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.

Ashok Sharma stole the show with a 154.2 kmph delivery, the fastest of IPL 2026, surpassing Anrich Nortje. The Gujarat Titans pacer impressed with consistent pace. Despite this, Rajasthan Royals posted 210/6, powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fifty and Dhruv Jurel’s 75. Gujarat, missing Shubman Gill, faced a tough chase against a confident Rajasthan side.

Mukul Choudhary’s 27-ball 57 at Eden Gardens was years in the making - from 500-km bus rides across Rajasthan to practicing on red-soil and once smashing 36 sixes in an innings. Inspired by MS Dhoni, the 21-year-old is making a mark with his hitting ability and team-first mindset.

Ashok Sharma’s journey from a farming village near Jaipur to clocking 150 kph is a story of sacrifice, mentorship and unwavering belief in pace. Guided by his late coach Vivek Yadav, backed by Anshu Jain, and shaped by advice from Pat Cummins and Bharat Arun, the 23-year-old has emerged as the standout bowler of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With raw speed now married to control, Ashok is fast becoming the speedster to watch out for.

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane hit back at critics questioning his strike rate after two consecutive IPL losses. Rahane, who has moved up the order, defended his performance, stating he knows his game and is backed by past success. He acknowledged the team needs to find the right combination and build partnerships.

India's cricket board is rebuilding its Test team. A new plan focuses on young players for the future. A four-day competition will feature 64 players under 25. This aims to create a strong pipeline of red-ball cricketers. Coaches and selectors will prioritize Test development. Emerging and India A teams will tour Sri Lanka for four-day games.

Rajat Patidar, the new RCB captain, brings calm leadership to the franchise, a choice made over star power after leading Madhya Pradesh to a trophy final. His journey from a timber merchant's son in Indore to leading RCB is marked by resilience, including a comeback after injury.

Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma's mentor, has stated that it is disappointing for any player who has given his ‘heart and soul’ to the franchise ‘ for years’ to have missed out on leading the side. SRH had announced Ishan Kishan as the stand-in skipper for IPL 2026, snubbing Abhishek and the decision had not gone down well with a section of the fans and even some cricket experts.

For the Punjab Kings, Priyansh Arya did not make it to the starting XI. However, the star batted was named in the impact subs list and is expected to come to bat in the second innings.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will be without captain Pat Cummins for at least the first two weeks of the IPL as he recovers bowling fitness. Head coach Daniel Vettori confirmed Cummins' overall fitness is excellent, but his bowling workload is being carefully rebuilt. Ishan Kishan will captain in Cummins' absence, praised for his leadership and form.