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Rajasthan Royals’ new teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has stormed the cricketing world following a spectacular innings against Chennai Super Kings, sparking talks of fast-tracking him into the Indian national setup. And he has built it right from the top as his 52 off just 17 balls carried Rajasthan Royals to a four-over, eight-wicket win in Guwahati that turns eyes and heads across the arena — fans, specialists and colleagues alike. The knock was not only an advertisement for Sooryavanshi’s daredevil batting but also of his capacity to dominate high-quality bowling at a stage in life where most cricketers are still unschooled elements in the mortar of professional cricket. Former cricketers hailed his performance and Piyush Chawla strongly proposed that he be included in the national side soon. Chawla said that if the young boy continues playing like this, he would “love to see him fast-tracked” for greater accolades. While Sooryavanshi’s prowess was undeniably palpable, Ambati Rayudu offered a more even-keel perspective. Rayudu, who spoke after the match, accepted that the young batter was “definitely in the race” for an India call-up but insisted that there is tough competition among players in-form within the current squad. And some are performing consistently well and have done so over the last few years, which makes picking them a tough task. Even with the cautious excitement, Rayudu did not spare a few words of praise for Sooryavanshi’s unique capabilities. He said of the young player, “There’s a little bit of cut above what you see in a lot of youngsters around the country,” adding that his fearlessness and natural ability make him a special talent. Sooryavanshi’s ability to take on bowlers was a highlight and two-cutting ground shots, one between mid seamer and square fielder, showed how currently, he is feeling confident. Even on an overhead bet anytime the bowler Fooled with a slightly perky surface, half-wedged with few slender plates in it. Interestingly, it wasn’t just the commentators that admired Sooryavanshi. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag revealed even his teammates were sent into raptures by the teenager’s batting. From the safety of the dugout, Parag and his teammates watched in admiration as Sooryavanshi knocked the ball around as if conditions were normal. Parag pointed out that he was more interested in keeping things simple and not listening to every external noise, while the team management was responsible for shielding him from the pressure outside. A big part of the Royals’ strategy has been to let Sooryavanshi play his cricket freely. Parag said the emphasis was to make sure he batted long enough in nets and felt comfortable both on and off the field. It seems as if that supportive environment is paying dividends as the young man keeps repaying his team with match-winning performances. Sooryavanshi’s rise has been remarkable, to say the least. He was the Player of the Tournament as India won the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, scoring 439 runs in seven innings. His accolades include being the youngest player to play in IPL history and he has some remarkable statistics in domestic cricket. Performing under pressure and an unflappable mindset are hallmarks of his rise. And playing against international-level bowlers in the IPL has been another catalyst for his growth. Chawla also mentioned that his stint of facing high class bowlers at international level from an early age will stand him in good stead while moving to the International Cricket stage. Sooryavanshi’s innings was so impactful that even Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach Mike Hussey from the rival camp, admitted to it. Hussey said it was too early in the innings for a dropped catch to have turned the game, but also that no one could restrain the young fireball’s clarity of intent and aggression. He also said that players with this sort of attacking mentality are capable of single-handedly changing games when their approach comes together. Though there was no century in this match thanks to a modest target, Sooryavanshi’s innings served to further reinforce his hunger for runs and ability to boss attack. His performances have reignited discussions on the future of Indian cricket and a brave new world of players. For now, selectors might play it safe given his age and the wealth of talent available. But one thing is for sure—Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made a loud statement on the big stage. If this trend of his continues, then it is probably just a matter of time before he wears the Indian jersey and embarks on yet another chapter in what already seems to be a stellar career. Read also : PBKS Stronger Than Last Season | RR vs CSK IPL 2026 | MS Dhoni Predicted to Sit Out the Initial Hindrance

With the IPL 2026 season around the corner, Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting has made a strong statement about the team, claiming that the squad is “stronger” and more balanced this time than last. Having had a phenomenal IPL 2025 season, ending the league stage at the top with 19 points, PBKS will be looking to take that extra step and grab their first title. As last season’s performance august that in the new season is not a guarantee of success, Ponting polished. He feels the team needs to reboot with similar hunger and intensity. The composition of the squad this year is almost complete, he said, with players such as Johnson and Ghoul coming in to plug areas of need across the lineup and multiple reliable backups on hand. Improved Depth and Flexibility Key to PBKS Strategy Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly is one of the additions in the PBKS squad. Ponting also noted the flexibility Connolly’s presence offers to their batting order, particularly as a left-hander. It gives PBKS the option to try out combinations and also helps provide a left-right balance in the latter stages of an innings, which can matter so much in T20 cricket. Last season, key batting responsibilities were handled by players like Priyansh Arya and Nehal Wadhera but Connolly’s versatility now broadens options. Ponting said this flexibility will enable the side to adapt better from match to match and conditions. The Final Few—Dozens of Options to Fill Key Roles Replacing the contribution of Josh Inglis, who was vital for them last season, has been a major concern for PBKS ahead of IPL 2026. But Ponting has dismissed the possibility and noted that he has enough fringe players who are up to the task. They could promote players like Suryansh Shedge up the order, and overseas options in Connolly and Mitch Owen offer aggressive batting at the top. Ponting also pointed out team selection would largely depend on pitch conditions. For example, overseas power hitters could thrive on faster, bouncier pitches whereas heavier, slower surfaces could be more conducive for Indian batters. Big Advantage: Batting Depth Ponting also pointed out the batting depth in the team, stating even Marco Jansen could bat as low as No. 8 in this side. The depth of PBKS gives them the luxury to play aggressively, not hemmed in by fears of closer down the other end — there are able batsmen no matter how far down you go. That kind of depth also allows the team to mix and match its batting order according to each match’s circumstances, a battle-tested strategy that gives Australia a tactical advantage against opponents. Scoring Rates Are Up, and Bowlers Pay the Price Commenting on the IPL matches having a lot of runs being scored, Ponting agreed that modern T20 cricket has certainly put more pressure on bowlers. With big hitters and athletic batsmen ruling the game, even minor line or length mistakes can be heavily punished. He added that variation is key to bowling success with strategies like yorkers, bouncers and pace variations. He also hinted at the possibility of mystery spinners or relatively unfamiliar names as surprise packages for rivals in the tournament. Hoping for a Consolidation and Winning Streak Ponting finished by describing his best-case scenario of a team that is good enough to make 250, but also hold the opposition to under 200. It was an ambitious move but one that is reflective of the aggressive mindset and attacking brand of cricket PBKS endeavour to play. With the start of IPL 2026, Punjab Kings seem well-prepared with a balanced squad, tactical flexibility and renewed determination. With Ponting in charge, not only will the team look to replicate last season’s success, but it will also hope that this is finally the season it lifts its first IPL trophy. Read also : RR vs CSK IPL 2026 | MS Dhoni Predicted to Sit Out the Initial Hindrance of IPL | Nuwan Thushara Fails Fitness Test

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati and elected to bowl first here on Saturday in their IPL 2026 campaign opener. Under overcast conditions on a red-soil pitch that had been underneath covers for most of time, new Indian captain Riyan Parag made an auspicious call. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, too, said he would have preferred fielding first in such conditions as seamers might get assistance early. Even though they lost the toss, CSK had set a balanced side (youth has been balanced with experience) that built to put in a competitive total. Rajasthan’s playing XI featured a major talking point that was them opting to field just three overseas players in their playing XI, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Shimron Hetmyer. However, this option gives flexibility later in the innings with Donovan Ferreira or Lhuan-dre Pretorius both options as Impact Players during the chase. RR also gave a memorable debut to uncapped Bengal pacer Brijesh Sharma, who earned his place after some impressive performances in the Bengal Pro T20 League 2025. His selection illustrates the franchise’s seeking to develop rising native talent around established names. While, CSK was stricken with a new blow as they had injuries to star players. The unavailability of MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis resulted in substantial changes to the side. Australian all-rounder Matthew Short was also handed a debut and Rajasthan wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma played for the franchise after being bought at the auction for a whopping INR 14.2 crore. CSK’s squad, interestingly, still boasted of depth with the likes of Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton counting as overseas members of the playing XI. The team also went with a bowling-heavy combination, having Noor Ahmad at No. 8 to ensure that up to seven options would be available with the ball. CSK’s Impact Player strategy was also flexible. In case there is a batting collapse, they can play Sarfaraz Khan to strengthen the middle order. However, another Easterner in high-profile buy Prashant Veer, couldn’t find a place in the XI despite being one of the most expensive purchases. Either team comes into this season with something to prove. RR and CSK are eager to turn their fortunes around after finishing at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025. Fresh leadership, new signings and young talents stepping up to the plate mean that this match could define their campaigns. As the match progresses, RR’s bowlers will play a major role in capitalising on early conditions and whether CSK’s new look batting order can step up to the occasion. Read also : MS Dhoni Predicted to Sit Out the Initial Hindrance | Nuwan Thushara Fails Fitness Test | Rajasthan Royals Sold for $1.635 Billion to US Investors

A calf strain has meant that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter might miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026, a massive blow for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The development was confirmed by the franchise on tournament’s opening day adding that Dhoni is under rehabilitation and being monitored closely by the medical team. CSK will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals before facing Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals in the first fortnight. It’s a big blow for the team since they’ve been getting 的 assists from all over, but Dhoni’s really on top in these particular points of early-season cricket. With Dhoni out, newly acquired star Sanju Samson will likely take over wicketkeeping duties in his absence. Samson, who was roped in by CSK in a high-profile trade deal where Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved the other way, would also likely open the batting for the team with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. His addition adds stability and aggression at the top of the order. CSK do have Urvil Patel and young wicketkeeping prospect Kartik Sharma as backup options apart from Samson. Given the astronomical bidders of INR 14.20 crore, Kartik has a lot to live up to given his recent saturated more interstellar reach in domestic leg Cricket Urvil, though got limited chances last season but took them with a bruising strike rate of 200 plus, and can be an option in the playing XI. The veteran continues to be a guiding force for the team, so CSK will feel his absence both tactically and emotionally. He played all 14 matches of IPL 2025, amassing 196 runs from 13 innings at a strike rate of 135.17. He batted lower down the order so would usually arrive at the crease in the final overs and when drama was unfolding, but his presence ensured calmness and strategic clarity prevailed amid stressful spells. After a disappointing season that ended at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with only four wins, CSK will be looking to turn their fortunes around this year. After so much of squad and strategy changes, the team looks to make a stronger comeback in IPL 2026. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis has already been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, dealing another blow to the franchise. He has been replaced by fellow Australian Spencer Johnson in a pace attack led by Matt Henry. Bowling is by Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, Zak Foulkes, Anshul Kamboj, Ramakrishna Ghosh and Jamie Overton in addition to Mukesh Choudhary. CSK has to challenge IPL 2026 early without MS, and they are expected to lead the younger players and new signings. With hopes of the veteran recovering and being back in action, bringing his vast experience to the team at a vital juncture of the event. Read also : Nuwan Thushara Fails Fitness Test | Rajasthan Royals Sold for $1.635 Billion to US Investors | IPL 2026 Schedule Announced

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been a significant blow to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026 before it even starts as he manages to fail his mandatory fitness test and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) doesn’t provide him with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva explained that Thushara’s overall score of 12 out of a possible 29 based on five metrics did not hit the fitness benchmark. The passing mark was set for the players at 17 points. And so he has not been given the all-clear to play in overseas leagues, including the IPL. This development implies that Thushara will miss at least the opening match of IPL 2026 in which RCB are scheduled to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. RCB, who are already struggling with squad uncertainties, could not have afforded to lose Brookes at this stage. The franchise recently ruled out Indian pacer Yash Dayal due to injury and there are doubts over Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood’s availability. Thushara’s unavailability further diminishes the threat of RCB’s bowling attack going into the deeper stages of the tournament. According to reports, Thushara might also skip RCB’s second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5. But it is not too late for the Sri Lankan pacer. He can retake the fitness test after four to five days. He can still join the RCB camp midway through if he meets the necessary standards in his next attempt. If he will not be able to do so, however, it may see him put out of all forms of representative cricket for some time. Thushara is not the only Sri Lankan cricketer dealing with fitness issues. Two other star performers, Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, are also injured as yet and have to pass their own fitness tests for the IPL. Pathirana, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a big INR 18 crore sum, is recuperating from a calf strain. Earlier, the injury had forced him out of the 2026 T20 World Cup in which he played only three matches. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had recently hinted that Pathirana would not return for the first part of IPL season and she may only rejoin the squad around mid-April, but it would depend on how quickly he recovered. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is nursing a hamstring injury, although he was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore. Hasaranga, like Pathirana, also saw his T20 World Cup cut short due to fitness issues. He is working toward a return timeline that has not yet been determined, but his availability will depend on passing the SLC fitness test. It underscores the increasing importance placed on fitness tests by Sri Lanka Cricket, which has made passing the tests compulsory for players who want to play in international leagues. While this guarantees that players are ready to play and fit for the long haul, it presents challenges for franchises sporting an international flavor. As IPL 2026 commences, franchises like RCB, KKR, and Lucknow Super Giants can expect to keep an eye on the fitness progress of their Sri Lankan recruits. RCB will now regroup and look for other options, as they get set to kick off their campaign without Thushara. Read also : Rajasthan Royals Sold for $1.635 Billion to US Investors | IPL 2026 Schedule Announced | Prithvi Shaw Comeback 2026

In a game-changing move for franchise cricket, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are to be bought by a consortium of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) based in the USA at an eye-popping value of approximately $1.635 billion (almost INR 15,290 crore). If completed, the deal would be one of the largest ownership transactions in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. The investment group is headed by Kal Somani, a technology entrepreneur from Arizona, who is already a current supporter of the franchise. He is joined by notable figures from American sports ownership, including Rob Walton, owner of the N.F.L.’s Denver Broncos, and Michael Hamp, part of the Lion’s ownership group. The group won exclusive negotiation rights to the franchise after reportedly outbidding multiple international investors. The takeover also gives them ownership of Rajasthan Royals’ sister franchises in global T20 leagues — Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 tournament and Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League. That multi-league presence is thought to have greatly increased the franchise’s overall valuation. The victorious Somani-led group won after rounds of intense bidding that ended on March 20. Among the competing bidders were global investment firms and large business houses, and a consortium led by Avram Glazer. The spirited bid, which came in at a 35 percent premium to the previous record individual sports franchise payment, underscores increasing global investor conviction in the IPL’s explosive growth and India’s surging sports market. The franchise is currently owned by the UKbased Emerging Media, which is led by Manoj Badale and that bought the team for a mere $67 million in 2008. The Royals were then viewed as the least-valuable franchise. But their fairytale story really kicked into gear when they won the first IPL under the leadership of the late Shane Warne. RR has attracted a number of prominent investors over the years. In 2009 Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra bought a minority stake. In September, RedBird Capital Partners acquired a 15% stake in the franchise, part of an effort to woo potential investors. Among other investors are a who’s who of business leaders and tech entrepreneurs from around the globe. Despite inconsistent seasons — including a ninth-place finish most recently — the value of the franchise has continued to rise. Experts point out that apart from match results, IPL team valuations depend largely on their commercial potential, brand strength and media rights growth. The new owners are expected to finalise discussions with Badale over the next few weeks, which will then need to be formally approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. When the deal is approved, it will mark an official new high in IPL franchise valuations. Crucially, this change of ownership will not impact Rajasthan Royals’ participation in IPL 2026. Now captained by Riyan Parag, the team will start its campaign against the Chennai Super Kings on March 30. The deal marks a new milestone in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) evolution into an international sports juggernaut and underlines the league’s growing attractiveness to foreign investors seeking share of India’s booming sports market. Read also : IPL 2026 Schedule Announced | Navdeep Saini Joins KKR, Kulwant Khejroliya Replaces Yarra at GT | Prithvi Shaw Comeback 2026

The Indian Premier League has announced the full schedule for the league stage of its 2026 season, sending fans into a frenzy as it gears up for another exciting installment in the popular tournament. The league stage will end on May 24, with the final lined up for May 31 even though venues for all playoff stages have not been finalized. There was already a partial schedule released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, but Thursday’s announcement detailed most of the above-mentioned fixtures. With venues like Dharamsala and Raipur returning to the fold, one of the big takeaways from this edition is that it would expand the footprint of T20 cricket a little further in order for more geographical locations to get to see live IPL action. The league is scheduled to start on March 28, when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first game. Twenty matches are planned from March 28 to April 12, including an early double-header Sunday, establishing a quick tempo for the tournament. Teams are once again arranged into two groups of contenders based on their title history for the 2026 season. The teams in Group A are Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Group B: Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants In a substantial format shift, the IPL contrarians have not done it once again with their schedule. There will be no more double round-robin play and teams will face their group rivals just once, but they have to play the entire opposite group twice this year. The change allows for marquee clashes such as the two Chennai Super Kings-Mumbai Indians matches on April 23 in Mumbai and May 2 in Chennai, to have an added dimension for fans. From April 13 to May 24, the tournament’s middle stage will include a set of 50 matches played in 12 venues. Raipur has been chosen by the Bengaluru franchise as a secondary home ground and they will play hosts against Mumbai Indians (May 10) and Kolkata Knight Riders (May 13) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium. Dharamsala also returns to the IPL calendar after a long gap as an eagerly awaited stop. A match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium last season was affected because of cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. This year, the fixture has been set for May 11 and a symbolic, exciting return to that venue. The revised fixture list also adds eight new double-headers, for eleven total matchdays in which two matches will be played on the same day. The days of action are designed to encourage viewership and give fans a longer period of entertainment. Now with new venues, a revamped format and a festooned schedule of matches, IPL in 2023 is all set to usher in another season of mind-boggling cricket. They now await the announcement of where and when it will host its playoffs as the countdown begins to one of cricket’s biggest leagues. Read also : Navdeep Saini Joins KKR, Kulwant Khejroliya Replaces Yarra at GT | Prithvi Shaw Comeback 2026 | Pat Cummins IPL 2026 Return Update