impactful performances. Reddy last played a T20I match for India in January 2025.

SRH have backed him as a key Indian all-round option. However, his inconsistency could affect team balance in crucial phases. If his form does not improve quickly, it may create selection headaches for the management.

Also read: “Treated like the King” – 1983 WC winner alleges RR management over Riyan Parag’s captaincy appointment

The DC squad looks stunning on the teamsheet, but they have several weak points in the team. Skipper Axar Patel will be troubled mainly by these three players.

Delhi Capitals qualified for the playoffs several seasons back under Shreyas Iyer. However, the Axar Patel-led side was very close to the qualification round last season and missed out on the knockouts by just one spot.

They would not have the likes of players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, who were the openers for the side in the previous edition. Delhi Capitals would promote KL Rahul in the new role of an opener.

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

Mitchell Starc

Former Australian T20 pacer Mitchell Starc has performed to the best of his abilities in the last two seasons. He was KKR’s star in the 2024 season and then picked several crucial wickets in the following season for the 2025 season.

However, Mitchell Starc’s availability has been a major concern. He left the DC unit midway through the last season, while on the other hand, this season, his availability has been pushed back. Starc has not been issued an NOC by Cricket Australia, citing workload.

Starc has been in sheer form, and he would be a massive positive to the DC unit; however, his availability is a massive concern for the franchise.

T. Natarajan

Another pacer in the Delhi Capitals lineup, Natrajan, missed out on the majority of the 2026 season after being bought for a massive amount of money. The Capitals found him playing only on a couple of occasions, and the death overs specialist received a massive thrashing.

Natarajan’s poor form in the game has been a concern. The left-armer will have to be available for the entire season, but DC’s headache surrounding him will be Natarajan’s frequent injuries. The left arm pacer might be troubled with a reduced pace.

In Starc’s absence, the death overs will be a major concern because slower balls are not always effective in the death overs in the IPL. Lungi Ngidi has mastered slower balls, but yorkers are what win you the death overs, and hence, Natarajan’s lack of form will be a concern.

Abhishek Porel

Lastly, Abhishek Porel, the Bengal wicket-keeper batter, surfaced as their main wicket-keeper in the side. Though KL Rahul can take up the gloves, Porel would still be an essential player in the top order.

Karun Nair had also played in the top order the last time. However, Porel remains a constant help in the DC batting order. The Bengal boy’s form has not been a concern, but he has not been ideal for the shortest format of the game.

Also, they would not be able to pick other overseas batters like Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett, since the overseas slot for the Capitals is filled. Porel would be crucial to their top order, and a lack of form will be concerning to the AxarPatel-led side.

ALSO READ: 3 players who are RR’s biggest burden in IPL 2026 – ft Jofra Archer

Does Jasprit Bumrah have an injury ahead of the IPL 2026 season? The priceless question has suddenly erupted on social media platforms, as the Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer is spotted at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE), where players naturally go to recover from an injury or to improve their fitness level.

According to the Times of India report, he is at the facility in Karnataka and has not yet joined the Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2026 preparations. It is yet to be clearly known the reason behind Jasprit Bumrah’s visit to CoE just before the IPL 2026 season, which is scheduled to start from March 28.

Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of IPL 2026 because of injury?

There is another theory regarding the pacer’s late joining of the Mumbai Indians. Previously, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene informed that the players who played the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 are allowed to join the MI camp later. The Final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 was held between India and New Zealand on March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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“Every year, we aim 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.”

“The overseas guys also flew home, and then they will join us. But they’ll have a good one-week training with us before the first game,” MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene said last week at the MIG Cricket Club Ground, during the closing ceremony of the MI Junior season.

Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the key members of the Mumbai Indians

Since the IPL 2013 season, Bumrah remains as a vital member of the franchise, who helped Mumbai Indians to claim 5 IPL trophies. Last season, he was in tremendous form; even the batting department was struggling to get momentum in the early stages of the IPL 2025.

Jasprit Bumrah concluded the IPL 2025 season with 18 wickets under his belt in 12 matches for an economy rate of only 6.67. In terms of the economy rate, it was so far his best season in the Indian Premier League.

The upcoming reports will help to clear the clouds

Ahead of the IPL 2026, multiple cricket experts believe that the right-handed pacer will again shine for the Mumbai-based franchise and can emerge as one of the best bowlers in the edition as well.

It is worth noting that Jasprit Bumrah was named the best performer of the Final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 for taking 4 wickets in exchange for only 15 runs against New Zealand. Cricket pundits praised him for keeping the rhythm intact throughout the elite tournament.

Before that, concerns over Bumrah’s fitness suddenly rose. It is yet to be clear why the seamer visited BCCI’s CoE.

Read More: 3 players who are SRH’s biggest burden in IPL 2026 – ft Liam Livingstone

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is less than a week away. The teams are taking their final lap of preparation before the rich cash league begins. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the first winners of the league in 2008, and since then, they have failed to win the league.

The last time Rajasthan qualified for the finals was back in 2022, when Sanju Samson was the captain. They have let go of their captain in a trade that comprised Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The Royals have a bunch of talent, with Riyan Parag named as the captain for the franchise.

However, they will have to go through challenges as Sam Curran has been ruled out of the IPL, and Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka is replacing him ahead of the IPL. Here, we will look at the possible players who are RR’s biggest burden in IPL 2026.

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

Riyan Parag

The captain of the Royals did not have the best of seasons last time around, scoring 393 runs, with an average of nearly 33. Riyan Parag has a responsibility in his hands with the new role as a captain. However, it is very difficult to assess whether he would have a good season with the bat.

Riyan Parag in the 2024 season was excellent with the bat, and his team finished in the playoffs as well. He finished as the third leading run getter in the tournament, scoring 573 runs. However, his form dipped in 2025, and his side also finished 9th, losing 10 games.

Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel has been a mainstay for the India National Cricket Team in Test cricket. He can play spin. Jurel has been one of the findings of the RR in the team. However, his problem has been inconsistency with 333 runs last season; his average still stands near 38, and he scored just two fifties.

The Royals have also failed to use his full ability, as he has been used as a floater in the team. However, he should not be batting below No.5, but on some occasions, he has been sent in later as well. Jurel’s consistency and the position he bats might be a big burden for the Royals in the IPL 2026.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer has been back with the franchise he was successful with. The England speedster was picked in IPL 2025 for a whopping INR 12.50 crore. His return to the side after one full injury season was not as expected; he picked up 11 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 9.47 and an average of 39.18.

Archer, on his given day, can dismantle any batting line-up, but his problem has been injuries and consistency. Since his return, he has failed to deliver to his full potential and has been leaking runs, though he bowled well in the T20 World Cup 2026, but in the semi-final got smacked all around the park against India.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah out of IPL? Star pacer arrives at CoE ahead of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals (DC) are chasing their maiden IPL title in 2026 with a smartly balanced squad blending experience and aggression, led by captain Axar Patel and powered by big overseas buys like David Miller, Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett. The side in blue and red will kick off their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.

The Indian Premier League 2026 is here, and for the Delhi Capitals, the atmosphere around Arun Jaitley Stadium mixes hope with real hunger. Still without a title despite strong playoff pushes in the past, the franchise stands at a make-or-break point. The 2025 season brought a fifth-place finish, solid but painful, as they missed the playoffs narrowly. The main issues? An inconsistent opening pair and a middle order that often faltered when early wickets fell, plus some sloppy fielding in key moments.

But DC refused to stand still. They retained a strong core, including Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, and Tristan Stubbs. Then came smart auction moves: Ben Duckett and David Miller at value prices, Auqib Nabi Dar as a big all-round investment, plus Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Prithvi Shaw, and others. With head coach Hemang Badani in charge, the team shows a clear “balanced aggression” vibe.

DC’s 2025 hangover: Can the revamped lineup spark a title run?

The pain from 2025 lingers. The top order rarely gave explosive starts, pushing the middle to rebuild too often. KL Rahul held firm at times, but without a consistent aggressor beside him, momentum slipped. The bowling stayed decent with Starc and Kuldeep leading, yet death overs and fielding errors hurt in close finishes.

Now in 2026, the approach turns sharper. Ben Duckett and Pathum Nissanka join KL Rahul (or Prithvi Shaw) to promise a fiery powerplay. Nitish Rana bridges at No. 3, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs bring finishing punch lower down, and Axar adds all-round depth. The spin duo of Axar and Kuldeep stays elite, while pace gets variety from Starc, Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, and others.

The big question: Can this mix of stability and firepower finally deliver the first trophy, or will old problems creep back in high-stakes games?

Delhi Capitals’ SWOT analysis for IPL 2026

Success in the IPL comes from how pieces fit under lights, not just big names. Here is the straight breakdown of the Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2026 season:

Strengths

• Versatile top order & finishing power: KL Rahul and Ben Duckett at the top, backed by Nitish Rana. Ashutosh Sharma and David Miller’s finishing pedigree gives DC the most versatile top five they’ve had in years.
• Spin dominance: Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav form one of the best spin pairs in the league. Their control in the middle overs and Axar’s batting make them tough to handle on turning tracks.
• Home-ground edge: With Stubbs power, improved fielding focus, and Starc’s swing suiting Arun Jaitley’s bounce, DC can exploit their venue better than most.

Also READ: IPL 2026: KL Rahul set for clear role as Delhi Capitals look for stability

Weaknesses

• Pace attack reliance: Mitchell Starc leads strongly, but backups like Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, and Dushmantha Chameera lack consistent death specialists. An injury to Starc could hurt badly.
• Lower-order Indian depth: While Miller and Stubbs finish well, DC still lean on overseas options at the death. No clear Indian enforcer with a 200+ strike rate if things go wrong.
• Fielding question mark: 2025 had drops and misfields that cost games. Even with coaching tweaks, execution under pressure remains unproven.

Opportunities

• Overseas impact players: Grabbing Miller and Duckett at smart prices, plus Auqib Nabi Dar’s potential, gives DC tactical edges in powerplay and death. Starc’s left-arm fire remains a game-changer.
• Coaching and fielding evolution: The arrival of John Mooney alongside Hemang Badani and Ian Bell offers a chance to build a sharper, fitter unit. This could be the reset DC needed to finally break their playoff jinx.
• Youth breakout chance: Uncapped talents like Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, and Vipraj Nigam get room to shine, possibly uncovering the next big Indian star for long-term build.

Threats

• Captaincy spotlight on Axar: Axar’s leadership earns respect, but delivering a first title with huge expectations could test him against sharp units like MI or CSK. Early losses might bring heavy scrutiny.
• Tricky start away: Opening against LSG at Ekana, then quick home clashes with MI and GT, means no room for slow beginnings. A rough launch could put pressure on the new signings quickly.
• Fiercer league: MI, RCB, KKR and others rebuilt with data and big buys. The competition leaves almost zero margin for mid-season slumps or identity confusion like before.

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth names his playing XI of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2026

The build-up to the IPL 2026 season has been met with a familiar sense of frustration as several high-profile overseas stars signal delayed arrivals. While the league remains the undisputed crown jewel of T20 cricket, the recurring trend of international players joining mid-tournament or withdrawing entirely, has sparked a fiery response from Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Known for his candid insights, Gavaskar has urged franchises to stop being ‘taken for granted’ and prioritize squad integrity over individual star power.

The legendary opener’s comments come at a critical juncture. Despite the IPL’s massive financial pull, the logistical nightmare of late-season withdrawals and staggered arrivals continues to hamper team planning. For Gavaskar, the issue isn’t just about scheduling; it’s about a perceived lack of professional respect for the franchises that invest millions into these athletes.

Sunil Gavaskar hits out at foreign stars over late reporting for IPL 2026

In a scathing column for Sportstar, Gavaskar highlighted a cultural disconnect, suggesting that the generous nature of Indian franchises is often misinterpreted. He noted that owners frequently go above and beyond, covering travel and luxury accommodations for players’ families, perks that are rarely matched in other global leagues. According to Gavaskar, this ‘Indian hospitality’ is being viewed as a right rather than a privilege.

“The owners go out of their way to accommodate their players… which is often misunderstood as a right by some, who then try to take advantage of the situation,” Gavaskar remarked.

His primary grievance lies in the lack of transparency; many players wait until after the auction, once their massive paydays are secured to reveal ‘personal reasons’ or fitness concerns that prevent a full-season commitment. Gavaskar’s solution is simple but stern: “Franchises must start dropping these players.” He argues that if a player cannot commit to the full duration for non-medical reasons, they shouldn’t be part of the tactical blueprint at all.

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

Impact of delayed arrivals on team balance and the quest for the title

The timing of these delays is particularly damaging for 2026 title contenders. Reports suggest that Australian icons like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood may miss the opening weeks to manage workloads or recover from minor niggles. While player burnout is a valid concern, Gavaskar argues that this pick-and-choose mentality throws months of auction strategy into the bin.

“We are already hearing about some players who will not be available for a variety of reasons, none of which were informed before they were selected by the franchise. Unless franchise owners start to get tough and drop these players, they will find themselves hampered in their efforts to win the title. All the planning in forming the squad, which they believe can help them win, goes out of the window when players decide to come whenever they want,” he added.

When a marquee fast bowler or a top-order explosive hitter arrives three games late, the team’s chemistry is disrupted. In a league where the margin between the playoffs and the bottom of the table is often a single win, these delayed starts can be the difference between a trophy and a disappointment. Gavaskar insists that unless the IPL governing body or the franchises themselves implement stricter penalties or no-show clauses, the league’s planning phase will remain a gamble.

Despite the controversy, Gavaskar remains optimistic about the spectacle itself. He predicts that the 2026 season, culminating on May 31, will once again silence the critics with its sheer quality of cricket. However, his message to the millionaire players is clear: the IPL is a professional commitment, not a vacation to be taken at one’s convenience.

Also READ: Irfan Pathan highlights ‘concerning factor’ for KKR ahead of IPL 2026

The cricket season is returning to Bengaluru as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare for their home stretch in IPL 2026. After years of anticipation, the atmosphere at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is expected to reach new heights this year. Fans are already looking ahead to the massive season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, followed by the high-stakes encounter with Chennai Super Kings on April 5.

Because of the high interest in these specific fixtures, the franchise has updated its ticketing and match-day logistics. If you are planning to attend, staying ahead of the digital queue is essential. This guide explains how the team enter the new season and the exact steps you need to follow to secure your place in the stands.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s quest for a historic second star

For the first time in the history of the league, RCB will walk onto their home turf carrying the title of defending champions. After a clinical performance in the previous edition, the team has finally secured the trophy that eluded them for nearly two decades. This change in status has completely shifted the narrative around the club; they are no longer the underdogs chasing a dream, but the leaders of the pack.

Being the title holders has caused ticket demand to surge to record levels. The Bengaluru faithful, known for their unwavering loyalty through difficult years, are now eager to celebrate this new era of dominance. The 2026 season represents a victory lap for the squad, and every home game at the Chinnaswamy is expected to be a total sell-out as fans show up to support the reigning kings of the IPL.

RCB ticket prices and stadium perks

While RCB has always enjoyed a massive following, their status as reigning champions has introduced a dynamic pricing model for the 2026 season. This means ticket costs may fluctuate based on the opponent and real-time demand.

Currently, base prices for the standard stands are expected to start around ₹3,750, while premium hospitality and VIP corporate boxes can soar up to ₹65,800 for high-octane clashes like the RCB vs. CSK match on April 5.

In a major move to improve the match-day experience and tackle Bengaluru’s infamous traffic, RCB has partnered with BMRCL. IPL 2026 match ticket holders can travel for free on the Namma Metro on game days. Fans simply need to scan the QR code located on their match ticket at the metro gates. The nearest stations to the stadium are Cubbon Park and MG Road, making it the most efficient way to reach the venue.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s how to book tickets for Mumbai Indians’ home matches

Step-by-step process to book RCB home match tickets

To manage the massive volume of fans, the RCB management has streamlined the booking process primarily through digital channels. To avoid missing out, it is recommended to complete your registration well before the sale dates are announced.

Follow these steps to secure your tickets:

1. Visit the official platforms: Tickets are sold through the RCB official app and the team’s official website. These are the only authorized sources for genuine tickets.
2. Set up your profile: Log in or create an account on the RCB app in advance. Saving your payment details and personal info beforehand will save you critical seconds during the high-traffic rush.
3. Pick your fixture: Go to the IPL 2026 schedule section and select the specific home match you want to see. An interactive map of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will allow you to pick your preferred stand based on your budget.
4. Organize your transport: Parking near the stadium is very restricted. You can pre-book parking spots at designated zones like Garuda Mall, St. Joseph’s Indian High School, or Freedom Park during the booking process.
5. Complete the transaction: Pay using UPI, Credit/Debit cards, or Net Banking. Once the payment is successful, you will receive a digital confirmation.
6. Receive your M-ticket: Your M-ticket (digital ticket) with QR code will be sent to your registered email and mobile. Screenshot it — this is your entry pass.

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