Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League, is gearing up for the start of the IPL 2026 season, with their opening match scheduled against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on March 30. However, ahead of the season, one topic had been dominating conversations among fans – whether former CSK star Suresh Raina would return to the franchise as the team’s fielding coach.

The speculation spread rapidly across social media and cricket circles, with many supporters hoping to see the beloved “Chinna Thala” back in yellow. But CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has now addressed the rumours and clarified the situation.

Suresh Raina as CSK fielding coach? Franchise CEO Kasi Viswanathan gives update

In a recent interaction with a Tamil news channel, Kasi Viswanathan firmly dismissed the reports linking Raina with the fielding coach role at CSK.

“Suresh Raina is not the fielding coach. It’s a baseless rumour.”

The rumours had gained momentum after CSK posted a teaser on social media hinting at a “big announcement” scheduled for March 22. Fans quickly began speculating that the announcement could be related to Raina’s return to the franchise in a coaching role.

Given Raina’s legendary status at CSK and his long association with the team, the idea excited many supporters. The former Indian batter was a key figure in CSK’s success during their dominant years and remains one of the most loved players in the franchise’s history.

However, the franchise has now confirmed that Raina will not be part of the coaching setup for the upcoming IPL season.

Who is CSK’s new fielding coach?

While Raina will not be returning in a coaching role, CSK has indeed made a new addition to their support staff. Former England wicketkeeper-batter James Foster has been appointed as the team’s fielding coach for IPL 2026.

The 45-year-old brings extensive experience from both international cricket and franchise leagues. Foster has previously worked as the fielding coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and has also been involved with several T20 teams around the world, including the Desert Vipers and Peshawar Zalmi.

Kasi Viswanathan had earlier confirmed the franchise’s plans to bring in a specialist for the role.

“We have been looking for a fielding coach. I am hopeful he will join us.”

Foster’s appointment comes at a crucial time for CSK as the franchise looks to rebuild after a difficult campaign in IPL 2025, where they finished at the bottom of the points table for the first time in their history.

The Englishman will work alongside an experienced coaching staff led by head coach Stephen Fleming. The support team also includes batting coach Michael Hussey, bowling consultant Eric Simons, assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram, and fielding coach Rajiv Kumar.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – BCCI announces schedule for the first phase; RCB to take on SRH in the opening contest

In the upcoming season, CSK will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, while legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni will continue to be part of the squad, adding invaluable experience and leadership to the team.

Another major development ahead of IPL 2026 is the arrival of Sanju Samson, who has joined the franchise through a trade from Rajasthan Royals. Samson’s move to CSK comes after his remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

With new additions to both the coaching staff and playing squad, CSK will be hoping to bounce back strongly this season and return to their winning ways.

Also READ: Explained – After T20 World Cup glory, why Shivam Dube and his wife took a 3rd AC train ticket from Ahmedabad to Mumbai?

India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav has sparked celebrations across the cricketing world, but conversations about the team’s long-term leadership have also quietly begun. At 35 years of age, Suryakumar currently stands at a stage in his career where discussions about the future naturally arise. While the dynamic batter continues to perform and guide the team effectively, Indian cricket may soon need to prepare for the next captain in the shortest format.

Suryakumar’s aggressive mindset and innovative batting style have defined India’s T20 approach in recent years. Under his leadership, the team recently lifted the T20 World Cup trophy, showcasing fearless cricket and strong team cohesion. His tactical awareness, calmness under pressure, and trust in his players have played a key role in India’s success on the global stage.

However, with the veteran batter approaching the twilight of his career, many former cricketers believe it is wise for India to identify potential successors early. Leadership transitions in modern cricket often require careful planning, especially in a format as demanding as T20 cricket where decision-making must be quick and precise.

Mohammad Kaif names India’s next T20I skipper

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could be a strong candidate to take over the captaincy whenever Suryakumar decides to step down. Kaif highlighted Samson’s leadership experience and maturity as key qualities that could make him a suitable option for the role.

Kaif explained that leadership in cricket goes beyond tactics and requires a deep understanding of players and situations. According to him, a captain should be someone who has experienced different phases of the game and understands the challenges faced by teammates. He emphasized the importance of supporting players during difficult periods, pointing to examples where struggling players need the backing of their captain.

“Tough to say right now as to who would become the next captain, but Samson could well be the one. I mean, why not? A Captain must be someone who has seen the world. Implementing bowling changes, playing the perfect XI, and backing players out of form, as with Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy. A captain would know that these things happen. They themselves have gone through this. They understand these little things,” Kaif told Ravish Bisht in a video.

Kaif noted that Samson fits that profile well as the former Rajasthan Royals skipper has already led an IPL franchise and understands how to manage a squad under pressure. His leadership journey in the league, including guiding Rajasthan to the final in 2022, demonstrates his ability to lead in high-stakes tournaments.

At the same time, Kaif made it clear that Suryakumar could continue leading India for several more years if he maintains his form and fitness. In modern T20 cricket, players often extend their careers into their late 30s, meaning the current captain still has time at the helm if he chooses to continue.

“So, I feel, Samson sure can be a candidate. However, if Surya keeps playing well then he can hold on to the position longer. If you’re fit, you can play till 38-39. There’s no problem. And in the shorter format, you need more experience. Someone who has captained remains forever valuable. If Surya decides to step down, Sanju can fill that position. He has captained a lot in the IPL and took the Rajasthan Royals to the final (2022). He is only 31. Might be the next Indian captain,” added Kaif.

Also READ: “Next stop Olympic gold”: Suryakumar Yadav reveals LA 2028 dream after India’s T20 World Cup triumph

Impressive numbers in the global event

Samson’s performances in the T20 World Cup further strengthened his case as a future leader. The stylish right-hander played a pivotal role in India’s campaign and emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. He finished the event with 321 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 80.25 and a remarkable strike rate of 199.37. His aggressive approach at the crease provided India with rapid starts and momentum in crucial matches.

The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 27 boundaries and cleared the ropes 24 times during the tournament, showcasing both elegance and power. More importantly, his contributions came in high-pressure situations. Samson delivered three consecutive half-centuries, including match-defining knocks in both the semifinal and the final. Those innings proved crucial in helping India secure a record third T20 World Cup title.

Also WATCH: Sanju Samson receives grand welcome at Thiruvananthapuram airport after stellar T20 World Cup 2026 show

Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra has stated that Shubman Gill cannot become the T20I captain for the Men in Blue. The cricketer-turned-commentator made the comments after Team India secured a 96-run victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad on March 8 to lift the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy.

The young batter was appointed as India’s T20I vice-captain a few months before the Asia Cup 2025. However, the management left him out of the squad for the T20 World Cup. The selectors backed Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan at the top order, which proved crucial for the hosts to secure the trophy.

He Can’t Get the T20I Captaincy – Aakash Chopra on Shubman Gill

Aakash Chopra answered fan questions on his official YouTube channel. He stated that having one single captain across all three international formats is unlikely for the Indian team. Chopra added that it will be difficult for Shubman Gill to make a comeback in the T20I side.

“It’s going to be difficult, although the Indian team thought that it would become easier if there were one captain for all three formats. However, it won’t happen at all,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“I feel we won’t be able to do that because he is the Test and ODI captain, but he can’t get the T20I captaincy. At this moment, even his name coming is difficult because of the way the Indian team has been playing, especially the last four games,” he added.

We Shouldn’t Lose The Test Batter – Aakash Chopra

The veteran commentator said that the Indian team does not need an anchor. Chopra warned that Gill should absolutely not ruin his natural technique just to desperately force his way back into the shortest format of the game.

“When are you talking about 250, and that too in a World Cup, then you don’t think you need an anchor. Gill can adapt and change, but we shouldn’t lose Shubman Gill, the Test batter, in trying to find that, and lose the Shubman Gill who can become an absolute giant in ODIs. I think it’s going to be difficult for Shubman Gill,” he observed.

Shubman Gill to Lead Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026

The right-handed batter will return to action during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign. The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to begin on Saturday, March 28. Gill will lead the Gujarat Titans (GT) franchise in the upcoming season.

The skipper will definitely want to perform exceptionally well this season to reclaim his lost position in the Indian T20I squad. During the 2025 edition, he scored 650 runs in 15 games at an impressive average of 50.00, including six half-centuries.

Last year, the Gujarat Titans’ campaign ended with a defeat against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator. The opening batter will look to lead from the front once again.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir’s real face revealed by India batting coach: ‘He’s very clever…’

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath expressed concerns about Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah following the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. McGrath said that Bumrah can become a white-ball specialist to manage his workload, adding that the fast bowler cannot play back-to-back Test matches.

The 32-year-old finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the recent T20 World Cup. He took 14 wickets at an incredible average of 12.42 and an economy of 6.21. The bowler was named the Player of the Final after destroying New Zealand. He had also won the Player of the Tournament award in 2024.

Playing Back-To-Back Test Matches Is Getting Tougher For Jasprit Bumrah – Glenn McGrath

Speaking on the Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel, Glenn McGrath shared his views on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. The legendary fast bowler said that Bumrah has unique skills but questioned how long the veteran seamer can survive playing back-to-back Test matches.

“My concern, as he’s a little bit older now, is that playing back-to-back Test matches is getting tougher for him. Is he going to just start focusing on white-ball cricket? That’ll be a massive loss to Test cricket if he did. We might only see him rarely in Test matches, maybe against an Australia,” McGrath said.

“Just how good is he. When he comes on, he looks completely different to every other fast bowler. Batters try to lineup every other bowler when they are set, but not him. What I like about Bumrah is how he bowls the really good Test match length successfully in T20s. His other variations are all brilliant as well. He is just a gun,” he added.

Jasprit Bumrah Is Enhancing His Reputation – Damien Fleming

“That slower ball of his is like a curveball in Baseball. It’s absolutely brilliant. You think with these great fast bowlers, when do they plateau? Bumrah, with each big tournament or big series, is enhancing his reputation. When will it ever stop? He is an absolute freak, Jasprit Bumrah,” said Fleming (via the aforementioned source).

Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload Ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup

Jasprit Bumrah has been marred by serious injuries, forcing him to miss several Test matches last year. However, the Indian team management has managed his workload by selectively using him. He will focus on 50-over matches and Tests ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Bumrah will next be seen in action playing for the Mumbai Indians. He will lead the bowling attack in the highly anticipated IPL 2026 season before the management finalizes a long-term plan.

Following the IPL, the national selection committee, VVS Laxman, Gautam Gambhir, and Shubman Gill will discuss Bumrah’s future workload. The core ODI pace-bowling pool will primarily comprise Bumrah alongside Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.

Notably, the Men in Blue will play their next Test match against Afghanistan, which is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. They will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series in August.

Also read: Michael Vaughan brutally trolls South Africa as ‘Stupidest team in T20 World Cup 2026’

Ahead of the IPL 2026, former India and KKR batter Aakash Chopra made a bold remark about Zimbabwe batter Brian Bennett. Chopra compared Bennett with Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli.

Zimbabwe emerged as one of the most surprising sides in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. Proving most of the predictions wrong, the Chevrons paved their path into the Super 8 of the global T20 International event. Brian Bennett, a 22-year-old top-order batter, made a significant impact with his eye-catching batting performance.

Aakash Chopra compared Zimbabwe batter Brian Bennett with Indian batting star Virat Kohli

Aakash Chopra compared the emerging batter with Virat Kohli. On February 26, when India faced Zimbabwe in Chennai for a Super 8 match, Bennett smashed a straight six against Jasprit Bumrah, which was the maximum Virat hit against Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf in the T20 World Cup 2022. By hitting the ball over the bowler’s head for a six, the Zimbabwe opener showed his class.

“He hit Bumrah for a straight six. It gave a Virat Kohli-like feeling. He (Kohli) had hit Haris Rauf in Melbourne, and he (Bennett) hit Bumrah straight with a flat bat at Chepauk off a short ball. In my opinion, Brian Bennett was the pick of the young players. He is only 22 years old, with a wonderful future ahead of him”, Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Bennett was outstanding: Aakash Chopra

The former cricketer, now working as a cricket expert, describes Bennett as the most exciting young talent to play in the 2026 T20 World Cup. For the budding batter, the ex-cricketer used words like ‘Outstanding’.

“Brian Bennett. He was outstanding. The ease and capability with which he played, the best among the young players. I don’t think anyone has come even close to him because he hit consistently”, Chopra expressed in the same YouTube video.

Against India, the right-handed batter displayed one of his best knocks, scoring an unbeaten 97 off 59 balls. His heart-out efforts went in vain as India won the match with ease, by 72 runs.

Only a few batters scored more runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 than Bennett

If we take a look at Brian Bennett’s overall batting stats in the T20 World Cup 2026, then it will be easier to understand why Chopra is so impressed.

In six innings of the flagship tournament, the batter registered 292 runs at an average of 146.00. Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (383), New Zealand opener Tim Seifert (326), Team India stars Sanju Samson (321) and Ishan Kishan (317), New Zealand’s Finn Allen (298) are the only batters to score more runs than Bennett in the tournament.

According to the official website of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Zimbabwe batter Brian Bennett’s current ranking in the Men’s T20I batters’ list is 17. The young gun has produced 1,888 runs so far, averaging 36.31, with a strike rate of 143.68. 111 is his highest T20I knock, which came against Tanzania on September 30, 2025.

Read More: Gary Kirsten joins Gautam Gambhir in war against ‘superstar culture’ after becoming Sri Lanka coach

Gary Kirsten, the newly appointed head coach of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, was highly impressed and backed the philosophy of the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir about ending the “superstar culture” inside teams.

Gambhir has always been vocal about the team culture, and now he has the strong backing of his former head coach, who helped India win the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. His philosophy gained more attention after the transformation of the Indian cricket team in T20I cricket.

Gautam Gambhir brings big cultural changes in Indian cricket

After the retirement of two of India’s biggest icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, following the T20 World Cup 2024, many believed the teams would struggle. But the young group surprised everyone by defending the title at the T20 World Cup 2026 under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and Gambhir and becoming the first team to win the tournament three times.

Read Also: Sanju Samson’s entry into India’s Test, ODI teams confirmed? Gautam Gambhir joins ‘justice gang’

Since becoming India’s head coach after Rahul Dravid, Gambhir has pushed strongly for a team-first culture. Several changes were introduced after India’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The Indian head coach has shifted the focus towards discipline, equal responsibility, and reducing the influence of individual star power in the dressing room.

He’s absolutely spot on: Gary Kirsten backs Gautam Gambhir’s philosophy

Now, after taking up the new job with the Islanders, Gary Kirsten believes that modern Indian cricket has enough talent and depth to move away from depending on a few big players. The legendary South African cricketer has stressed that the system now produces so many quality cricketers that the team does not have to rely on only two or three superstars anymore.

Gary Kirsten was quoted as saying by Wisden Cricket, “I think he’s absolutely spot on. I think India was driven largely around that superstardom status of each individual, and I think there was a massive commercial entity to that as well. I think IPL has brought on a different dynamic there. I mean, when I was with the Namibians (as a consultant in the T20 World Cup 2026), we were down at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, and it is the most impressive cricket facility I have seen anywhere.”

Read Also: Ishan Kishan rises to World No.2 in ICC T20I Rankings as Rashid Khan dethrones Varun Chakravarthy

Gary Kirsten praises India’s incredible bench strength

Gary Kirsten hailed India’s depth that was clearly visible during a warm-up clash before the T20 World Cup 2026 clash. An India A side led by Ayush Badoni dominated the Namibia National Cricket Team in Bengaluru. India A piled up a big total close to 200 runs, thanks to a brilliant fifty from Riyan Parag.

Naman Dhir and Ashutosh Sharma also made valuable contributions. In reply, Namibia collapsed and was bowled out cheaply for just 60 runs, showing the massive difference in depth between the two sides.

Kirsten further added, “We played against an India A regional team (during the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-ups), which had IPL players in it, but we got bowled out for 60 maybe, and there is just so much depth in the system in India. So, it makes complete sense that the whole game resting on two or three individuals is not necessary anymore.”

The opening One day contest between Bahrain and Malaysia will unfold at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on 12^th March at 7:00 AM IST.

Get the best MAL vs BAH Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st OD match of the Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026. Expert analysis and more.

MAL vs BAH Match Preview:

Malaysia will face Bahrain in the first One-Day match of the Bahrain tour of Malaysia 2026 on 12 March 2026 at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. The match is scheduled to begin at 07:00 AM IST. This fixture will open the ODI series between the two teams, and both sides will aim to start the competition with a positive performance.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and Bahrain have met several times in limited-overs cricket in recent years. In the ODI format, Malaysia currently hold the advantage in the head-to-head record, having secured more victories against Bahrain in their previous meetings. Bahrain, however, will aim to challenge that record and register an important win in this opening match of the series.

Malaysia will rely on their familiarity with home conditions at Bayuemas Oval. The team features key players such as Virandeep Singh, Syed Aziz, and Ahmad Faiz, who provide strength in the batting and all-round departments. Moreover, bowlers like Pavandeep Singh and Khizar Hayat add variety to the bowling attack. Malaysia will therefore look to use their balanced squad and home advantage to gain an early lead in the series.

Bahrain, however, will enter the contest with determination to produce a strong performance away from home. Players such as Sarfaraz Ali, Imran Anwar, and Sohail Ahmed have been important contributors for the team in recent matches. Additionally, Bahrain will aim to deliver a disciplined effort with both bat and ball to challenge the hosts in the series opener.

Therefore, the first ODI promises to be an interesting contest between the two emerging sides in Asian cricket. Malaysia will look to capitalize on home conditions and secure the opening victory, while Bahrain will aim to produce a competitive display and take an early advantage in the series.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah offered English citizenship to help England win World Cup

MAL vs BAH Head-to-Head Record:

MAL vs BAH Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

MAL vs BAH Playing 11s (Predicted):

Malaysia Playing 11:

1) Ahmad Faiz ©

2) Virandeep Singh

3) Syed Aziz

4) Sharvin Muniandy

5) Ainool Hafizs

6) Zubaidi Zulkifle

7) Pavandeep Singh

8) Khizar Hayat

9) Vijay Unni

10) Syazrul Idrus

11) Rizwan Haider

Bahrain Playing 11:

1) Sarfaraz Ali ©

2) Imran Anwar

3) Sohail Ahmed

4) Haider Ali Butt

5) Shahbaz Badar (wk)

6) Sathaiya Veerapathiran

7) Junaid Aziz

8) Rizwan Butt

9) Imran Khan IV

10) Abdul Majid Abbasi

11) Sachin Kumar

Hot Picks for MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

MAL vs BAH Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Prashant Kurup
• Batters – Ahmad Faiz, Faiz Ahmed
• All-rounders – Virandeep Singh ©, Muhamad Syahadat Aziz, Sharvin Muniandy, Syed Aziz, Asif Ali (vc)
• Bowlers – Abdul Majid Abbasi, Ali Dawood, Muhammad Rizwan Butt

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Prashant Kurup
• Batters – Ahmad Faiz, Ahmer Bin Nasir
• All-rounders – Virandeep Singh, Muhamad Syahadat Aziz, Sharvin Muniandy (vc), Syed Aziz ©, Asif Ali
• Bowlers – Ali Dawood, Imran Khan, Muhammad Rizwan Butt

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st OD Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026 Players to Avoid:

MAL vs BAH Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st OD Bahrain Tour of Malaysia 2026 Expert Advice:

MAL vs BAH Match Winner Prediction:

Evaluating the team composition, Malaysia will be expected to emerge victorious in this match.

The incredible performance of Jasprit Bumrah in the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has left the cricket world completely stunned. Jasprit Bumrah became the biggest hero of the tournament and played a massive role in India defending the trophy.

The Indian pace spearhead’s deadly bowling, calm mindset, and ability to deliver under pressure made him the most feared bowler of the competition and the biggest factor differentiating the teams.

Jasprit Bumrah rules T20 World Cup 2026

Bumrah finished the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in eight matches while maintaining an incredible economy rate of just 6.21. His biggest moment came in the final when he destroyed New Zealand with a stunning spell of 4 wickets for just 15 runs.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma set to retire after IPL 2026? Colossal truth behind viral claim revealed

That remarkable performance helped India beat New Zealand by 96 runs and seal the title. Bumrah was named the Player of the Match after the Men in Blue’s historic title triumph in Ahmedabad.

The star pacer had already shown his class earlier in the semi-final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. In a high-scoring match, Bumrah stood out as the most disciplined bowler and kept things under control with a tight spell that pushed England out of the tournament.

Michael Vaughan hails Jasprit Bumrah as the greatest bowler he has ever seen

Now, the former England captain Michael Vaughan made a huge claim that shocked fans. Vaughan openly suggested that if Bumrah had been part of the England National Cricket Team, they could have easily won the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The commentator further said that Bumrah is so good that any team in the world would become stronger with him, calling him the best bowler he has ever seen. He even placed the Indian fast bowler in the league of iconic footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael Vaughan said on the Stick to Cricket Podcast, “I reckon if you put Jasprit Bumrah in England’s team, they win it. I reckon they put him on anybody’s team. Probably Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, these kinds. He is the best bowler I’ve ever seen. I started watching cricket probably in 85 or 86, when I really started to study cricket. And he’s the best I’ve seen. You know, I haven’t seen…”

Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah all set to quit Test cricket? ‘White-ball specialist’ fears emerge

Alastair Cook questions Jasprit Bumrah’s match-winning spells in Test cricket

However, the former England captain Alastair Cook praised Bumrah’s incredible impact across all formats of the game, but he was not that impressed by his Test performances, especially in Australia.

Cook said during the same discussion, “Sorry, is he the best in match-winning spells in Test cricket? The only thing I haven’t, like, he’s definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, he’s the best all-format bowler around. And I think you can safely say that. In any form, he’s like the best all-round bowler. Has he, like, in a tes match, bowled some spell? And I’m not quite a connoisseur.”

To which Vaughan said, “I’ve seen him a bit in Australia to produce some spells that have just been different. Flat decks. And he’s a thoroughly nice bloke. He’s lovely.”

England would have won the WC if they had Bumrah .. https://t.co/2rTwWLjIAJ

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 11, 2026

Bumrah will now be seen in action for the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2026.

The business value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is quickly rising, and now another big financial development has come to light amid the ongoing sale process of the RCB. Sanjiv Goenka-headed RP-SG Group is exploring the possibility of selling a minority stake in its franchise, Lucknow Super Giants.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made their IPL debut in 2022 after the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group won the bid with a record-breaking bid of ₹7,090 crore. They had a terrific start, qualifying for the playoffs in their debut season and 2023, but finished 7th in the last two seasons.

Sanjiv Goenka plans big move as Lucknow Super Giants stake sale talks begin

Following the team’s struggles in IPL 2025, Sanjiv Goenka has decided to make a big call. As reported by Moneycontrol, the RP-SG Group is considering selling up to 15 percent ownership in the LSG. However, the final decision will depend on the valuation offered by investors, and Goenka may step back if the offers are not attractive enough.

Read Also: Suresh Raina-MS Dhoni reunion cancelled! CSK deny coaching position to Chinna Thala

This move has come at a time when many investors are showing strong interest in IPL franchises. Recently, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Rajasthan Royals have created a huge buzz in the sports business market. A consortium involving the Aditya Birla Group and American sports investor David Blitzer has reportedly joined the race to buy a major stake in Rajasthan Royals.

RCB and Rajasthan Royals in big demand

The majority stake currently held by entrepreneur Manoj Badale is being discussed at a valuation of around $1 billion to $1.2 billion. At the same time, the possible sale of the RCB by Diageo has attracted several powerful bidders. Among the interested names are billionaire Adar Poonawalla from the Serum Group, Ranjan Pai of the Manipal Group, Swedish private equity giant EQT, and Avram Glazer-backed Lancer Capital for the defending champions.

The IPL has now become one of the most valuable sports leagues in the world, standing only behind the National Football League in terms of overall value. Its media rights for the 2023-2027 cycle were sold for around $6.2 billion, which highlights the massive financial power of the IPL.

Strong revenue but heavy financial commitments for LSG

According to financial reports, the RP-SG Group received around ₹399 crore from the BCCI as franchise rights revenue in the first half of FY26, while it had received ₹458 crore in FY25. This payment from the BCCI is the biggest revenue source for most IPL teams.

Read Also: MS Dhoni OUT of CSK Playing XI? Kasi Viswanathan drops bomb ahead of IPL 2026

In the first half of FY26, the Lucknow franchise reported total revenue of about ₹495.9 crore and posted a profit of around ₹63.7 crore. During FY25, the revenue dropped by around 20 percent to ₹557 crore mainly because fewer matches were played and the team finished lower in the points table in the 2024 season compared to 2023.

Annual franchise fee leaves LSG worried

Their profitability also declined during that period. However, in the first half of FY26, the revenue showed a slight improvement of about 3 percent compared to the same period of FY25. Despite the strong revenue numbers, the franchise also carries heavy financial obligations.

The RP-SG Group has to pay an annual franchise fee of around ₹709 crore until FY31. For FY26, the payment is expected to come from a mix of term loans, increased working capital facilities, and internal funds from the promoters.

CareEdge said, “For FY26, the payment is expected to be made from a mix of term debt, enhancement in working capital facilities, and internal generations/fund support from promoters. The company’s capital structure is leveraged with an overall gearing ratio of 16x as of March 31, 2025. Total outside liabilities to total net worth is even higher at 41x as of March 31, 2025, due to high franchise fees payable to BCCI.”

The Indian cricket fans are all set for non-stop cricketing action for around three months after the enthralling T20 World Cup 2026, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).

On Wednesday, March 11, the BCCI confirmed the dates for the first phase of the upcoming IPL 2026, which is set to get underway on March 28 with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the season opener.

IPL 2026 Teams and Squads Overview After Auction

The upcoming edition of the IPL 2026 is expected to be a more exciting one than the last one after the teams have made some bold moves at the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi in December 2025.

Read Also: MS Dhoni OUT of CSK Playing XI? Kasi Viswanathan drops bomb ahead of IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK has prepared a new-look squad mixing youth with experience. The five-time IPL champions have stunned everyone by bringing Sanju Samson into the team while parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. They have also made headlines by spending ₹14.20 crore each on uncapped Indian players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma at the auction.

Key Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Sarfaraz Khan, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, Ayush Mhatre

Mumbai Indians (MI)

The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians have made minimal moves at the auction, but they successfully re-acquired Quinton de Kock.

Key Players: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Quinton de Kock, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru strengthened their squad with a few smart signings as they will aim to defend their first-ever title in the upcoming IPL 2026.

Key Players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR made headlines with one of the biggest signings of the IPL 2026 mini-auction by acquiring the Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. The three-time champions signed Green for ₹25.20 crore at the auction.

Key Players: Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Cameron Green, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Matheesha Pathirana

Read Also: Sanjiv Goenka ready to sell Lucknow Super Giants before IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans (GT)

The Gujarat Titans have made only a few adjustments for the IPL 2026. West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder was their most expensive buy at the auction with ₹7 crore.

Key Players: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals made some bold moves at the mini auction. Their most expensive buy was the talented Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi, who was snapped up for a whopping 8.40 crore.

DC brought in big hitters like David Miller and Ben Duckett, each for ₹2 crore, and added Sri Lankan star Pathum Nissanka for ₹4 crore at the auction to strengthen their batting for the IPL 2026.

Key Players: KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Ben Duckett, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Pathum Nissanka, Sameer Rizvi, and David Miller

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants had spent a massive ₹8.6 crore to acquire the Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis. The LSG also picked up Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje, each for their base price of ₹2 crore, with an aim to make a strong comeback.

Key Players: Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ayush Badoni, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Rathi, Anrich Nortje

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The Rajasthan Royals underwent major transformation after trading away Sanju Samson to CSK. Their big signing was the leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (₹7.20 crore).

Key Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Riyan Parag, Sam Curran, Ravi Bishnoi, Jofra Archer, Adam Milne, Kwena Maphaka

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad retained most of their core players. SRH’s biggest buy was England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for 13 crore. They also signed Jack Edwards, Salil Arora, and Shivam Mavi at the auction.

Key Players: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Salil Arora, Liam Livingstone, Jack Edwards, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, and Brydon Carse

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

The Punjab Kings decided to stick with their core after reaching the final in 2025. Only Ben Dwarshuis (₹4.40 crore) and Cooper Connolly (₹3 crore), Pravin Dubey, and Vishal Nishad (₹30 lakh each) were signed at the auction.

Key Players: Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ben Dwarshuis

IPL 2026 Full Schedule and Match List – 1st Phase

🚨 THE SCHEDULE OF FIRST PHASE OF IPL 2026 🚨 (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/Bux5ZpxDjz

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) March 11, 2026