IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: Virat Kohli sets RCB camp on fire ahead of IPL 2026 opener

Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called for a measured approach to the growing hype around teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi ahead of IPL 2026. While acknowledging his immense potential, Pathan cautioned that tougher challenges lie ahead for the youngster.

He pointed out that Vaibhav’s consistent performances across formats highlight his “dum,” and believes the upcoming season could well turn into his breakout campaign. However, Pathan emphasised that mental strength and the ability to adapt will be crucial for the 15-year-old as he navigates the pressures at the highest level.

Cheteshwar Pujara feels Shubman Gill can turn the disappointment of his T20 World Cup snub into motivation for a standout IPL 2026, while also stressing the need for him to improve his strike rate.

Pujara also backed the Gujarat Titans as strong title contenders, highlighting their formidable top order of Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler as a major strength. He further pointed to the side’s depth in all-rounders and a powerful pace attack as key factors that could drive their title push.

Former CSK batter S Badrinath has expressed significant concerns for KKR ahead of IPL 2026, labeling captain Ajinkya Rahane a "weak link" and questioning the team's leadership and costly squad decisions. Badrinath also criticized the record Rs 25.20 crore signing of Cameron Green, citing his recent poor form and questioning his value.

Kolkata Knight Riders' new head coach Abhishek Nayar anticipates a season of opportunities, leveraging a strong leadership group including Dwayne Bravo and Shane Watson. The team aims to finalize combinations, with Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh expected to step up. KKR awaits medical updates on pacer Harshit Rana and Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru kick off their IPL 2026 title defence on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli, fresh from practice, urged his team to maintain intensity for another successful campaign. Head coach Andy Flower expressed confidence in the squad, while Kohli eyes becoming the first to score 9,000 IPL runs.

Rajasthan Royals face a significant blow for IPL 2026 as all-rounder Sam Curran is ruled out due to injury. His absence creates a void in batting and bowling, prompting the Royals to explore options such as...

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli head into a defining IPL season that could shape their chances of making the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. With limited game-time and a selection approach that increasingly values current performance over reputation, this tournament serves as a critical test of both fitness and form. To stay in contention, they must demonstrate that they still possess the intensity, consistency and endurance required for modern ODI cricket, where past achievements alone will not guarantee a place.

Chennai Super Kings face a major blow as Australian pacer Nathan Ellis is ruled out of IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury. Ellis was expected to be CSK's primary death bowler, leaving a significant void. The franchise is now exploring replacements like...

Sanju Samson is set to realise a long-cherished ambition as he prepares to share the dressing room with MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.

The move comes on the back of a sensational run for Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after rewriting multiple Indian batting records.

With this new chapter unfolding, fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing Samson don the yellow jersey and begin his journey alongside one of the game’s most iconic figures.

IPL 2026 is already grappling with a growing injury crisis, with several key players set to miss either the entire tournament or a crucial phase of it.

Frontline pacers like Harshit Rana and Nathan Ellis have been ruled out for the season, while all-rounders Sam Curran and Jack Edwards will also not feature at all.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are expected to miss the initial matches as they continue their recovery. The availability of Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Starc remains uncertain in the early stages, adding to the concerns.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have suffered an early setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Jack Edwards ruled out due to injury. The troubles don’t end there, as Nathan Ellis and Sam Curran are also set to miss the season with hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

In the absence of Pat Cummins, Ishan Kishan will take charge as captain for the opening games, with SRH beginning their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 28.

Lockie Ferguson will miss the early part of IPL 2026 as he chooses to spend time with his family after recently becoming a father. The fast bowler, who plays for Punjab Kings, is expected to join the squad later in the tournament after taking a short break from cricket.

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Curran, who joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a trade that also involved Ravindra Jadeja moving the other way and Sanju Samson heading to CSK, is in doubt for the entire season.

IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: Delhi Capitals launch new jersey ahead of IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals have unveiled their new jersey ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28, 2026.

Capitals have maintained their iconic red and blue colour, but the centre pattern has changed. It is now a mixture of blue and red strips running from top to bottom. According to the franchise, the design draws inspiration from the fierce tiger spirit that defines both the team and the city it represents

A video from the session showed Bhuvneshwar beating Kohli with a yorker that almost hit the stumps. Another clip showed Kohli responding with a six off the same bowler.

The city lad is hopeful of making his debut despite the team having a strong Indian pace bowling unit led by experienced Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan.

Talking to TOI, Naman shared his experience of the preparatory camp ahead of the IPL. He said, "This is my first season after being a net bowler for two years. Earlier, I was on the other side of the boundary; now I am on this side of the rope, so it is a positive experience."

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis voiced surprise at Rajasthan Royals’ decision to trade Sanju Samson, the team’s face for over a decade, to Chennai Super Kings. He emphasised Samson’s importance as the franchise’s standout Indian player, comparing him to legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Du Plessis said losing Samson is a huge blow for both the Royals and the IPL, given his key role and remarkable contributions over the years.

The Kerala High Court has rejected a petition contesting the use of the name "Indian Premier League," calling the plea baseless. Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has officially approved the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host IPL 2026 matches, putting an end to months of venue uncertainty. The 19th edition of the IPL will get underway on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener at Bengaluru.

Rajasthan Royals performance coach Siddhartha Lahiri has heaped praise on 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing him as a rare talent with enormous potential and a deep obsession with the game. Lahiri referred to the youngster as a “freak”, highlighting his dedication and natural ability.

He also credited the franchise’s scouting network for identifying such promising talent early, underlining the strength of the Royals’ youth development system.

At the same time, Lahiri acknowledged that the exit of Sanju Samson will leave a gap in the side. He noted that while the decision to part ways was mutual, Samson’s absence will certainly be felt within the team.

Rishabh Pant is heading into a pivotal IPL season, determined to work his way back into India’s white-ball plans. The wicketkeeper-batter has been putting in intense effort behind the scenes, sharpening both his skills and mindset.

Recent training sessions, along with time spent working closely with Yuvraj Singh, underline his commitment to improving his game. Pant appears focused not just on technique, but also on building mental clarity and resilience.

With India already looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, a strong IPL campaign could significantly boost his chances of reclaiming a regular spot. For now, Pant’s approach is simple — stay disciplined, stay sharp, and let performances do the talking.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru returned to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026 training, with Virat Kohli in focus as he impressed in the nets. A few key players were absent, while rain cut the session short. The team faces Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, and their fan-favourite ‘Unbox’ event has been cancelled due to scheduling constraints.

IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal join RCB camp

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli and stars Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Devdutt Padikkal joined the RCB team ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

RCB will start their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at their home venue of M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and with the women's team being the current Women's Premier League (WPL) champions, the men's team will also be eyeing to retain the title and continue RCB's recent golden run. Currently, RCB are the reigning kings and queens of Indian franchise cricket, being the first team to hold the IPL and WPL trophies at the same time.

Taking to X, RCB posted about Virat's arrival, "You don't have to see him... to know he's coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs."

IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: KKR head coach leads team's practice session at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar led the first day of the team's practice session at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, with a motivational pep talk for the squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

KKR head coach Nayar said the team's focus is now on building the right mindset, with every session aimed at preparing mentally to win and secure the franchise's fourth IPL title ahead of their first game on March 29, which the three-time IPL champions will play against five-time winners Mumbai Indians.

"We've worked on our skills in the past couple of months. We've spoken a lot. For me, what happens here on is how we tune what between our ears. The skill is there. That's not going to change in the next ten days. But what changes is our mentality. So every moment that we spend on this ground, every moment we spend with each other, with the coaches amongst ourselves, there's one goaL. We are to do one thing, we are to win, we are to get that fourth star, and we do everything to prepare our mind before our body actually arrives at the first game on the 29th," he said, as cited by news agency ANI.

"So we prepare here. We use this time to talk to each other, communicate, get strong as a group, so we're ready for everything. Have a lot of fun," Abhishek Nayar added.

IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: KKR head coach welcomes assistant coach Shane Watson

IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: Rajasthan Royals unveil new jersey

Rajasthan Royals unveiled their jersey for the upcoming Indian Premier League season on Wednesday in Jaipur.

The franchise, which won the first IPL season in 2008, announced the launch through a post on Instagram.

"New look, same Halla Bol. Jersey: RRevealed," the caption read.

New captain Riyan Parag attended the event along with batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. The trio presented the team’s jersey for the IPL 2026 season.

Bishnoi, 25, was signed by the Royals for Rs 7.2 crore at the mini auction in December last year.

As per the schedule released so far, the team is expected to travel to Guwahati on March 26, 2026, ahead of their opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 30.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has flagged potential concerns for Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026, pointing to their youthful and relatively inexperienced batting unit as a key challenge. The Royals made a major call before the auction by trading Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), bringing in Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja in return. The Royals also traded Nitish Rana to Delhi Capitals and acquired Donovan Ferreira via a trade.

Many IPL greats have been consistent wicket-takers without ever winning the Purple Cap. Sunil Narine often gets blocked by batters, limiting his wickets despite excellent economy. Piyush Chawla has been steady but lacks a standout season.

Ravichandran Ashwin focuses on control over wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah is avoided due to his threat. Ravindra Jadeja plays a defensive role. Their impact remains huge despite missing the top individual honour.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have announced Ishan Kishan as stand-in captain for the upcoming IPL season, with Abhishek Sharma named vice-captain, as regular skipper Pat Cummins recovers from injury. The franchise confirmed Cummins will miss a few matches, prompting the temporary leadership change.

Kishan, known for his aggressive batting, has been a consistent performer in the IPL, scoring nearly 3,000 runs in 119 matches at a strike rate of over 137. He has also impressed behind the stumps with multiple dismissals. In the 2025 season, he scored 354 runs, including a century.

The 27-year-old is currently in top form, having delivered an outstanding T20 World Cup campaign. He scored 317 runs in nine innings at an impressive strike rate above 193, emerging as India’s second-highest run-scorer and strengthening his credentials as a leader.

IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: Ishan Kishan named SRH captain, Abhishek Sharma vice-captain in Pat Cummins’ absence

"Pat Cummins will miss a few games while recovering from injury.Until he recovers, Ishan Kishan will be the Captain and Abhishek Sharma will be the Vice-Captain," wrote Sunrisers Hyderabad while making the announcement on X.

Injuries, or non-availability, to top pacers close to the start of the IPL can give sleepless nights to franchise coaches and the support staff. While Lucknow Super Giants, for a few years now, have been one of the worst-affected teams, this time around three teams are sweating over their pace resources — Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

For KKR, their top two pacers — Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana — are dealing with injuries. They lost Mustafizur Rahman too due to reasons beyond cricket, but have drafted in Zimbabwean Blessing Muzarabani in his place. SRH, too, are in tricky territory over the fitness of their skipper Pat Cummins while it’s not sure whether RCB will get their spearhead Josh Hazlewood from the beginning of the tournament.

Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru well ahead of the upcoming IPL season, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they gear up to defend their title.

The star batter was central to RCB’s historic triumph last season, finishing with 657 runs at a strike rate of 144.71 and an impressive average of 54.75, including eight half-centuries. His consistency at the top played a huge role in ending the franchise’s long wait for silverware.


RCB finally broke their 18-year title drought, with Rajat Patidar stepping up as a leader during the campaign. Having achieved that milestone, the focus now shifts to repeating the success in what promises to be a challenging title defence.

Rahul batted at No. 4, a position decided before the season started, in most games last season, but a course correction occurred after 11 league matches. The change in position reaped instant rewards as Rahul hit an unbeaten 65-ball 112 against the Gujarat Titans. However, it came in a losing cause as the Shubman Gill-led unit overhauled the 200-run target with ten wickets in hand, and an over to spare.

Rahul was the Delhi Capitals' leading run-getter last year, scoring 539 runs in 13 games. Rahul's strike rate was 149.72, which marked his best since the 2018 edition.

Delhi Capitals have started preparations for the upcoming season, and the multiple preparatory camps featuring Indian players have already happened in Delhi and Hyderabad. The coaching staff, led by head coach Hemang Badani and Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, has shifted focus to the IPL after fulfilling their commitments for The Hundred. More clarity on roles will emerge when captain Axar Patel links up with the squad.

Ishan Kishan has been appointed Sunrisers Hyderabad captain for IPL 2026 ahead of Abhishek Sharma, with the franchise prioritising proven leadership over seniority. Kishan’s resurgence after his 2023 setback, was back up by a strong T20 World Cup showing and consistent domestic performances, strengthened his case. He led Jharkhand to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title and impressed with both bat and captaincy. Backed by former India player Shahbaz Nadeem, Kishan is viewed as a natural leader, known for his game awareness as a wicketkeeper and ability to nurture young players SRH believe will benefit the team.

In the absence of Pat Cummins, the regular SRH skipper, the management has zeroed down on Ishan Kishan to take charge till the time Cummins returns. While it was widely believed Abhishek Sharma is likely to take over the mantle, it was hard to ignore what Kishan as done as a leader at the domestic level, leading his state side Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this year. Cummins return date is not yet known, but Times of India has learned that Kishan's elevation is certain with Abhishek being the deputy.