The Times of India

IPL captains have been warned about strict enforcement of fielder movement rules during catches, with officials emphasizing complete control before celebrations. The Impact Player rule will also remain for at least another season, despite concerns from players like Axar Patel about its impact on all-rounder development.

TOI presents a formidable IPL 2026 Dream XI designed to challenge the Suryakumar Yadav-led T20 World Cup champions. This squad features a potent mix of four overseas stars and Indian talent, boasting explosive openers, a stable middle order, and versatile bowlers capable of dismantling any opposition.

Imran Khan, imprisoned for nearly three years, remains resolute, his sons reveal. Despite health concerns and his wife's alleged mistreatment, Khan states authorities will never break him. He finds strength in meditation, viewing his incarceration as a trial. His sons, awaiting visas, last spoke to him for 28 minutes, noting his unwavering principles.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, known for their explosive batting lineup, face a crucial season after mixed results. With a potent top order featuring Head and Sharma, they aim to finally breach the 300-run mark. However, their pace attack faces pressure early on due to Cummins' absence, relying on Unadkat, Patel, and Carse to step up.

Virat Kohli displayed explosive form with a 19-ball 45 in RCB's practice match, earning praise from mentor Dinesh Karthik. Kohli's consistent intent and drive to improve were highlighted. He was also seen bowling to struggling opener Phil Salt, showcasing team support. The IPL 2026 season opener is set for March 28.

Returning to the IPL after a year's absence, Prithvi Shaw appears more focused and mentally stronger, having learned from past excesses. The break from cricket, coupled with personal reflection, has allowed him to rebuild his confidence and dedication, as he now prioritises his passion for the game and harbours hopes of an India comeback.

Sivaramakrishnan, who played 25 international matches for India in a five-year career, said the struggles became severe during the IPL held in the UAE during the Covid-19 lockdown. I was down completely and I didnt want to see myself in the mirror. I would have a couple of drinks and go to sleep because I could not bear anything. Whenever I was awake, I thought I was going to die.

Gujarat Titans enter IPL 2026 with continuity, retaining 20 players. After a third-place finish last season, they aim to refine their squad, adding five new faces including Jason Holder and Tom Banton. With a strong core featuring Sai Sudharsan and Rashid Khan, GT is poised for another playoff run.

Mumbai Indians have several experienced players in the dressing room, including Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, both of whom have led India in T20 cricket. A couple of seasons ago, the franchise replaced Rohit with Hardik as captain, ending a tenure that brought five IPL titles. The decision drew reactions from sections of fans, especially with Hardik moving from Gujarat Titans and taking charge immediately.

Gujarat Titans signed Kulwant Khejroliya as replacement for injured Prithviraj Yarra ahead of IPL 2026. Captain Shubman Gill stressed calm, confident leadership and long-term vision. Director Vikram Solanki highlighted minimal squad changes and continuity. With a strong core and clear approach, Gujarat Titans begin their campaign aiming to build on past success.

Gurindervir Singh won 60m gold at the National Indoor Championships with a record 6.60s, after favourite Animesh Kujur was disqualified following multiple false starts. Gurindervir said he wanted tougher competition but stayed focused. He reflected on past struggles and a fresh mindset. Elsewhere, G Reegan won pole vault, while several athletes impressed across events.

Prithvi Shaw opens up on his year-long reset after missing IPL 2025, calling it a much-needed mental break. The Delhi Capitals opener reflects on inconsistent form, handling criticism, and lessons from setbacks, including his Mumbai exit. Back with a clearer mindset, Shaw emphasises quality practice, staying at present, and his unwavering ambition to return to the Indian team.

Jannik Sinner reached the Miami Open quarter-finals after beating Alex Michelsen and setting a record of 28 consecutive Masters 1000 sets, surpassing Novak Djokovic. Despite a tough fight, he won in straight sets. Sinner stays on track for the Sunshine Double. Elsewhere, Frances Tiafoe advanced, while Martin Landaluce impressed with an emotional upset win.

Rana, who sustained a ligament strain in his right knee injury during India's T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa, is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool after nine years, ending a historic era. He scored 255 goals in 435 games and won eight major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. Despite a difficult final season and tensions with the manager, Salahs legacy remains unmatched. His future is uncertain, but Liverpool now face a major rebuild without their talisman.

Goenka said the franchise is still shaping its identity and that success in the league is measured by trophies rather than consistency alone.

Livingstone, who has not played international cricket since Englands winless campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy under former captain Jos Buttler, had told ESPNCricinfo that the management, including Key and head coach Brendon McCullum, did not show enough concern for players once they were dropped.

Former England stars are split on IPL 2026 predictions. Michael Vaughan backs Mumbai Indians, calling them the clear winners. Alastair Cook supports defending champions RCB, while Phil Tufnell also considers CSK a strong contender. Led by Hardik Pandya, MI look strong, but RCB face early setbacks. Historically, only MI and CSK have successfully defended IPL titles.

South Africa beat New Zealand by 33 runs in the final T20 to win the series 3-2, powered by Connor Esterhuizens 75 off 33 balls. After a slow start, South Africa posted 187. New Zealand struggled in the chase, finishing 154-8. Tight bowling from Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman, along with regular wickets, kept the hosts under pressure throughout.

Irans Tractor FC will travel to Saudi Arabia to face Shabab Al Ahli in a playoff. The winner will move into the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League Elite, where they will meet Buriram United.

R Ashwins claim that Arjun Tendulkar wont feature for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 due to strong competition has sparked controversy. Yograj Singh hit back sharply, calling his remarks bulls**t and questioning his authority. He defended Arjuns potential, highlighting past issues and boldly claiming he could transform him into a top batter within six months.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged Arshdeep Singh to focus on his new-ball swing, noting a decline in this area over the past year. Despite Arshdeep's success as India's leading T20 World Cup wicket-taker and a consistent performer for Punjab Kings, Pathan believes improving new-ball bowling and economy rate is crucial for his future.

Fresh off a T20 World Cup triumph and two Player of the Match awards, Ishan Kishan is embracing his new role as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026. He aims to keep things simple, focusing on players' mindset and staying in the present to guide SRH through the season.

Concerns over safety and infrastructure in Cyprus ahead of the Candidates have unsettled players, with Koneru Humpy withdrawing and Hikaru Nakamura questioning power reliability. Anish Giri mocked FIDEs delayed response. FIDE has now issued a FAQ, insisting Cyprus is safe, outages are rare, and backup systems and contingency plans are in place to ensure smooth conduct.

Shakib, 39, had moved to the United States after the country's Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina was removed following a student uprising in 2024. The interim government had barred Shakib from representing Bangladesh.

Rishabh Pant's IPL 2025 campaign saw him struggle with form, averaging 24.45. Former opener Aakash Chopra believes Pant's risky batting approach, which even former coach Rahul Dravid questioned, has led to criticism and a loss of national team spot. Pant's decision to seek guidance from Yuvraj Singh is seen as a positive step towards improving his white-ball game.

Perth-born Cooper Connolly, who has modelled his batting on Shaun Marsh, a former star for Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab), is set to turn up for the Mohali-based franchise as he looks to emulate his idol. The 22-year-old was bought by Punjab Kings for Rs 3 crore during last years IPL mini auction.

Ravichandran Ashwin described Shubman Gill as a don who will be eally hungry to return to the Indian T20I side this season. Ashwin urged Gill to focus on scoring runs normally rather than chasing a high strike rate, believing his natural game will lead to success and potentially another Orange Cap.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly addressed the enduring debate between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Ganguly emphasized that both players are exceptional and have significantly contributed to India's victories. He highlighted the difficulty of achieving their records and stated that playing alongside great players like Tendulkar improved his own game, making a direct comparison between the two unnecessary.

Veteran MS Dhoni, at 44, gears up for his 19th IPL season, showcasing his enduring finishing prowess in a recent net session. Despite trolling for the bowler, Dhoni's continued impact is evident. CSK, under Ruturaj Gaikwad, faces challenges with Nathan Ellis's injury but has bolstered their squad with Sanju Samson, signaling a future-focused approach.

Rinku Singh received a dual honor, being appointed vice-captain of KKR for IPL 2026 and then appointed as a Regional Sports Officer by the Uttar Pradesh Government. CM Yogi Adityanath presented him with the appointment letter, highlighting UP's commitment to prioritizing athletes in government service. This new role will see Rinku shaping the future of sports in Uttar Pradesh.

IPL captains will meet BCCI officials on March 25 to discuss crucial rules like the two-bouncer rule and ball replacement. The session, featuring match referees and umpires, will clarify regulations on bat checks, saliva use, and the retired-out provision. Key changes to ball replacement rules, especially in the second innings, will be detailed.

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, 35, showcased lethal yorkers in Lucknow Super Giants' nets, impressing coach Justin Langer. Bowling coach Bharat Arun expressed excitement about working with Shami again, highlighting his significant contribution to India's past overseas Test victories. LSG's pace attack, a blend of experience and emerging talent, faces the challenge of managing workloads post-injury.

Virat Kohli was spotted mentoring Phil Salt in a recent RCB practice session, offering batting tips as the English opener aims to bounce back from a dip in form.

Delhi Capitals have bolstered their lower-middle order with experienced David Miller and explosive talents like Tristian Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma. However, their historical struggles in crunch situations and uncertainty around Mitchell Starc's availability remain concerns. Axar Patel has an opportunity to impress as a leader, but a stable Powerplay opening partnership is crucial to avoid a slow start.

India's selectors are closely watching the IPL to identify new talent and track consistency, moving beyond just top teams. Franchise scouting networks are now crucial, mirroring domestic cricket's shift. Focus remains on ODI core development and assessing players like Mayank Yadav and Rishabh Pant, while monitoring Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, confirmed that pacer Yash Dayal will not participate in the upcoming IPL season due to personal circumstances and ongoing legal issues. Dayal, who missed the domestic season, remains under contract, but his absence is deemed best for both him and the franchise. Bowling depth is further tested by Josh Hazlewood's recovery.

IPL 2026 faces a fast-bowling crisis as injuries sideline key players, including RCB's Josh Hazlewood. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat attributes this to a congested cricket calendar, impacting team planning. Despite Phil Salt's recent T20 form dip, Bobat expresses confidence in his ability to perform for RCB.

At a preseason event in Kolkata, KKR retired Andre Russells No. 12 jersey, honouring his impact and loyalty. Despite past exit rumours, he stayed committed and now takes on a Power Coach role. Russell reflected emotionally on his career, saying he left everything on the field. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh was named vice-captain under Ajinkya Rahane for the new season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's brand value soared to US$269 million, topping the IPL charts after their maiden title win. This success stemmed from a blend of fresh leadership with Rajat Patidar and the enduring star power of Virat Kohli, coupled with a strong, well-rounded squad and enhanced fan engagement strategies.

Bengaluru's pleasant weather, tech-savvy population, and rich cricketing heritage make it an ideal IPL city. The mild climate benefits players and spectators, while its status as India's tech hub fosters strong fan engagement and innovative experiences. This blend of factors, alongside a legacy of producing top cricketers, solidifies Bengaluru's crucial role in the IPL's success and future.

Vijay Mallya's initial purchase of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $111.6 million was driven by brand promotion, not cricket passion. Now, after an 18-year journey under Diageo's ownership and a name change to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the franchise has been sold for a staggering $1.78 billion, marking a colossal 1495% value increase.

A consortium including Aditya Birla Group, Times of India, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone has acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for $1.78 billion. This landmark deal encompasses both the men's and women's IPL and WPL franchises from United Spirits. Aryaman Vikram Birla will chair the team, with Satyan Gajwani as vice-chairman, following the 2026 IPL season.

Former Team India captain Sourav Ganguly says he remains deeply involved in cricket and is open to coaching in the future after his stint with Pretoria Capitals. He stressed his passion for the game and willingness to explore opportunities. Ganguly backed Test cricket as the toughest format, said the IPL Impact Player rule will stay, praised IPLs growth, and highlighted young talents like Auqib Nabi.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured pacer Nathan Ellis ahead of IPL 2026. Ellis, ruled out with a hamstring injury, was expected to lead the attack, making his absence a big setback. Johnson, with international and IPL experience, joins for Rs 1.5 crore as CSK look to fill the gap and stay competitive.

India have named balanced squads for the Thomas and Uber Cup in Denmark, blending experience with young talent. Lakshya Sen leads the mens team, which retains its 2022-winning core, while PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda headline the womens side. New and returning players add depth. Selections were based on rankings and team needs, with officials confident the mix can deliver strong results.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Duckett explained his decision.

RCBs big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute & squad update