Syed Mushtaq Ali

Gujarat Titans handed a maiden IPL appearance to all-rounder Nishant Sindhu against Punjab Kings. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the decision at the toss, emphasizing the team's momentum in chasing and the need to peak at the right time. Sindhu, a left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, previously impressed in junior cricket and the U-19 World Cup.

His performances have led to discussions about whether he could be selected for the India team after the IPL, and Manjrekar said he has done enough to be considered.

Kishan returned to the India setup earlier this year for the T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup after strong performances in domestic cricket, where he led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title and scored more than 500 runs.

Eighteen-year-old Sahil Parakh makes his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals, opening alongside KL Rahul against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Monday. The left-handed batter, who also bowls leg-spin, impressed for India Under-19 and was acquired by DC for Rs 30 lakh. Skipper Axar Patel confirmed Parakh replaces Pathum Nissanka at the top.

Shubham Dubey, a 31-year-old cricketer, seized his long-awaited opportunity with a match-winning unbeaten 31 off 12 balls. His explosive innings, coupled with Donovan Ferreira's support, secured a stunning six-wicket victory for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings. Dubey's journey from humble beginnings to IPL success highlights his remarkable resilience and power-hitting prowess.

Young Salil Arora's audacious 10-ball 30, featuring a stunning no-look six off Jasprit Bumrah, stole the show in a high-scoring IPL 2026 match. Despite a star-studded Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup, Arora's fearless finishing, including an unbeaten 30, sealed a dominant chase, repaying the franchise's faith in his potential. Despite modest returns initially, SRH continued to back Arora in the lower order. That faith was repaid last night.

Rajat Patidar, an explosive batter and steady captain for RCB, faces Shubman Gill, whose Gujarat Titans are wobbling despite his individual run-scoring. Patidar's fearless batting has been a season highlight, while Gill's inconsistent form mirrors his team's struggles. Both captains lead teams on the back of losses, setting up a crucial clash.

Ishan Kishan reflects on his challenging period out of the Indian team, emphasising his focus on consistent domestic run-scoring to earn a recall. He highlights his determination and hunger, which led to impressive performances. Kishan also discusses his confidence batting at No. 3 and his approach to pacing an innings, as demonstrated in Sunrisers Hyderabad's recent chase.

Shivang Kumar made his name in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League as an opener. His exploits with the bat helped him become a marquee player for Bundelkhand Bulls, who picked him for Rs 13 lakh for the 2026 season. But within a year, he learnt the art of wrist-spin from his father, a former Bengal U-19 cricketer, and made instant impact. The IPL franchises noticed and multiple trials later, he was roped in by the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Salil Arora’s fearless no-look six off Bumrah was no fluke but the result of relentless preparation. From facing 600–700 tennis-ball deliveries daily to simulating high pace in training, his power-hitting was built with precision. Backed by strong domestic performances and belief from teammates, the youngster’s calculated approach and fearless mindset are now translating into impactful moments on the IPL stage.

Chennai Super Kings face a major blow as Khaleel Ahmed is out of IPL 2026 with a quadriceps injury. His absence comes at a crucial time as CSK seeks to build on recent momentum. The team is now exploring replacements like Chetan Sakariya, Akash Madhwal, Simarjeet Singh, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti to bolster their bowling attack.

Vidarbha’s pacer Praful Hinge and Bihar’s Sakib Hussain scripted history with four wickets each on IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals. Their efforts bowled RR out for 159 in a 57-run win. Coaches praised their potential, highlighting strong domestic performances, while stressing the need for consistency going forward.

Debutant Praful Hinge etched his name in IPL history with a sensational opening over, claiming three wickets for ducks against Rajasthan Royals. The 24-year-old seamer from Vidarbha, picked for Rs 30 lakh, showcased remarkable potential, justifying Sunrisers Hyderabad's faith and announcing himself as a rising star.

Sakib partnered with another SRH debutant Praful Hinge (4/34), as Sunrisers Hyderabad registered a 57-run win in Hyderabad.

Shivang Kumar’s IPL journey is shaped by bold choices and setbacks. Converted into a left-arm wrist spinner by his father, he quit cricket briefly before returning inspired by MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. Strong domestic performances, including a five-wicket haul, earned him an SRH contract. Like Usman Tariq, Dhoni’s story played a key role in his comeback.

Chasing 182, LSG rode on Ayush Badoni's 34-ball 54 and Mukul Choudhary's brilliant 27-ball 54 not out to cross the line in a last ball thriller.

Rahul Dravid's wicketkeeping for balance in 2003 contrasts with today's era, redefined by MS Dhoni. A new generation of fearless, hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batters, like 21-year-old Mukul Choudhary, are emerging from small towns, showcasing their talent on the IPL stage with remarkable performances.

On Friday, Mukul Choudhary became an overnight sensation in the IPL, smashing an unbeaten 27-ball 54, including seven massive sixes, to help Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pull off a heist against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens. The 21-year-old was bought by LSG for Rs 2.60 crore.

Chasing 182 runs to win, Lucknow Super Giants were tottering at 128/7 in the 16th over. It was then that Mukul decided to stamp his presence on the big stage. “When Ayush bhai (Badoni) got out, I knew I was the one who had to do whatever needed to be done. I wanted to take the game close and wasn’t thinking about winning or losing,” he said.