Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is in a race against time to attain match fitness for the upcoming IPL 2026, and things are not looking great for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The experienced pacer is dealing with hamstring and Achilles tendon issues.

Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss at least Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first two matches of the upcoming season. The Australian star has also been away from the action for nearly five months. This is a big concern for RCB because Hazlewood is one of their key players.

Josh Hazlewood likely to miss opening games for RCB

The defending champions are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, and everybody is just talking about Hazlewood and their bowling attack, and the latest one is Kris Srikkanth.

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

The former India captain feels Hazlewood’s absence in the start of the season is a major setback for the defending champions. Srikkanth has stressed that the Australian pacer is not the kind of bowler who can be replaced easily, as he brings control, pressure, and accuracy.

The former Indian chief selector has warned the RCB that if Hazlewood remains out for two weeks, they could end up missing him for three or four matches, and that can make a real difference in their chance to defend the title.

Josh Hazlewood’s absence is a big blow: Kris Srikkanth

In Josh’s absence, Jacob Duffy is likely to come into the playing XI as cover, but Srikkanth is not sure whether he can make the same impact in Indian conditions. RCB bought the Kiwi pacer for Rs 2 crore at the auction, but his T20 World Cup 2026 campaign was a nightmare, taking only three wickets in five matches and leaked runs heavily.

Kris Srikkanth said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Josh Hazlewood’s absence is a big blow. Even if he’s not fit for two weeks, three to four matches would have finished for them there. Without him, their energy levels will drop. Their entire bowling ball will weaken. None of his replacements can come to his level. Jacob Duffy is not a bad bowler. But he was smashed in India in the World Cup. It remains to be seen if he can be great in Indian conditions.”

Read Also: “Why are you wasting your time?” – Ex-CSK keeper reveals untold story of Virat Kohli

He continued, “But without Josh Hazlewood, 25% of RCB’s threat will be gone. He is not only a game-changer but also a match-winner. The fear factor he creates is similar to Bumrah’s. Hazlewood bowls that brilliant test match length, where a batter can’t go forward or back.”

Srikkanth slams Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India snub

This situation will break the key partnership of Josh Hazlewood-Bhuvneshwar Kumar. They had played a huge role in RCB’s maiden title triumph in the last season. They picked up 39 wickets together and gave the team strong starts with the ball.

Now, that balance gets disturbed, and Bhuvneshwar will have to handle even more responsibility, and the rest of the attack may also feel the pressure. Srikkanth signed off by saying, “He was different last year because RCB gave him importance after SRH let him go.

Bhuvneshwar was a brilliant buy by RCB, as he’s still one of the best. He has been one of the best T20 bowlers, even for India. People have forgotten and thrown him away. He didn’t deserve to be after one bad match in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal. It was, anyway, a bad match for everyone, not just him.”

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a huge setback just days before the IPL 2026 gets underway on March 28 in Bengaluru. In a big shock for the five-time champions, the Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2026 because of injury.

Ellis was retained by CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 season, having snapped him up for a massive ₹2 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The star pacer was expected to play a key role for the franchise in the death overs, but now they have to change their plans.

CSK in big trouble as Nathan Ellis ruled out of IPL 2026

It is being said that Ellis suffered the hamstring injury during training. The Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed on Thursday, March 19, that Ellis has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury.

Read Also: RCB sweating over Josh Hazlewood as Kris Srikkanth warns of huge damage ahead of IPL 2026

Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Sportstar during an event to announce Kauvery Hospitals as an official partner of the team: “It is a big blow for us. Ellis is a crucial bowler, especially in the death overs. We are looking at replacements.”

Nathan Ellis’ injury adds to CSK’s pace woes

The Chennai Super Kings will really feel the absence of Ellis, especially after parting ways with the Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. The Australian star’s ability to execute slower balls and accurate yorkers was seen as the major threat for the opposition by the franchise.

Ellis has so far played 17 matches in the IPL and scalped 19 wickets at an average of 28.74 and an economy rate of 8.67. Speaking about his CSK debut, the fast bowler played only one match and took only one wicket. He spent four IPL seasons at the Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Overseas stars started joining CSK camp

Meanwhile, CSK’s preparations for the upcoming season are going in full swing in Chennai. The overseas players are expected to join the squad over the next few days despite recent travel disruptions in West Asia due to the war between Iran and the USA-Israel.

Read Also: Not Sanju Samson! These 3 players could power CSK to IPL 2026 glory

Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad has already landed in Chennai, while England’s Jamie Overton is expected to reach the city on Thursday night. South African sensation Dewald Brevis, along with Matt Henry, Zack Foulkes, and Matthew Short, will join the camp by March 22.

Caribbean all-rounder Akeal Hosein is slated to arrive on March 25. Adding to the excitement, India’s T20 World Cup 2026 hero Sanju Samson reached Chennai on Thursday.

Preparations on full swing for RR vs CSK clash

On the other hand, the Chennai Super Kings players, including MS Dhoni, have been training in Chennai’s High-Performance Centre as well as at the MAC Stadium since March 1. It is being said that the franchise could arrange an intra-squad game on March 23.

The franchise are all set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati. It will be an interesting clash as the Royals will be against Samson while Ravindra Jadeja will be up in action against CSK in Guwahati after a high-profile trade deal.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, Aminul Islam, has left his board members upset after he reportedly sent a letter to the sports ministry over the investigation into the last BCB election.

Several BCB directors are reportedly not happy with the president because they were not properly consulted before the move, and this was not the first time such things had happened.

BCB Directors angry over not being consulted by Aminul Islam

The tension grew after the Bangladeshi government formed an investigation committee to look into possible irregularities in the last BCB election. Aminul has decided to respond strongly and publicly instead of within the system, which has created more frustration among the board members.

Read Also: Who is John Mooney? Delhi Capitals’ new fielding coach for IPL 2026

There is also growing frustration over how major decisions are being made. As reported by Cricbuzz, many directors do not know the full process behind important calls. Some feel they are only informed after decisions are already made, and even then they were not asked for their opinion.

A director was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “I think we’ve had two discussions so far (apart from board meetings). One was when we decided not to play the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, and another was when we decided to give BDT two crores to Dhaka University.”

Another director shared, “I think we had two discussions so far [apart from the board meeting]: one when we decided not to play the T20 World Cup and another time when he decided to give BDT two crores to Dhaka University, and if I am not wrong, it was more like informing us rather than taking our suggestion.

Aminul Islam’s letter triggers fresh trouble inside BCB

Seven BCB directors reportedly supported Aminul Islam’s press release with a thumbs-up in the group, while Asif Akbar openly backed it with a message.

Those are Nazmul Abedin, Mokhlesur Rahman Shamim, Rubabudowla, Abdur Razzak, Rahat Shams, Hasanuzzaman, and Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury. But some board members felt making the letter public was not the best way to handle the matter.

Read Also: Fakhar Zaman fooled Mohsin Naqvi’s PCB to avoid Bangladesh? Batter breaks silence

The National Sports Council has already moved ahead with the investigation process after getting formal communication from the government. Officials have made it clear that the government has the legal power to ask for such a probe.

National Sports Council set to take action

Even though Aminul asked the sports ministry to cancel the committee. The committee chief got official government orders on March 16 to begin the probe. NSC official Doulotuzzaman Khan said that such issues are fully allowed under the rules.

Doulotuzzaman said, “According to Section 24 of our National Sports Council Act, the government can give instructions to the NSC on any matter as necessary. That’s why we recommended it to the investigation committee.”

On being asked whether the International Cricket Council (ICC) could step in, Doulotuzzaman said, “That’s for much later. That will depend on the extent of the irregularities found by the independent investigation committee. Then it will be considered (whether we need to sit with ICC or not), and then (after discussing with ICC) the procedure for taking action will be considered.”

The third T20I match at Eden Park, Auckland on 20^th March at 7:15 AM IST will feature South Africa Women opposing New Zealand Women.

Get the best NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 3rd T20I match of the South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026. Expert analysis and more.

Also Read: Massive blow for CSK as Nathan Ellis ruled out of IPL 2026

NZ-W vs SA-W Match Preview:

The five-match T20I series between New Zealand and South Africa reaches a pivotal turning point as the teams head to Auckland for the third encounter. This high-stakes clash is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 7:15 AM IST at the iconic Eden Park. Following South Africa’s clinical response in Hamilton, the series stands perfectly poised at 1-1, turning this match into a virtual “best-of-three” sprint toward the trophy.

Meanwhile, historical data from the 2^nd T20I underscores a massive shift in momentum for the visitors. South Africa secured an 18-run victory on Tuesday, successfully defending a total of 177—a significant improvement from their 80-run collapse in the opener. Notably, this win marked only their fifth-ever T20I victory against the White Ferns. Therefore, while New Zealand still holds a superior all-time record, the Proteas enter Eden Park with the statistical edge in recent form.

New Zealand Women enter this match seeking more consistency from their top order after being bundled out for 159 in the previous game. Although captain Amelia Kerr continues her elite form with a fighting 32 off 18 balls and two wickets, the squad missed the stability typically provided by Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer. Furthermore, the bowling unit struggled to contain the Proteas in the final overs, despite Jess Kerr claiming 2/34. Additionally, the team aims to utilize the unique, short straight boundaries of Eden Park to reignite their aggressive batting approach.

However, South Africa Women arrive in Auckland with immense confidence after posting a formidable 177/5. The squad is currently powered by the opening pair of Tazmin Brits, who struck a vital 53 off 43 balls, and Sune Luus, who provided a rapid 31. Moreover, the emergence of 18-year-old Kayla Reyneke has transformed their lower order, as she smashed an unbeaten 28 off just 9 balls to earn Player of the Match honors. Furthermore, the bowling department looks lethal, led by Ayabonga Khaka, who dismantled the New Zealand middle order with figures of 4/27.

Therefore, both squads will fight with maximum intensity to take a crucial lead in the series. New Zealand aims to leverage their superior knowledge of Eden Park’s dimensions to overwhelm the visitors with power-hitting. Additionally, South Africa intends to utilize their clinical death-bowling and high-flying momentum to secure back-to-back wins and move within one victory of a historic series win.

NZ-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head Record:

NZ-W vs SA-W Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

NZ-W vs SA-W Playing 11s (Predicted):

New Zealand Women Playing 11:

1) Suzie Bates

2) Georgia Plimmer

3) Amelia Kerr ©

4) Sophie Devine

5) Brooke Halliday

6) Maddy Green

7) Izzy Sharp

8) Isabella Gaze (wk)

9) Jess Kerr

10) Rosemary Mair

11) Eden Carson

South Africa Women Playing 11:

1) Laura Wolvaardt ©

2) Tazmin Brits

3) Anneke Bosch

4) Sune Luus

5) Chloe Tryon

6) Nadine de Klerk

7) Annerie Dercksen

8) Kayla Reyneke

9) Sinalo Jafta (wk)

Hot Picks for NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

NZ-W vs SA-W South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keepers – Isabella Gaze
• Batters – Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders – Sophie Devine, Sune Luus, Amelia Kerr ©, Nadine de Klerk (vc), Annerie Dercksen
• Bowlers – Jess Kerr, Nonkululeko Mlaba

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keepers – Isabella Gaze
• Batters – Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits (vc), Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders – Sophie Devine ©, Amelia Kerr, Nadine de Klerk, Kayla Reyneke
• Bowlers – Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nonkululeko Mlaba

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3rd T20I South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Players to Avoid:

NZ-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3rd T20I South Africa Women Tour of New Zealand 2026 Expert Advice:

NZ-W vs SA-W Match Winner Prediction:

Considering the team combination, New Zealand Women is expected to win this match.

As Mumbai Indians (MI) gear up for IPL 2026, a new name has quietly entered the spotlight – and it comes with a strong endorsement.

“His slower ball can trouble even the best batters”: Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has singled out young pacer Mohammed Izhar as a player to watch, highlighting his ability to trouble even top-level batters with his variations.

With MI preparing for their season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29, the buzz around the team isn’t just about established stars. Instead, it’s also about emerging talent – and Izhar seems to have caught the attention of one of India’s sharpest cricket minds.

Speaking about the young fast bowler, Pathan didn’t hold back in his praise.

“His slower ball can trouble even the best batters,” Irfan stated emphatically as quoted by TOI.

Coming from someone who built his career on skillful swing bowling and tactical awareness, this praise carries serious weight. Pathan’s understanding of pace bowling – especially variations like slower balls – makes his observation particularly significant.

Izhar, though still uncapped in the IPL, has reportedly impressed the Mumbai Indians coaching staff during pre-season training. His ability to execute slower deliveries under pressure has stood out, a skill that often proves crucial in T20 cricket, especially in the middle overs and at the death.

Will Mohammed Izhar get a chance in star-studded MI pace attack?

While Mohammed Izhar may not yet be a household name, his journey reflects Mumbai Indians’ strong reputation for discovering and nurturing fast-bowling talent. Over the years, the franchise has built a legacy of identifying raw potential and turning it into world-class performance.

Jasprit Bumrah is the perfect example. Once an unknown prospect, he went on to become one of the best fast bowlers in the world under MI’s guidance. The franchise has also played a key role in shaping players like Hardik and Krunal Pandya, giving them platforms to grow.

Also READ: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene reveals big change for Rohit Sharma’s role in IPL 2026

Now, Izhar could be the next in line.

However, breaking into MI’s playing XI won’t be easy. The team boasts a formidable pace attack featuring experienced names like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar and Reece Topley. Each of them brings a unique skill set, making competition for spots intense.

But this also works in Izhar’s favour. Training alongside bowlers like Bumrah – who has mastered the art of slower deliveries – provides him with the perfect environment to learn and evolve. If he continues to impress, MI could use him as a surprise weapon, especially in conditions where variation is key.

For MI, the upcoming season is about more than just rebuilding – they are chasing their sixth IPL title after a gap of five years. Their bowling attack will play a major role, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium, where conditions often favour batters and bowlers need to rely on clever variations to succeed.

This is where Izhar’s skill set could become valuable. A well-executed slower ball can change the course of a game, and if he lives up to the hype, MI might have uncovered another hidden gem.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Mumbai Indians responds to claims of Hardik Pandya issuing a warning to Rohit Sharma

The stage is set at the iconic Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent as the West Indies host the world-ranked number one Australia for the series opener of their T20I tour. With the T20 World Cup in England just months away, both sides are looking to shake off recent series losses, the West Indies recently fell to Sri Lanka at home, while the Aussies were surprised by India.

This series marks a significant transition for Australia following the retirement of legendary keeper-captain Alyssa Healy. Sophie Molineux takes the reins as the new captain, though her participation as a bowler remains under a cloud due to a lingering back injury. Reports suggest she may feature primarily as a specialist batter for this opening fixture.

The West Indies’ hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of their talismanic skipper, Hayley Matthews. She has a phenomenal individual record against Australia, including a career-best 132 off 64 balls in 2023. She is also just 61 runs away from becoming the third West Indies woman to reach 3,000 T20I runs.

Australia are expected to hand a T20I debut to young pace sensation Lucy Hamilton, who impressed during the recent Test against India. Meanwhile, the West Indies have included teenagers Eboni Brathwaite and Jahzara Claxton, signalling a youth movement in their ranks.

WI-W vs AUS-W, 1st T20I: Match details

• Date and Time: March 19;  10:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm Local/ 4:00 am IST (March 20)
• Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent

WI-W vs AUS-W, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 16 | Australia won: 14 | West Indies won: 2| No result: 1

Arnos Vale Ground Pitch Report

The surface at Arnos Vale Ground is expected to be a typical Caribbean slow-burner, favouring technique over raw power. Historically, this track offers a balanced contest early on, but as the match progresses under the lights, the lack of pace becomes evident. Spinners will likely find significant grip and turn, making the middle overs a tactical grind. While the new ball might slide on nicely for openers, batters will need to work hard for their boundaries as the pitch tires. Expect a competitive total around 140 to be match-winning.

Squads

West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Eboni Brathwaite, Jahzara Claxton, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James

Australia Women: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (c), Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia Wilson, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Carey

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

WI-W vs AUS-W, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• West Indies wins the toss and bats first
• West Indies’ powerplay score: 40-50
• West Indies’ total score: 130-140

Case 2:

• Australia wins the toss and bats first
• Australia’s powerplay score: 50-60
• Australia’s total score: 160-170

Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.

Also READ: The Hundred Women’s 2026: Complete squads of all eight teams after the auction

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

Australia kicks off an important white-ball tour today, March 19, with a three-match T20I series against West Indies at the scenic Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UK later this year, both teams will see this series as a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum.

All three T20Is will be played at the same venue in Kingstown before the action shifts to St. Kitts for a three-match ODI series starting March 27. The Caribbean conditions are expected to provide a good test for both sides as they prepare for bigger challenges ahead.

This series also marks the beginning of a new era for Australia. Sophie Molineux steps in as the all-format captain following Alyssa Healy’s retirement, taking charge of a strong squad that blends experience with fresh talent. At 28, the left-arm spin all-rounder has a big responsibility, but she will be backed by a team known for its depth and consistency.

Australia come into the series after a rare setback, having lost 2-1 to India in February. Despite that, they remain the top-ranked T20I side and will be keen to bounce back strongly.

West Indies, meanwhile, have retained the same 15-member squad from their recent series against Sri Lanka. Led by Hayley Matthews, with Chinelle Henry as her deputy, the team will look to turn things around and challenge the world’s best with a mix of experience and exciting young players.

Schedule

• 1st T20I: March 19 – 6.30pm local time/ 10.30pm GMT/ 4am IST (Mar 20).
• 2nd T20I: March 21 – 6.30pm local time/ 10.30pm GMT/ 4am IST (Mar 22)
• 3rd T20I: March 23 – 6.30pm local time/ 10.30pm GMT/ 4am IST (Mar 24)

Also READ: The Hundred Women’s 2026 – Complete squads of all eight teams after the auction

Squads

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle(w), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Eboni Brathwaite, Jahzara Claxton, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James

Australia: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (c), Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alana King, Tahlia Wilson, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Carey

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Also READ: Ayabonga Khaka and Kayla Reyneke dismantle New Zealand as South Africa seal dominant victory in 2nd T20I

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

A new chapter is unfolding at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp, and it is being written with a bat that carries a distinct echo of cricketing royalty. Arjun Tendulkar, who joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2026 after being traded from Mumbai Indians (MI), has already made a massive impression on captain Rishabh Pant. A candid conversation between the two players, where Arjun revealed he uses a bat weighing a staggering 1220 grams – a clear inheritance of his father Sachin Tendulkar’s famous technique – has left Pant stunned and gone viral across social media .

‘Papa toh 1310-1315 mein khelte the’: Arjun Tendulkar

In a heartwarming video shared by LSG on their official social media handles, Pant is seen engaging Arjun in a light-hearted discussion about their equipment. When asked about the weight of his bat, Arjun’s answer immediately caught the wicketkeeper-batter off guard.

“1220 grams,” Arjun revealed, explaining his preference for a heavier blade. When a curious Pant asked about the advantage of wielding such a heavy bat, Arjun’s response was wonderfully simple: “Touch karo, ho jaata hai” (All you need to do is just touch the ball) .

The moment became truly special when Arjun drew a direct line to his legendary father. “Papa toh 1310-1315 mein khelte the. Main toh 1200 se halka jaata nahi hoon” (Dad used to play with 1310-1315. I don’t go below 1200), he said, leaving Pant visibly impressed by the dedication to the family style .

This preference for heavy bats is a well-documented part of Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy. In his autobiography Playing It My Way, the Master Blaster had explained his rationale, stating that the bat should be an “extension of your arm” and that any technical adjustment like switching to a lighter blade risked making a batter feel “uncomfortable.”  Arjun is clearly following that same school of thought, relying on timing and placement over brute force.

“Shaadi ke agle din hi? You’re so enthu bhai”: Pant praises Arjun’s dedication

The conversation, however, was about more than just willow weight. Pant was also deeply impressed by Arjun’s sheer dedication to the game. The young all-rounder had only recently married entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok in a grand ceremony in Mumbai on March 5, attended by cricketing royalty .

Yet, as Arjun revealed to his new captain, he was back on the field the very next day, training under the watchful eye of legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. This revelation prompted an amused and appreciative reaction from Pant.

“Yuvi paa ke saath full-time? Shaadi ke agle din hi? You’re so enthu bhai!” (Full-time with Yuvraj? The day after your wedding? You’re so enthusiastic, brother!), Pant exclaimed, applauding his new teammate’s commitment.

Pant’s gesture was not limited to praise. In a moment that showcased the camaraderie within the LSG dressing room, he warmly assured Arjun of his support. “Agar kuch lage toh batana. Always open for you, kuch bhi ho” (Let me know if you need anything. Always open for you, no matter what), the skipper told the 26-year-old, signalling a fresh and supportive start for Arjun in the LSG colours.

Also READ: Sara Tendulkar wins hearts with a lovely message for brother Arjun and bhabhi Saaniya

Can Arjun deliver in IPL 2026?

For Arjun, IPL 2026 represents a crucial opportunity. Having spent time with the Mumbai Indians since 2021, he managed only five appearances across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, picking up three wickets. Traded to LSG for ₹30 lakh ahead of the season, he is now looking to establish himself as a regular in the playing XI.

As a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball and contribute handy runs in the lower order, he offers a versatile all-round package. His recent form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he took eight wickets and scored 70 runs in five matches, suggests he is ready for bigger challenges.

With the LSG management expected to provide him with more consistent opportunities, Arjun will be keen to make his mark. And if the early signs from the training camp – a heavy bat, a tireless work ethic, and the backing of his captain – are anything to go by, the Tendulkar legacy at the IPL might just be getting a new, exciting lease on life.

Also READ: Sara Tendulkar turns heads in saree at Arjun-Saaniya wedding; photos and videos go viral

The IPL 2026 season is pulse-pounding even before the first ball is bowled, and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are currently the epicentre of the hype. As the franchise shifts its base to Guwahati for their season opener on March 30, the training camps have produced a moment that has the cricketing world talking: A high-stakes generational battle in the nets between a legend and a prodigy.

Battle of skills between Ravindra Jadeja and Vaibhav Suryavanshi steals the show in RR nets

In a video that has since gone viral across social media, the legendary Ravindra Jadeja, who made a sensational homecoming to the Royals via a massive pre-season trade from CSK, faced off against the 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Jadeja, known for his relentless accuracy and clever variations, threw everything at the youngster, but the results were unexpected.

Suryavanshi, fresh off a Player of the Tournament performance in India’s U19 World Cup 2026 victory where he smashed a 175-run masterpiece in the final, showed zero nerves. The southpaw treated Jadeja’s deliveries with the disdain of a veteran, launching the ball to all corners of the practice facility.

While Jadeja attempted to lure the teenager into a trap with his signature sliding deliveries, Suryavanshi remained unfazed, reading the length with precision. Apart from one delivery that drifted slightly wide, the youngster dominated the exchange. The battle reached a point where even Jadeja couldn’t help but offer a smile of genuine amusement at the sheer audacity of the kid. For RR, this wasn’t just a net session; it was a glimpse into a future where their ₹1.1 crore investment looks like the bargain of the century.

Here’s the video:

🗡️🆚🥶 pic.twitter.com/02GTC3hCcr

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 19, 2026

Also READ: IPL: Complete list of all Rajasthan Royals (RR) captains so far ft. Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals to enter IPL 2026 under the new leadership of Riyan Parag

While the nets are buzzing with individual brilliance, the bigger story in the Royals’ camp is the seismic shift in leadership. After a decade-long association, Sanju Samson has moved to Chennai, paving the way for a local hero to take the throne. The Rajasthan Royals have officially entered the Riyan Parag era, appointing the Assam-born all-rounder as their full-time captain for IPL 2026.

This move marks a historic moment for Northeast India, as Parag becomes the first player from the region to lead an IPL franchise. Having served as a stand-in skipper and vice-captain in previous seasons, Parag’s promotion is a homecoming of a different sort, especially with RR playing their initial home games at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

Head coach Kumar Sangakkara has been vocal about this transition, emphasizing a collaborative partnership between the youth-heavy squad and the coaching staff.

“I like a relaxed attitude, people having fun and smiling. But when you’re doing work, remember we all need to get something out of the time we’re here,” Sangakkara noted during his first team address.

Under Parag’s leadership, and with a squad bolstered by the likes of Sam Curran and the returning Jadeja, the Royals are betting on a fearless and smart brand of cricket. With the youngest captain and the youngest player in the league, the 2026 season promises to be a high-octane journey for the Pink Army.

Also READ: Robin Uthappa explains why IPL 2026 will be a challenging season for Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Just days after celebrating India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph as head coach, Gautam Gambhir has taken a serious legal step off the field.

Gautam Gambhir moves Delhi High Court

Gambhir has approached the Delhi High Court, filing a ₹2.5 crore lawsuit to protect what he calls his “personality rights” in the digital age.

At the heart of the case is a growing concern around AI-driven impersonation. Gambhir has alleged that multiple anonymous accounts and platforms have been misusing his identity – his face, voice, and name – through deepfake technology and unauthorized content.

“My identity – my name, my face, my voice – has been weaponised by anonymous accounts to spread misinformation and generate revenue at my expense,” Gambhir stated in a press release accompanying the lawsuit. “This is not a matter of personal hurt; it is a matter of law, dignity, and the protection every public figure deserves in the age of artificial intelligence.”

According to his petition, the issue escalated sharply towards the end of 2025, with fake videos and statements circulating widely across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X. These weren’t harmless edits – they were highly realistic deepfakes created using face-swapping and voice-cloning tools, making it difficult for viewers to tell fact from fiction.

Some of these videos even went viral, including a fake “resignation announcement” that garnered lakhs of views, misleading fans into believing he was stepping down as India’s coach. Others falsely attributed controversial remarks to him about fellow cricketers, further amplifying the damage.

Gambhir invokes multiple laws, including the Copyright Act 1957

What makes this case even more significant is that it goes beyond misinformation—it also involves commercial exploitation. Gambhir’s legal team has alleged that his identity was being used to sell merchandise like posters and digital content on e-commerce platforms without any authorization.

This, according to the petition, is not just impersonation but a calculated attempt to profit from his image without consent. In simple terms, his identity was being turned into a product.

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To counter this, Gambhir has invoked multiple laws, including the Copyright Act 1957, the Trade Marks Act 1999, and the Commercial Courts Act 2015. These legal provisions strengthen his argument that personality rights – especially in today’s AI-driven world – are enforceable and deserve protection.

His case also draws from previous landmark rulings where courts have sided with public figures facing similar issues. Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Sunil Gavaskar have all sought legal protection against unauthorized use of their identity, especially in the context of digital and AI misuse.

What sets Gambhir’s case apart is the timing and the scale. Coming right after a major global cricket victory, it highlights how even the biggest public figures are vulnerable to digital manipulation.

In many ways, this isn’t just a lawsuit – it’s a statement.

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