Overview
- IPL 2026’s first phase opens on March 28 with RCB facing SRH, with remaining fixtures to be announced after election-related clearances.
- Sanju Samson said he left Rajasthan Royals because his time there felt over, confirmed he has spoken with MS Dhoni, and looks to debut for CSK against RR on March 30.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad are considering Ishan Kishan as stand-in captain, according to TOI reporting, with Pat Cummins’ back injury placing his early availability in doubt.
- Rohit Sharma has rejoined Mumbai Indians’ pre-season, with Hardik Pandya set to captain and the opener against KKR on March 29 at Wankhede, as Harbhajan Singh urged Pandya to bring his ‘A game.’
- Former RCB coach Dinesh Karthik named an all-time RCB XI that installs Rajat Patidar as captain ahead of Virat Kohli, reflecting active leadership debates before the season.