In a heartwarming turn of events that has sent waves of joy through the cricketing community, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar and his wife have officially stepped into the beautiful world of parenthood. The couple recently welcomed a healthy baby boy, adding a significant personal milestone to what has already been a legendary couple of years for the Indore-born cricketer. This news comes at a pivotal time as Patidar prepares to lead the defending champions into the IPL 2026 season, carrying the momentum of both professional glory and personal bliss.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar and his wife Gunjan welcome a baby boy

Patidar, who etched his name into RCB folklore by leading the franchise to its maiden IPL title in 2025, is now embracing a different kind of leadership: fatherhood. The announcement of the baby boy’s arrival has been met with an outpouring of love from teammates, fans, and the wider sporting fraternity. While Patidar has often been a private individual, even famously postponing his wedding in 2022 to join RCB as an injury replacement this moment of joy was too significant to go unnoticed.

Reports suggest that the arrival of the Junior Captain has brought a festive atmosphere to the Patidar household in Indore. For a player who rose from being an undrafted replacement to the man who ended RCB’s 18-year trophy drought, this personal victory feels like the perfect crowning achievement. Fans are already jokingly speculating whether the newborn will follow in his father’s footsteps and don the iconic red and gold jersey in the future.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

A remarkable RCB connection between Patidar and Dinesh Karthik

What makes this arrival even more poetic is the uncanny connection between Patidar and RCB batting coach (and former teammate) Dinesh Karthik. In a twist of fate that seems scripted by the gods of cricket, both Patidar and Karthik share the exact same birthday June 1st. This shared date has long been a point of celebration within the RCB ‘Bold Diaries’, but the coincidence has now extended to their next generation.

Adding to the layers of this ‘RCB DNA,’ the news of Patidar’s baby boy follows shortly after Karthik and his wife, Dipika Pallikal, also celebrated a new addition to their family. The synchronicity between the mentor and the captain is hard to ignore; they share a birthday, a deep-rooted commitment to the Bengaluru franchise, and now, the shared journey of raising young children during their most successful professional eras.

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, Patidar will be looking to balance his responsibilities at home with the pressure of defending the title. If his calm demeanour on the pitch, which saw him score a historic playoff century and lead a star-studded team to a trophy is any indication, he is more than ready for this new innings.

Also READ: IPL 2026: RCB comes up with heartwarming post as Virat Kohli joins camp for title defence

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is knocking at the door, and for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the air at Eden Gardens is thick with a mix of anxiety and ambition. After a storied history that includes three titles, the Men in Purple and Gold find themselves at a crossroads. The 2025 season was a bitter pill to swallow, a defensive campaign that saw the defending champions slump to an 8th-place finish, plagued by inconsistent opening stands and a pace attack that leaked runs like a sieve.

However, the KKR management hasn’t sat idle. Entering the 2026 season, there is a palpable “New Era” energy. With a massive squad overhaul, the appointment of Abhishek Nayar as head coach, and record-breaking signings like Cameron Green (₹25.20 crore), the franchise is desperate to erase the memories of last year. But the question remains: Can a team built on explosive firepower overcome the structural cracks that appeared just twelve months ago?

KKR’s 2025 hangover: Can an in-form batting unit spark a resurgence?

To understand KKR’s 2026 prospects, one must look at the scars of 2025. Last year, KKR’s biggest undoing was its top-order instability. Unlike their 2024 championship run where Phil Salt and Sunil Narine dismantled bowling attacks, the 2025 season saw a rotating door of openers who failed to provide a single 50-run stand for most of the tournament. Only Ajinkya Rahane (390 runs) showed consistency, but his solo efforts weren’t enough to mask a middle order that often collapsed under the slightest pressure.

Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has shifted toward pure aggression. The recruitment of New Zealand’s Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, fresh off a blistering T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, signals a return to the high-risk, high-reward philosophy. Allen, who recently smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history, brings the kind of intimidation KKR lacked last year.

The strategy is clear: overwhelm the opposition with a batting lineup that doesn’t stop. With Rahane providing the anchor at No. 3 and the multi-dimensional Green at No. 4, KKR finally has a spine. If Rinku Singh can rediscover his finisher aura without the pressure of rebuilding every innings, KKR’s batting might just be the most feared in the league. The bounce back isn’t just a hope; it’s a mathematical probability based on the sheer volume of T20 runs this new-look squad has accumulated in the winter.

KKR’s SWOT analysis for IPL 2026

Success in the IPL is rarely about having the best eleven players; it’s about how those pieces fit under pressure. Here is the comprehensive breakdown of the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2026 season.

Strengths

• Nuclear top order & versatility: KKR enter 2026 with an embarrassment of riches at the top. The combination of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and the legendary Sunil Narine allows the management to toggle between an all-out attack or a balanced aggression approach depending on the target.
• Elite spin mastery: The spin department remains the team’s heartbeat. The duo of Varun Chakaravarthy, fresh off a 13-wicket haul in the recent World Cup and Narine remains the most difficult eight-over block to navigate in the league.
• Eden gardens specialists: With the addition of Rachin Ravindra as a versatile all-round option, KKR have further strengthened its ability to choke opposition teams on the spin-friendly, traditional home tracks in Kolkata.

Weaknesses

• Fragile pace battery: The pace department is a major concern following a string of injury bugs. With Harshit Rana and marquee signing Matheesha Pathirana sidelined just before the season, the burden falls on the less experienced Vaibhav Arora, Akash Deep, and the often expensive Umran Malik.
• Finishing depth anxiety: There is a heavy, almost singular reliance on Rinku as the specialist finisher. Following Andre Russell’s departure, KKR lacks a proven Indian enforcer in the lower order who can consistently strike at a 200+ rate if Rinku or Rovman Powell fails to fire.
• Death over control: Without Pathirana’s yorkers and Russell’s experience, KKR’s ability to restrict top-tier batters in the final four overs remains a glaring structural crack that could be exploited by aggressive finishers.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Opportunities

• Green impact: The acquisition of Green for ₹25.20 crore is a generational opportunity. As the most expensive foreign player in history, his ability to bowl “heavy-ball” spells and bat anywhere in the top four provides KKR with unprecedented tactical flexibility.
• Coaching & leadership Reset: The promotion of Abhishek Nayar to Head Coach, supported by a brain trust including Dwayne Bravo and Shane Watson, offers an opportunity to build a modern T20 culture defined by the tactical flexibility that was missing in 2025.
• Scouting resurgence: With a fresh cycle, KKR have the chance to unearth the next domestic superstar from their new crop of youngsters, potentially finding a long-term successor to the aging legends in their squad.

Threats

• Leadership skepticism: The biggest threat remains the uncertainty surrounding on-field captaincy. While the franchise has backed Rahane, his perceived tactical passivity during the 2025 slump could be a liability against high-pressure units like Mumbai Indians or Gujarat Titans.
• The Wankhede jinx: KKR start their 2026 campaign at the Wankhede Stadium, a venue where they have historically struggled, winning only 2 out of 11 games. A poor start in Mumbai could trigger a spiral effect, putting immense pressure on the high-priced recruits early on.
• Evolution of competition: With other heavyweights like MI and RCB also undergoing massive, data-driven rebuilds, the margin for error in 2026 is slimmer than ever. KKR cannot afford the mid-season identity crisis that derailed their previous campaign.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 set to kick off on March 28, discussions around team combinations have begun to intensify. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), coming off a disappointing campaign last season, are under the spotlight as experts and former players weigh in on how the franchise can turn things around. Former India batter Abhinav Mukund has now shared his views on CSK’s ideal top order, suggesting a fresh and aggressive approach to fix their long-standing powerplay struggles.

CSK looking for redemption after back-to-back setbacks

The Super Kings endured a forgettable IPL 2025 season, finishing at the bottom of the points table with just four wins in 14 matches. The struggles were not limited to one department, but their top-order inconsistency stood out as a major concern. Even in IPL 2024, the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs, raising questions about their evolving strategy in a fast-changing T20 landscape.

Recognizing these issues, CSK made bold moves ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Their focus shifted towards injecting youth and dynamism into the squad. One of the biggest talking points was the acquisition of Sanju Samson, a move that generated significant buzz among fans and experts alike.

Solid opening pair for IPL 2026

Mukund believes CSK must rethink their approach at the top and prioritize aggressive intent in the powerplay. He has backed Samson and young talent Ayush Mhatre to open the innings for the franchise in IPL 2026.

According to Mukund, the powerplay has become the defining phase in modern T20 cricket, and teams can no longer afford slow starts. He pointed out that CSK’s opening partnerships and powerplay scores have been among the weakest in recent seasons, often putting them on the back foot early in games.

Mukund emphasized that a minimum of 60 runs in the first six overs is now essential, and players like Samson and Mhatre have the skillset to achieve that consistently. While Mhatre showed promise during his time with Mumbai, Mukund acknowledged that he faced some challenges on South African pitches but still remains a highly explosive option.

“This is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team. He wants these sort [aggressive] of players. Last couple of seasons, they’ve had the worst opening partnerships, worst powerplay scores. They were behind the eight ball in terms of how they started. I think the games changed to a powerplay game, where 60 is a bare minimum. I think they’ve gone there and biggest thing to address is the opening pair and they’ve got Sanju before the auction. So, Sanju and Mhatre open for me,” said Mukund on ESPNcricinfo.

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

Ruturaj Gaikwad at No. 3

Mukund also suggested that skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad should slot in at No. 3, a position that allows him to anchor the innings while still maintaining tempo. He believes this combination aligns with Gaikwad’s leadership vision of building a more aggressive and fearless batting unit. However, this approach could lead to difficult selection decisions. Mukund noted that if Samson and Mhatre open, it might leave players like Urvil Patel on the sidelines, highlighting the depth and competition within the squad.

“I still think Mhatre will be as explosive as ever. He opened for Mumbai. He struggled a little bit on the South African pitches. But, if you’ve got Mhatre in the side and Rutu wants to bat three, unfortunately, Urvil Patel misses out,” Mukund added.

Also READ: Mohit Sharma reveals his all-time CSK playing XI ahead of IPL 2026

In a contest that ebbed and flowed before tilting decisively in the hosts’ favour, New Zealand Women delivered a composed and clinical performance to seal a six-wicket victory over South Africa Women in the third T20I at Eden Park. Chasing a competitive total, it was a captain’s knock from Sophie Devine, complemented by a disciplined bowling effort earlier, that ensured the White Ferns crossed the line with confidence and control.

South Africa post competitive total despite early setbacks

After winning the toss and opting to bat, South Africa Women endured a shaky start as both Sune Luus and Tazmin Brits fell cheaply, leaving the visitors under pressure in the powerplay. However, Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a steady 37 off 39 balls, stabilizing the innings alongside Annerie Dercksen.

Dercksen injected much-needed momentum with an aggressive 27 off 18 balls, striking boundaries at crucial intervals. Later, Kayla Reyneke provided a strong late flourish, smashing 34 off just 20 deliveries, including three sixes, to push South Africa to a respectable 149/7 in their 20 overs.

New Zealand’s bowling unit shared the workload effectively. Devine led from the front with two key wickets while maintaining control, while Suzie Bates also chipped in with two scalps in a tidy spell. Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair contributed with one wicket each, ensuring the visitors never fully broke free.

Also READ: West Indies vs Australia, Women’s T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Sophie Devine leads the chase with authority

In response, New Zealand Women began briskly, with Georgia Plimmer finding the boundary early before falling. Isabella Gaze added a quick 17, setting the tone for the chase. However, it was the partnership between Amelia Kerr and Devine that laid the foundation.

Kerr played a composed hand of 30 off 28 balls, rotating strike efficiently and keeping the scoreboard ticking. At the other end, Devine took charge, displaying her trademark aggression and timing. Her 55 off 38 balls, featuring six fours and a six, dismantled the South African bowling attack and put New Zealand firmly in control.

Even after Devine’s dismissal, Maddy Green ensured there were no late hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 34 off 25 balls. New Zealand comfortably reached 152/4 in 18.4 overs, sealing the chase with eight balls to spare.

South Africa’s bowlers found it difficult to stem the flow of runs once Devine settled in. Ayanda Hlubi and Nonkululeko Mlaba managed to pick up a wicket each, while Annerie Dercksen also contributed with a breakthrough. However, the lack of sustained pressure allowed New Zealand to dictate terms throughout the chase. Despite some disciplined spells from Ayabonga Khaka, the bowlers couldn’t break the crucial partnerships at key moments, which ultimately proved costly.

Also READ: Beth Mooney’s explosive innings powers Australia to dominant win over West Indies in Women’s T20I opener

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

Australia Women kickstarted their T20I tour of the West Indies with a clinical performance in Kingstown on March 19, 2026, defeating the hosts by 43 runs. In a match defined by individual brilliance and collective bowling pressure, the world champions proved too strong for a resilient but ultimately outmatched West Indies side. The victory was built on the back of a masterclass from opener Beth Mooney, whose ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate remains the gold standard in the shortest format of the game.

Beth Mooney’s batting masterclass sets the tone for Australia in the series opener

Opting to bat first, Australia faced early jitters as the West Indies bowling attack, led by the returning Deandra Dottin, struck quickly. Georgia Voll (8) and Phoebe Litchfield (6) fell within the powerplay, leaving Australia at a precarious 34/2 after 5.3 overs. However, Mooney remained unphased, finding a reliable partner in the veteran Ellyse Perry.

Mooney played a blistering yet calculated knock, scoring 79 off just 55 deliveries. Her innings was a perfect blend of placement and power, featuring 8 fours and 3 towering sixes. Alongside Perry, who contributed a solid 36 off 32 balls, Mooney stitched together a vital 99-run partnership for the third wicket. This stand shifted the momentum entirely, taking Australia from a cautious 56/2 at the drinks break to a commanding position.

Despite a late flurry of wickets including Mooney falling in the 18th over to Chinelle Henry, Australia finished with a robust total of 164/6. Dottin was the pick of the Caribbean bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/35, but the target of 165 always looked a mountain to climb against the disciplined Australian attack.

Also READ: West Indies vs Australia, Women’s T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Disciplined Australian bowling stifles the West Indies chase

The West Indies chase began with promise but lacked the sustained aggression needed to overhaul Australia’s total. Openers Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews navigated the powerplay safely, reaching 33/0 after six overs. However, once the fielding restrictions were lifted, the Australian spinners tightened the noose.

Alana King turned the game on its head with a mesmerizing spell of leg-spin. She dismissed the dangerous Matthews (11) and followed up by trapping Shemaine Campbelle (15) LBW. The collapse was exacerbated when King clean-bowled Dottin for a duck, leaving the West Indies reeling. King finished with remarkable figures of 3/14 from her 4 overs, including a maiden, effectively ending the hosts’ hopes of a comeback.

Joseph top-scored for the West Indies with a valiant 45 off 39 balls, but she found little support at the other end. The Australian bowlers were relentless; Kim Garth (1/17) provided exceptional control, while Georgia Wareham (2/14) cleaned up the tail, dismissing Stafanie Taylor (28) and Jahzara Claxton in the final over. The West Indies were restricted to 121/6 as the required run rate climbed out of reach. With this 43-run win, Australia take a 1-0 lead in the series, fuelled by Mooney’s Player of the Match performance and a bowling unit that refused to give an inch under the lights in Kingstown.

Also READ: Tahlia Wilson earns maiden call-up as Australia Women announce squad for West Indies white-ball tour

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

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc will miss the beginning of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The premier left-arm pacer informed the Delhi Capitals (DC) management regarding his unavailability for the first few matches of the tournament, which is set to begin on March 28.

According to a recent report published by cricket.com.au, Cricket Australia (CA) is taking a cautious approach with their bowlers. The Australia cricket board wants to manage Starc before a busy upcoming international calendar featuring major bilateral series against the South Africa cricket team and others.

The veteran fast bowler will arrive at the Delhi Capitals camp feeling relatively fresh compared to his peers. Starc retired from T20 Internationals late last year and got a break during the recent T20 World Cup 2026 to prioritize his workload.

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Starc last played competitive cricket during the recent Big Bash League season, where he took 10 wickets in just five matches. The experienced pacer remains lethal in white-ball cricket despite stepping away from T20 internationals.

Mitchell Starc’s IPL 2025 Performance and Delhi Capitals’ Bittersweet Campaign

The Delhi Capitals secured Mitchell Starc during the IPL 2025 auction for INR 11.75 crore. The high-profile acquisition translated into a relatively successful individual campaign, as the Australian pacer contributed well to the bowling department.

Starc picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches at a strike rate of 15.40, though he was slightly on the expensive side. The left-arm fast bowler recorded his best figures of five wickets for just 35 runs and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Delhi-based franchise in the competition.

The Delhi Capitals endured a bittersweet IPL 2025 campaign. After starting the tournament on a positive note, the franchise suffered three crucial defeats in their final five league-stage matches. They finished fifth in the standings with 15 points, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

Australian Pacers Set to Miss Start of IPL 2026 Season

Alongside Mitchell Starc, several other prominent Australian fast bowlers will miss the opening weekend of the tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood will also remain unavailable for their respective franchises.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Nathan Ellis looks set to miss the entire IPL season. It is worth mentioning that CSK retained Ellis after releasing Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

Cricket Tasmania recently confirmed that the 31-year-old pacer unfortunately re-aggravated a severe right hamstring injury while playing in the recent One-Day Cup domestic final in Hobart last week, forcing his withdrawal.

Also read: Riyan Parag breaks silence on Sanju Samson’s trade; compares him to Virat Kohli

Mumbai Indians (MI) are not just a cricket team, they are a global sporting phenomenon. From their humble beginnings in 2008 to becoming the first franchise to clinch five IPL titles, the ‘Men in Blue and Gold’ have defined the gold standard of T20 excellence. Historically, the Wankhede Stadium has been their fortress, and the ‘One Family’ philosophy has been their heartbeat. However, the last few seasons have tested the resolve of the Paltan. After a turbulent 2024 and a transitional 2025, MI enter the IPL 2026 season with a point to prove.

The burning question on every fan’s heart is: Can Mumbai Indians get back on track to their winning ways and lift the IPL 2026 title? The answer lies in their rejuvenated squad and a tactical reset. With Mahela Jayawardene back at the helm as Head Coach and a roster that blends nostalgia with modern-day power, the 2026 campaign feels like a redemption tour. The management has doubled down on their core with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, while making strategic acquisitions like the return of Quinton de Kock. If they can harmonize the leadership of international captains within one XI, a record-breaking sixth title is not just a dream, but a very distinct possibility.

Will Mumbai Indians bounce back to championship form in IPL 2026?

Mumbai Indians’ strategy for 2026 revolves around reclaiming their identity as ‘Powerplay bullies’ and ‘Death-over specialists.’ By securing the services of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar to partner with Jasprit Bumrah, MI have assembled arguably the most lethal pace attack in the tournament’s history. This three-headed monster is designed to swing the ball early and stifle runs late, addressing the bowling inconsistencies that plagued them in previous years.

Furthermore, the return of Quinton de Kock at the top of the order provides the perfect foil for Rohit. Their partnership was the cornerstone of the 2019 and 2020 championship runs, and their reunion signals a return to a settled, aggressive opening pair. In the middle order, the rise of Tilak Varma and the raw power of Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford ensure that the team has the finishing nous required to chase down daunting totals. The 2026 version of MI looks less like a team in transition and more like a finished product ready for the big stage.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

MI’s SWOT analysis for IPL 2026

To understand MI’s chances, we must look at the internal and external factors that will define their season. Here is a deep dive into the 2026 SWOT report card.

Strengths

• Elite Indian core: No other franchise boasts a domestic core quite like MI. Having the one of world’s best T20 bowler and batter and a legendary opener provides a foundation that is peerless.
• Powerplay dominance: The trio of Bumrah, Boult, and Chahar is a nightmare for any top order. With Chahar and Boult’s ability to swing the new ball and Bumrah’s relentless accuracy, MI can effectively win matches in the first six overs.
• Versatile all-rounders: With Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Jacks, MI have multiple players who can contribute effectively with both bat and ball, providing immense tactical flexibility for the ‘impact player’ rule.

Weaknesses

• Spin department depth: While Santner is a world-class operator, the Indian spin contingent lacks a mystery element. Relying heavily on Mayank Markande and young recruits like Atharva Ankolekar might be risky on slow, turning tracks like Chennai or Lucknow.
• Leadership Dynamics: Managing a dressing room with three high-profile leaders like Hardik as captain, Rohit as the former captain, SKY as India’s T20 captain and Santner as New Zealand’s captain requires delicate man-management. Any friction in the hierarchy could translate to on-field hesitation.

Opportunities

• Rohit Sharma’s “full version”: With Coach Jayawardene confirming that Rohit will likely move away from the ‘Impact Player’ role and be more active on the field, MI have the opportunity to utilize his tactical brain and fielding presence throughout the 20 overs.
• Nurturing new talent: The acquisition of promising youngsters like Danish Malewar and Robin Minz allows MI to do what they do best, scout and develop the next generation of superstars, much like they did with Hardik and Bumrah years ago.
• Wankhede’s advantage: After a few years of mixed results at home, the 2026 schedule favours MI’s high-pace, high-power style, allowing them to turn their home ground back into an invincible territory.

Threats

• Fitness concerns: The injury bug” has historically bitten MI’s key assets. The workload management of Bumrah and Pandya remains a critical factor; an injury to either could derail the entire campaign.
• Evolution of competition: With teams like KKR and CSK also undergoing massive rebuilds and boasting balanced squads, the margin for error in 2026 is slimmer than ever. MI cannot afford the slow starts that have characterized their recent seasons.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad: SRH’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026 

The United Kingdom is currently facing a shortage of professional cricket balls ahead of the upcoming English summer. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted key supply chains, affecting the manufacturing and transport of Dukes balls.

The County Championship is set to begin on April 3 with 18 teams. However, officials are dealing with a major logistical challenge as there aren’t enough balls available for four-day matches, where regular replacements are required.

We’ve Got a Major Crisis Right Now – Dilip Jajodia on Dukes Ball Shortage

Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd, spoke about the manufacturing crisis. He said that the leather is prepared in Chesterfield, while the stitching is done in the subcontinent before the balls are shipped back via Middle Eastern routes.

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“We’ve got a major crisis right now with this bloody Gulf War nonsense. We’ve got to ration clubs by giving them 50 per cent of their balls at the start of the season and then manage the problem. We’ve got plenty of stuff in the factories in the subcontinent ready to go, but the airlines are not taking the freight because there’s a logjam,” Jajodia told the Daily Mail.

With international airspace disrupted and freight movement slowing, shipments have piled up overseas. Airlines are avoiding conflict zones or charging heavy premiums to operate, causing major delivery delays and sharply increasing transportation costs for the manufacturer ahead of the season.

Most of the Stuff Goes Through the Middle East – Dilip Jajodia on Dukes Supply Disruptions

The financial impact has been severe for the Dukes manufacturer. Dilip Jajodia revealed that the cost of transporting a box of 120 cricket balls has almost tripled due to the ongoing conflict. Limited cargo flights and disrupted routes have significantly increased expenses and caused major delays in deliveries.

“The rates have gone up too. A box of 120 cricket balls would be charged normally by airlines at about $5 a kilo. The last quote I got was $15 a kilo. Most of the stuff goes through the Middle East, but if you’ve suddenly got rockets flying around, you’ve got a major problem,” he explained further.

To prevent a major disruption, the company is taking on the extra transport costs for now. They are also looking at alternate shipping routes from the subcontinent, including sending consignments via Sri Lanka and even using private courier flights to avoid delays.

Dukes Manufacturer Addresses Ball Quality Concerns

Dilip Jajodia also responded to criticism about the Dukes balls during the recent Test series against India. Players had raised concerns about the balls losing shape quickly, which led to frequent changes during matches on flat tracks.

He admitted that the core in some earlier batches was slightly loose but confirmed that the issue has now been fixed. The company has strengthened the internal structure to ensure the ball holds its shape better, even under heavy impact.

Following these improvements, ball changes reduced significantly in the latter half of the Lord’s Test and the remainder of the series. The ECB has also introduced a centralized system to ensure every venue has a proper supply of well-prepared replacement balls going forward.

Also read: Virat Kohli beaten! Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivers unstoppable yorker in RCB training ahead of IPL 2026

Ireland‘s legendary cricketer Paul Stirling stepped down from the captaincy job. Cricket Ireland announced the update on March 19. They release an official statement to mark the end of an era. Paul Stirling was the captain of Ireland’s T20I team, who guided the team in the 2026 T20 World Cup as well. Cricket Ireland informed that the batter will continue his T20 International career as a batter only. He is the leader of the team in the One Day International format as well.

“Paul Stirling will step down as Ireland Men’s T20 International captain as a new planning cycle begins ahead of the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – however, he will remain a valued member of the T20I squad and will remain captain of the one-day international squad,” the cricket board informed.

Ireland legend Paul Stirling steps down from T20I captaincy

In an emotional speech, the batter himself confirmed that he has a lot to offer to the national cricket team of Ireland, and he will continue as the ODI captain like before. The 35-year-old also stated that he will continue playing T20Is for the Ireland cricket team with new ambitions.

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“While I will be stepping away from the T20 captaincy, I remain fully committed to the Ireland team and will continue in my role as ODI captain. I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field,” Paul Stirling said.

Paul Stirling’s decision to quit captaincy came at a crucial moment, ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup.

The 35-year-old’s decision to quit the role at a crucial moment for the team, as they will start preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be in 2028. They can shape the team with a new captain, keeping an eye on the upcoming days. Under the new captain, the team will get ample time to prepare itself to achieve bigger goals.

“With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India Series in June,” Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said.

Stirling’s T20I career in brief

The opener has represented Ireland in 163 matches to score a total of 3895 runs for a batting average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 134.35. During this time, he hit twenty-four 50s and a century. From 2019 to 2026, as the skipper-batter, the right-handed batter scored 966 runs at an average of 22.46 in 48 games. During this time span, he registered six half-centuries as well.

From 2009 to 2026, the batter played 26 matches in T20 World Cup tournaments and scored 426 runs for an average of 20.28.

Read More: County Cricket faces ball shortage as Middle East conflict disrupts Dukes supply

IPL 2026 is knocking on the door. After a disappointing campaign in 2025, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been putting in their efforts for months to reshape their team. In a major move, they secured the service of Sanju Samson in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in the swap deal with the Rajasthan Royals.

The team management and the fans of CSK will have high expectations from the star keeper-batter. But cricket is not only about an individual show, but it also depicts team games. To regain the golden days, along with Sanju, other CSK players also need to step up on big occasions. Who will be the players who can produce stand-out performances other than Sanju Samson? Let’s find out. As the Chennai Super Kings management has tried to create a balanced team with both experienced and emerging talents, the article will also follow the same, maintaining a proper balance.

3 Players other than Sanju Samson who can power CSK to another IPL title:

3. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan was in havoc form during the previous domestic season. The batter who played Test matches for India and was known for strong defense and technical abilities, took everyone by surprise when he started to score runs at a rapid pace for Mumbai. Khan’s transformation was not only surprising but also impactful. If it carries the same form in the IPL 2026 season, then CSK will have an advantage over the opposing bowlers.

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Sarfaraz Khan’s recent performances in domestic tournaments:

2. Ayush Mhatre

The young gun can act like a trump card for the team in the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The top order batter, whose leadership skills helped India U-19 to claim the ICC U-19 World Cup, is capable of scoring a significant amount of runs at a quick pace. Last year, when he joined the team mid-day, as the replacement of injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 18-year-old did not take long to prove his batting antics. In his debut IPL season, the top-order batter scored 240 runs in 7 matches with a strike rate of 188.97 and a 34.28 batting average.

1. Shivam Dube

The seam bowling allrounder was the silent hero behind Team India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph. He has been associated with CSK for more than 4 years and knows the atmosphere of the team very well. Under any conditions, Dube can prove to be a game-changer. In the previous season with the Super Kings, he scored 357 runs in 14 matches and maintained a strike rate of 132.22. Though his bowler persona remained unused in the season. The management can trust him more in his bowling, as he picked up wickets in crucial T20 WC 2026 matches.

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