The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) is almost around the corner, as the tournament is set to begin from March 28. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on the opening day of the competition. Ahead of the first match, there are headaches for the Orange Army, as their regular captain, Pat Cummins, is set to miss some matches.

SRH have named Ishan Kishan as their captain for the games that Pat Cummins will be missing. Abhishek Sharma has been named as the vice-captain for the side. They have the firepower in their batting with the likes of Ishan, Abhishek, Travis Head, Heinrich Klassen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Liam Livingstone. However, their bowling has been weak.

Ishan Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad

Ishan Kishan has been awarded the captaincy role for his brilliant T20 World Cup form, where he scored 317 runs for India. Last season, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches last season at an average of 35.40 and an impressive strike-rate of 152.58. He has captaincy experience with Jharkhand and led the side to the championship of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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Talking about the same former India batter, Abhinav Mukund, discussed SRH’s batting and critically analysed the bowling alongside the overall team’s strengths and weaknesses of the Orange Army.

Mukund said, on SRH, “If their batting is a 10, their bowling is a 1, with a very big drop off. Their batting will hurt teams, and it’s the strongest in the competition. Just that makes them dangerous on a flat Hyderabad track.”

They have so many who’ve not even played- Abhinav Mukund

“But the drop-off is too much in the bowling. They have so many who’ve not even played in the IPL. You came with a lot of money to the auction, and you ended up spending it on Liam Livingstone when you already have Klaasen, Head, and Abhishek Sharma.”

Mukund further added, “They have a very inexperienced bowling lineup with guys who aren’t making their own first-class sides. Many are picked based on just scouting from the trials. I am surprised at how they have constructed their team.”

“In the years they’ve done well, they’ve had Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Natarajan doing really well for them. But now it looks like Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat have to front-load this attack.”

SRH has been a batting-heavy side

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Faf du Plessis also questioned SRH’s planning of making a side that is batting-heavy and not a more balanced one.

“It’s happened only one season where they shot the lights out with the bat. Last year wasn’t exactly the same in terms of batting returns. They tried the same template of outbatting opponents, but the wickets weren’t as flat, and they didn’t do well as a batting department. I would say that’s a lot of eggs in one basket,” said Faf du Plessis.

“In that, Abhishek is not in great form. Heinrich Klaasen has had a quiet year, and Travis Head has had a quiet World Cup. Liam Livingstone hasn’t done well in the IPL and isn’t even part of the England side. There is a chance this’ll come right, but you are asking a lot.”

Also Read: KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar reveals Harshit Rana’s replacement ahead of IPL 2026

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to begin on March 28 reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ahead of the IPL, last year’s finalist, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain, Shreyas Iyer, alongside Arshdeep Singh has been in an event at Mohali to unveil the team’s new jersey.

Speaking ahead of the IPL, Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh spoke about the PBKS’s plans of winning their maiden IPL title, overcoming personal challenges, and their deep connection with the franchise. Iyer discussed the team bonding with the new guys and also about building a strong bond off the field before the high-pressure games begin.

We live as a family for two months- Shreyas Iyer

“This is the period where we live as a family for two months,” Shreyas said. “The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time to build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games.”

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“The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually.”

It is always challenging- Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer also discussed his rib injury that he suffered during India’s white-ball tour to Australia. Iyer missed out on the ODI games after picking up an injury and came back in the side in 2026 during the New Zealand ODI series at home. He revealed the challenges he faced and the weight loss as well.

Shreyas Iyer said, “It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around 7 kilos & it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back but I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life and I am back here proudly representing the team.”

“Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge but the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy”.

It is a privilege- Arshdeep Singh

India’s T20 World Cup winner, Arshdeep Singh, reflected his captain’s confidence, especially when discussing playing in front of their enthusiastic home crowd in Mullanpur. He also thanked the franchise for believing in and backing him early in his career.

“When you feel the pressure, it is a privilege. It is a lot of fun when you get so much support from the crowd. When people cheer for you, you feel that 30,000 people are running with you at that time. We will try our best to win all our home matches this year, Arshdeep said.”

Arshdeep further added, “The journey has been amazing. When I came here for the first time, they gave me full support and showed me my potential. They trusted me a lot when no other team did. I really appreciate that, and I want to stay here for a long time. I am looking forward to winning a lot of trophies for the team.”

Also Read: Ex-KKR opener doubts Blessing Muzarabani’s impact in IPL 2026

New Zealand delivered a composed all-round performance to defeat South Africa by eight wickets in the third T20I of the South Africa tour of New Zealand 2026 at Eden Park. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the hosts executed their plans with precision before chasing down a modest target with ease, sealing the contest with 22 balls to spare.

New Zealand bowlers restrict South Africa to below-par total

South Africa struggled to build momentum throughout their innings, eventually finishing at 136/9 in 20 overs. The innings never quite took off as wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any substantial partnerships from developing.

Tony de Zorzi and Connor Esterhuizen got starts but failed to convert them into impactful contributions. Esterhuizen looked promising during his brief stay, scoring 15 off just 8 balls, while Jason Smith also added a quick 10. However, the middle order faltered under pressure, with Rubin Hermann and Dian Forrester unable to stabilize the innings.

George Linde (23 off 19) and Gerald Coetzee (16 off 8) provided some late impetus, while Nqobani Mokoena’s 26 off 20 balls helped push the total past 130. Despite these efforts, South Africa’s total remained underwhelming on a good batting surface.

New Zealand’s bowling attack was disciplined and effective. Mitchell Santner and Ben Sears led the charge with two wickets each, while Lockie Ferguson stood out with an economical spell, conceding just 9 runs in his four overs. Contributions from Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, and Cole McConchie ensured constant pressure on the visitors.

Also READ: Devon Conway, bowlers propel New Zealand to a thumping win over South Africa in 2nd T20I

Tom Latham anchors comfortable chase for Black Caps

Chasing 137, New Zealand got off to a steady start with Devon Conway and Tom Latham laying a solid foundation. Conway played the aggressor early on, scoring a brisk 39 off 26 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.

After Conway’s dismissal, Latham took control of the innings with a calm and composed knock. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 63 off 55 balls, guiding the chase with maturity and ensuring there were no late hiccups.

Tim Robinson contributed a handy 17, while Nick Kelly finished things off as New Zealand reached 137/2 in just 16.2 overs, showcasing their dominance. South Africa’s bowling unit struggled to apply pressure on the New Zealand batters. Lutho Sipamla and Keshav Maharaj managed to pick up a wicket each, but the lack of breakthroughs hurt their chances.

Job done in style, New Zealand win by 8 wickets with 22 balls to spare in the 3rd T20I🔥#Cricket #NZvSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/HR5d2trV8n

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 20, 2026

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

The fallout from Pakistan’s disastrous 2026 T20 World Cup campaign has reached a boiling point, with veteran opening batter Ahmed Shehzad launching a blistering critique of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the board’s current leadership. Following Pakistan’s inability to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament and a historic 1-2 series loss to Bangladesh, Shehzad argues that the national team has become a playground for a select clique of underperforming stars.

Pakistan’s recent slump reached a new nadir in Dhaka, where Bangladesh secured their first home series win against the visitors in 11 years. The tour highlighted systemic failures: a batting collapse for 114 in the opening ODI and a botched 291-run chase in the decider. For Shehzad, these aren’t just technical errors; they are the symptoms of a toxic star culture nurtured by the PCB at the expense of national pride.

Ahmed Shehzad takes aim at Mohsin Naqvi and PCB after Pakistan team’s slump

Shehzad’s primary grievance lies in the disproportionate power handed to a small group of players. He contends that the PCB has marketed certain individuals as global brands through the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the last seven years, despite their failure to deliver on the international stage. According to Shehzad, these 6-8 boys and their agents have essentially hijacked the team’s selection and strategy.

“You provided all the sponsorships to those boys, endorsed them, and invested money in them. You gave them captaincies in the PSL, right? You made them the thumb of the Pakistan team. You handed over the entire Pakistan cricket team to those 6 boys and their agents. And what have they done now? The fire they have lit in the jungle, the fun and parties they have had, the pockets they have filled, the enjoyment they have had they haven’t given Pakistan any wins by doing so,” Shehzad remarked, pointing to the heavy financial investment and sponsorships poured into these specific athletes.

He accused this core group of prioritizing personal gain and “parties in the jungle” over trophies. The critique specifically stings as high-profile names like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan continue to struggle with consistency, leading to questions about whether the board is too fearful of its superstars to demand accountability.

Also READ: Pakistan not safe? PCB reacts to Australian players’ security and travel concerns ahead of PSL 2026

Shehzad calls out the failure of the Naqvi regime

The most damning part of Shehzad’s outburst focused on the perceived impotence of Naqvi’s administration. He described the current PCB as the weakest he has seen in his lifetime, alleging that the board kneels before players instead of enforcing discipline or introducing fresh talent. This lack of institutional backbone, he argues, has allowed a culture of ego and blame games to flourish within the dressing room.

Despite the mounting losses, Shehzad notes that none of the senior players have taken responsibility, opting instead to spin narratives through media cycles.

“Whenever you talk about any player, they start spinning stories. I have never seen the Pakistan Cricket Board this weak in my life, as weak as this PCB is. They have power, right? But in their decision-making, they appear to be kneeling before their players. This PCB can’t do anything. The work they were supposed to do — bringing in new faces — they didn’t. What they do is, after every event, they try to pull a new trick, but the public has now caught their pattern,” he added, suggesting that the PCB’s habit of pulling new tricks after every tournament failure no longer fools the fans. By failing to integrate new faces and breaking the monopoly of the current core, the board has left Pakistan cricket in a state of stagnation.

As Pakistan prepare for a grueling three-Test series against England starting August 19, the pressure on Mohsin Naqvi to implement major surgery,  a term he himself coined earlier has never been higher.

Also READ: Pakistani pacer Asad Akhtar makes headlines after delivering giant no-ball in National T20 Cup 2026 match

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just days away, but the pre-season buzz has been dampened by a massive wave of injuries and availability issues. Set to kick off on March 28, 2026, the tournament is already witnessing a shuffle of squads as several franchises scramble to find replacements for their frontline stars. From high-profile Australian pacers to rising Indian talents, the medical rooms are filling up faster than the stadiums.

Players ruled out ahead of IPL 2026

For these players, the dream of lifting the IPL 2026 trophy has ended before the first ball is bowled.

• Harshit Rana (KKR): One of the most significant Indian casualties. After undergoing knee surgery in February following a ligament strain during a T20 World Cup warm-up, Rana was recently seen on crutches. KKR has already looked toward trials to fill his domestic pacer slot.
• Nathan Ellis (CSK): A massive blow for the Super Kings’ death-bowling plans. Ellis re-aggravated a hamstring injury during the One-Day Cup final in Hobart last week and has been officially ruled out.
• Sam Curran (RR): The England all-rounder, acquired in a major trade from CSK, is facing an indefinite recovery period for a groin injury. His absence leaves the Royals thin on overseas all-round options.
• Jack Edwards (SRH): The Australian all-rounder was set for his IPL debut after being bought for ₹3 crore, but a foot injury has forced him out of the entire campaign.
• Atharva Ankolekar (MI): The young Mumbai Indians all-rounder is out for the season following a meniscus tear suffered during the Ranji Trophy.

Note: Mustafizur Rahman will also be unavailable for KKR due to administrative and diplomatic reasons between the BCCI and BCB, prompting the franchise to sign Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement.

The late arrivals in the upcoming season

Quite a few players will play for their respective franchises but not from the first game. Cricket Australia’s precautionary workload management means some of the league’s most expensive stars will miss the opening phase.

• Pat Cummins (SRH): The SRH captain is still recovering from a lumbar stress injury in his lower back. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has been named the stand-in captain for the initial games.
• Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Recovering from a mix of hamstring and Achilles issues, Hazlewood is expected to miss at least the first two matches for the defending champions.
• Mitchell Starc (DC): Starc is being held back by CA for the early part of the tournament to manage his workload for a heavy international schedule ahead.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Doubtful stars under the scanner

A few key names are currently in a race against time to prove their fitness for the first week.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

As the countdown to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League begins, the atmosphere in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp is a mix of high-octane intensity and nostalgic warmth. While the franchise is busy fine-tuning its strategies to redeem a lacklustre 2025 season, its legendary talisman, MS Dhoni, continues to prove why he remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket. On Thursday, March 19, the internet was set ablaze by a viral video showing the 44-year-old veteran in a delightfully cheeky exchange with rival fans, reminding everyone that the spirit of cricket often wears a yellow jersey.

MS Dhoni adorably reacts to RCB fans asking for autographs after IPL 2026 practice

In a video shared by a popular Dhoni fan club, the CSK icon was seen heading back after a gruelling practice session at the high-performance centre. As he made his way through a throng of supporters, two young fans proudly sporting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jerseys approached him with an autograph request.

Instead of a standard signature, Dhoni paused and, with a glint of mischief in his eyes, pointed pointedly at their RCB t-shirts. The ‘Captain Cool’ persona was in full effect as he playfully signalled that signing for rival fans while they were in the enemy colours might be a conflict of interest. However, the tease was short-lived; Dhoni followed the gesture with a trademark warm smile, engaging in a brief, cute conversation with the youngsters before moving on with his practice kit.

While the interaction was heartwarming, eagle-eyed fans on social media were quick to point out a slight limp in Dhoni’s gait. Having undergone knee surgery after the 2023 title win and managing his fitness throughout 2024 and 2025, the sight of the legend struggling physically has added a layer of poignancy to his every appearance.

Here’s the video:

Latest video of MS Dhoni 💛

When two young RCB fans wearing Red jersey call out to Dhoni asking him to autograph, his response to them is priceless. #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/zllkS4CVVH

— Yash MSdian ™️ 🦁 (@itzyash07) March 19, 2026

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

Is IPL 2026 Dhoni’s final season?

The million-dollar question looming over the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where CSK kicks off their campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 30, is whether this is truly the swansong for Dhoni. Speculation is at an all-time high, fuelled by the seismic shift in the CSK roster during the off-season.

The most significant indicator of a transition is the high-profile trade that brought Sanju Samson to Chennai from RR in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja. Samson, a premier wicketkeeper-batter and seasoned captain, is widely viewed as the heir apparent to Dhoni’s throne. While CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan recently confirmed that Dhoni would be available for all matches in 2026, the arrival of Samson creates a fascinating tactical dilemma.

In 2025, a season where CSK finished at the bottom of the table, Dhoni was forced to retake the captaincy mid-way after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with a fractured elbow. Now, with a refreshed squad including record-breaking buys like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma, the stage is set for a transition. Whether Dhoni plays as a specialist impact player, focuses on mentoring Samson, or gives the fans one last flurry of sixes, IPL 2026 feels like the closing chapter of an era that changed T20 cricket forever.

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks the ideal batting order of CSK for IPL 2026

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 set to kick off on March 28, anticipation among fans is reaching fever pitch. After months of auctions, trades, and strategic reshuffles, franchises are gearing up for another high-octane season. Among the teams drawing significant attention are the Delhi Capitals (DC), who appear to have assembled a well-rounded and formidable squad. With a blend of experienced internationals and exciting young Indian talent, DC head into the new season with renewed hope and ambition. Fans will be eager to see whether this revamped unit can finally deliver consistency and mount a serious title challenge.

Kris Srikkanth names his preferred Delhi Capitals XI for IPL 2026

Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has shared his thoughts on what he believes should be Delhi Capitals’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2026. His selection reflects a mix of stability at the top, firepower in the middle, and variety in the bowling attack.

Srikkanth has backed KL Rahul and Abishek Porel to open the innings, a combination that offers both composure and attacking flair. At number three, he has slotted in Nitish Rana, whose experience in the IPL could prove vital in anchoring the innings when needed.

The middle order, according to Srikkanth, is where DC can truly dominate. He has picked David Miller and captain Axar Patel to provide solidity and finishing ability, followed by the explosive Tristan Stubbs and rising star Ashutosh Sharma. This lineup ensures depth and flexibility, allowing DC to adapt to different match situations.

In the bowling department, Srikkanth has gone with a strong and diverse attack. Vipraj Nigam finds a place as a promising option, while Kuldeep Yadav leads the spin charge. The pace attack is spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi, both capable of making an impact with the new ball and at the death. Srikkanth also named Jammu and Kashmir star pacer Auqib Nabi as impact sub player.

Kris Srikkanth’s DC XI for IPL 2026: KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi.

Impact Sub: Auqib Nabi.

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

Star-studded Delhi Capitals aim to deliver big

The Capitals enter IPL 2026 as a balanced and star-studded unit, built around a strong core featuring Axar, Rahul, Kuldeep, and Starc. The franchise has clearly focused on addressing the weaknesses that hurt them in the previous season, particularly their middle-order inconsistency and struggles in the death overs.

The inclusion of experienced campaigners like Miller and Nitish adds much-needed stability, while players like Stubbs and Ashutosh bring explosive finishing ability. This combination makes DC’s lower middle order one of the most dangerous on paper. Their bowling unit also looks formidable, with a mix of pace and spin options capable of adapting to different conditions. While the likes of Starc and Ngidi provide raw pace and wicket-taking ability, Kuldeep’s spin remains a key weapon in the middle overs.

However, much of DC’s success could depend on how well their top order performs. Finding consistency at the top has been a challenge in previous seasons, and the team will hope that their chosen combinations click early in the tournament.

Also READ: Mohammad Kaif, Cheteshwar Pujara select strongest Delhi Capitals’ playing XI for IPL 2026

The pink city is buzzing with a renewed sense of hope as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) officially commenced their pre-season camp for the IPL 2026. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the inaugural champions languishing at the bottom of the table on 9th, the vibes in the dugout have shifted from somber to high-octane. This shift was perfectly captured in a viral moment involving the franchise’s newest veteran recruit, Ravindra Jadeja, and their homegrown batting powerhouse, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Ravindra Jadeja’s epic banter after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s big shot in practice

During the Royals’ first open net session, Jaiswal didn’t bother with a sighter. Facing Jadeja’s pinpoint left-arm spin on the very first delivery, the young opener danced down the track and launched a towering maximum that cleared the practice facility’s ropes. The sheer audacity of the shot left the seasoned Jadeja in splits, leading to a hilarious exchange that has since set social media ablaze.

The banter between the veteran and the prodigy offered a glimpse into the camaraderie RR is trying to build following a massive squad overhaul. After watching the ball disappear, a grinning Jadeja turned to the coaching staff and quipped in Hindi: “Abhi keh raha hai neend nahi hui raatko. Room mei practice karke aaya hai yeh.” (He was just saying he hadn’t slept well at night. But clearly, he’s been practicing in his room.)

This light-hearted moment masks a very serious intent. Jaiswal, who was one of the few bright spots in 2025 with 559 runs, looks sharper than ever. For Jadeja, the transition to the Royals’ camp is a significant narrative of the 2026 season. After the blockbuster trade that saw long-time skipper Sanju Samson head to Chennai Super Kings, Jadeja’s role as a mentor and finisher is pivotal. While the team will be missing Sam Curran to a season-ending injury, the instant chemistry between Jadeja and the core Indian group suggests that the leadership vacuum is being filled effectively.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: Ravindra Jadeja vs Vaibhav Suryavanshi: WATCH – Who comes out on top in RR’s IPL 2026 practice clash?

Rajasthan Royals’ tactical shift for IPL 2026

The Rajasthan Royals aren’t just relying on viral moments; their strategy for 2026 focuses on closing the gap. In 2025, the team lost five matches by margins of less than 10 runs or in the final over. By bringing in Jadeja’s experience and the craftiness of Ravi Bishnoi, the management is looking to provide their batting heavyweights with a more disciplined bowling cushion.

However, the X-factor remains the youth. While Jaiswal provides the stability, all eyes are on the 14-year-old phenom Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Entering his sophomore season, Sooryavanshi is no longer a hidden gem but a marked man. After smashing a 35-ball century last year—the fastest by an Indian in IPL history, his partnership with Jaiswal at the top of the order is arguably the most explosive opening pair in the tournament.

If the practice sessions are any indication, the Royals are playing with a nothing to lose freedom. With Jaiswal hitting sixes in his sleep (literally, according to Jadeja) and a revamped bowling attack, Rajasthan might just be the dark horse to watch when the 2026 season officially kicks off.

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

As anticipation builds for IPL 2026, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his predictions for two of the tournament’s most prestigious individual awards—the Orange Cap and the Purple Cap. Known for his sharp analysis and bold calls, Chopra has once again placed his faith in young batting sensation and India’s premier fast bowler to dominate the upcoming season.

Aakash Chopra picks the Orange Cap winner in IPL 2026

Chopra has backed Rajasthan Royals’ explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to emerge as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2026. The former cricketer admitted that he has consistently tipped Jaiswal in previous seasons, but believes this could finally be the year the youngster delivers a truly monumental performance.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said he expects Jaiswal to push the boundaries and potentially produce a season in the range of 700 to 900 runs—something only a handful of batters have achieved in IPL history. His confidence stems not just from Jaiswal’s talent, but also from his aggressive intent at the top of the order.

“Can this be Yashasvi Jaiswal’s year? I say before every IPL whether it could be his year? Can it be a 700-900-run reason for this guy? I will say once again whether it can be his. I will once again focus on Yashasvi Jaiswal because I like him a lot,” said Chopra.

Jaiswal had an impressive IPL 2025 campaign, finishing as the seventh-highest run-scorer. He accumulated 559 runs in 14 innings at a striking rate of 159.71, showcasing both consistency and attacking flair. Despite not clinching the Orange Cap last season, his performances reinforced his status as one of the most dangerous young batters in the league.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

Star pacer tipped for Purple Cap glory

On the bowling front, Chopra has identified Mumbai Indians spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as his pick for the Purple Cap in IPL 2026. However, he attached a crucial condition—Bumrah must remain fit and available for the entire season.

Chopra acknowledged that Bumrah’s workload management often limits his participation across all matches, but insisted that if the pacer plays a full season, he could outclass the competition.

“Who can be the highest wicket-taker? That’s an interesting one. Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play all the matches. If he plays all the matches, he could be the one. If Bumrah plays all matches, let’s make it Bumrah,” added Chopra.

Bumrah had a solid IPL 2025 season, claiming 18 wickets in just 12 innings at an impressive economy rate of 6.67. Despite missing a few games, he still finished as the seventh-highest wicket-taker, underlining his efficiency and impact.

While discussing other contenders, Chopra mentioned several top Indian pacers including Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. He also briefly considered overseas options like Mitchell Starc. However, he ultimately circled back to Bumrah as his top choice, citing his unmatched ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

“I am thinking about Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Mitchell Starc among the overseas. Who can it be? Josh Hazlewood isn’t going to play all the games. Let’s go with Bumrah,” Chopra added further.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been synonymous with the ‘Thala’ factor, but as we approach the 2026 season, the conversation around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are shifting from nostalgia to cold, hard strategy. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Yellow Army’s fanbase, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal CSK playing XII for IPL 2026—and the most decorated captain in the league’s history, MS Dhoni, is nowhere to be found in the starting lineup.

With the season opener scheduled for March 28 and CSK set to face Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30, Pathan’s selection reflects a vision of a modernized, high-velocity batting order. His logic centres on the benefit to the franchise over sentimental value. Pathan argued that while Dhoni’s brief cameos in the final overs delight the crowd, they don’t necessarily provide the structural stability required for a championship run in the current hyper-competitive era.

MS Dhoni misses out as Irfan Pathan names Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre to lead the batting charge

Pathan’s blueprint for the 2026 season prioritizes youth and aggressive intent. In a surprising tactical shift, he opted for a fresh opening pair consisting of the young sensation Ayush Mhatre and the prolific Sanju Samson. This allows the incumbent skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad, to slot in at No. 3, providing a solid anchor for the explosive middle order.

The middle phase of the innings in Pathan’s vision is dominated by power-hitters with range. Shivam Dube retains his spot as the primary spin-hitter, followed by the Dewald Brevis. However, the most debated inclusion is Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6. Pathan explicitly stated that for Sarfaraz to thrive and provide the necessary late-middle-order stability, Dhoni must step aside.

“If MS Dhoni says that he is playing and will play regularly, then that’s one thing. You see, there comes a time when even the greatest player in the world has to leave. Will he play every game or not? Will Mahendra Singh Dhoni play all the games or not? This is something I have believed and talked about for many years. If Dhoni plays, for at least the last two years, it’s true that even two overs are enough to please Chennai fans, but it doesn’t really benefit the Chennai team. If Dhoni wants to play, he should play at least four over,” Pathan noted on his YouTube channel.

He emphasized that if the veteran wicket-keeper does take the field, he must commit to batting at least four overs to justify his spot in the modern T20 ecosystem.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Did MS Dhoni change his jersey number? Here’s what we know

Pathan focuses on strategic bowling depth and the ₹28 crore investment

Pathan’s selection also highlights CSK’s massive investment in uncapped domestic talent. He included Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively. Both players were acquired for a staggering ₹14.2 crore each at the auction, and Pathan believes their all-round utility is essential for a balanced side.

The bowling department sees a heavy reliance on variety and recent form. Noor Ahmad, who was CSK’s leading wicket-taker in 2025 with 24 scalps, leads the spin attack alongside Caribbean Akeal Hosein. The pace battery features New Zealand’s Matt Henry, while Khaleel Ahmed is designated as the Impact Player to provide a left-arm angle. Interestingly, Pathan found no room for Anshul Kamboj or Rahul Chahar, opting instead for a lineup that prioritizes early wickets and mystery spin.

Irfan Pathan’s CSK Playing 12 (IPL 2026): Ayush Mhatre, Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Sarfaraz Khan, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad. Impact Player: Khaleel Ahmed.

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