IPL 2026 Build-up Live Updates: RCB's Yash Dayal ruled out; DC's Ben Duckett pulls out of IPL

Three-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday announced Rinku Singh as vice captain of the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.

"God’s plan has a new chapter," KKR posted on X.

England batter Ben Duckett has pulled out of the Indian Premier League 2026, informing Delhi Capitals of his decision on Tuesday.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) announced England's David Payne as a replacement for Jack Edwards ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Where will MS Dhoni feature in the Chennai Super Kings playing XI? Will he come in as an Impact Player? Will he bat in his usual No. 7 or No. 8 position? How many matches will he play this season? And is IPL 2026 going to be his last? These questions are doing the rounds at the moment.

CSK, five-time IPL champions, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the time has come for the veteran to retire.

"You do not run the team from the dugout, it's not football. In cricket, you need to be on the field, and MS Dhoni's biggest asset is his ability to read the game better than anybody else. That clarity and conviction are what make him who he is. In any case, I feel this could be his last season. He has the heir apparent now. Sanju Samson will eventually don the gloves, it could even happen at some stage during this season. Again, conditions apply in terms of MS Dhoni's fitness and his knee. But he cannot be the Impact Player. If he is playing as an Impact Player, I think it's time for him to hang up his boots," Chopra said while speaking on JioStar's 'IPL Today Live'.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have named Saurabh Dubey and David Payne as replacements for the injured Akash Deep and Jack Edwards respectively ahead of the IPL beginning on March 28.

India pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the tournament with a lumbar stress injury. He will remain under the supervision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

"Saurabh, a left-arm pacer, will replace Akash at KKR. He will join KKR for Rs 30 lakh," an IPL media advisory stated.

Saurabh, the 28-year-old Vidarbha bowler, who is yet to make his IPL debut, was previously part of the SRH squad.

Meanwhile, England pacer Payne has been signed by SRH as a replacement for Jack Edwards, who has been sidelined with a foot injury. Edwards had earlier been picked up by SRH for Rs 3 crore following a bidding contest with Chennai Super Kings.

Payne, who has featured in one ODI for England and played 233 T20 matches, claiming 304 wickets, will join SRH for Rs 1.5 crore.

The BCCI has barred IPL teams from holding practice sessions on match days in IPL 2026, according to a note sent to team managers. Teams will be allotted two nets in the practice area and one side wicket on the main square for range-hitting during practice. At Wankhede Stadium, if both teams train at the same time, each side will get two wickets.

A list of do’s and dont’s


- No open nets will be allowed.

- If one team ends practice early, the other cannot use its allotted wickets.

- No fitness tests will be allowed on the main square on match days.

- On practice days, players must travel to the stadium in the team bus, though teams may split into two batches.

Players must travel separately from family members, while family and friends can come in separate vehicles and watch from the hospitality area.

Match-day rules include

- Players are asked not to hit balls onto LED boards despite the provision of hitting nets.

- Players and support staff cannot sit in front of LED boards. Designated seating for substitutes with towels and water bottles will be marked.

- Players must wear orange and purple caps; if not, they should wear them for at least the first two overs so broadcasters can capture them.

- Sleeveless jerseys and slippers are banned during post-match presentations. First violation will bring a warning; second will attract a financial penalty.

Despite a disappointing 2024 season, Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra is confident of a strong comeback in IPL 2026.

The team, led by Shubman Gill, aims to compete and win, a mindset that has been consistent since their debut. Gujarat Titans will commence their campaign against Punjab Kings on March 31.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium will honour 11 fans lost in a tragedy. A memorial plaque and 11 reserved seats will be unveiled.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will lead tributes before the match. The stadium remembers the lives lost during celebrations. This tribute ensures their memory remains part of the venue.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill wants his fast bowlers to perform with the same intensity and aggression that former India pacer Ashish Nehra displayed during his playing days, ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Known for his fiery pace and on-field passion, Nehra never held back - often shouting, and at times even cussing, if there were misfields or dropped catches.

Gujarat Titans marked the beginning of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 journey with Shubharambh 2026, a landmark evening in Ahmedabad that brought together the full squad, franchise owners, partners, and fans. The evening reflected on the team’s five-year journey while setting a clear, forward-looking tone for the season ahead.

Shanaka arrives with considerable T20 experience and is expected to slot into the lower middle order, offering both finishing ability and all-round depth. He previously featured in the IPL during the 2023 season for Gujarat Titans, where he played three matches.

Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel explained that KL Rahul batted in the middle order last year due to the team's composition, which included two foreign top-order players.

He emphasised that Rahul has historically excelled as an opener and believes that giving him a top-order slot will provide strong starts in T20 matches, easing the role for the middle-order batters.

IPL is set to kick off from March 28, while Delhi Capitals will start their campaign with a match against LSG on April 1 in Lucknow.

"Last year, he was playing in the middle order because of our team combination. The players we had there were two foreign players, who could play in the top order, and, if you make foreign players play in the middle order, then teams use spin more," Patel told the reporters.

"So, because of this, we used KL Rahul in the middle order last year. He has always been good, in the opening slot, he has made a lot of runs. And if you get a good start in T20 cricket, then it becomes easier for the ones at the back. So, I think till now, we will keep him as an opener," he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin has raised a key concern surrounding Mumbai Indians and their leadership structure. The veteran off-spinner believes Suryakumar Yadav should have been entrusted with the captaincy, particularly after guiding India to their third T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year.

Sri Lankan all-rounder and T20I captain Dasun Shanaka will join the franchise as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran, the IPL governing council confirmed on Monday.

With the Indian Premier League 2026 just around the corner, teams have stepped up their preparations, and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru got their campaign underway with a lively warm-up game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Virat Kohli looked in fine touch with a brisk 29 off 12 balls, while Jitesh Sharma grabbed the spotlight with a scintillating 81 off just 37 deliveries.

The contest, featuring sides led by new recruit Venkatesh Iyer (Team Venky) and Krunal Pandya (Team Krunal), turned into a high-scoring affair. Batting first, Team Venky piled up 234 for seven, with strong contributions across the board. Alongside Jitesh and Kohli, Tim David smashed 36 off 14 balls, while skipper Iyer added a quick 36 off 16.

With Lucknow Super Giants already boasting a star-studded pace arsenal, Arjun Tendulkar may struggle for opportunities in his new team, according to former India spinner R Ashwin. LSG have Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan and Akash Singh in their pace unit, and given the strength of their attack, Arjun’s chances of featuring in the playing XI appear slim.

“Arjun Tendulkar khelega hi nahi (Arjun Tendulkar won’t play at all), and let’s not even go there. I think it is very difficult because there are Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mohammad Shami in this lineup. There are so many fast bowlers. How will he play? I don’t think he makes any case unless and until there are a lot of injuries,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Delhi Capitals on Monday shared a key update on the availability of Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with the franchise still awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia.

Speaking during a pre-season media interaction, DC head coach Hemang Badani confirmed that there has been no official communication so far regarding Starc’s participation. “Haven’t got any update from Cricket Australia on [Mitchell] Starc. Will let you know once things get cleared,” Badani said, suggesting that the situation remains uncertain for now.

Despite the lack of clarity, DC captain Axar Patel sounded more optimistic, expressing confidence that the left-arm quick could link up with the squad at any point.

Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao on Monday gave updates on the arrival of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In the pre-season media interaction, Rao said: "Starc is coming. Only waiting for the clearance from Cricket Australia."

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson enjoyed a stellar ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, playing a key role in India’s title defence. After an impressive campaign, the Kerala batter now shifts focus to a new challenge — the IPL 2026 — and that too with a new team, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings.

Having represented Rajasthan Royals for over a decade, Samson will don CSK colours in IPL 2026 after being traded last year. The right-hander will also share the dressing room with legendary MS Dhoni.

Recently, during an exhibition match between CSK veterans and current players, Samson faced off against spin great Muttiah Muralitharan — a moment that fans found both special and emotional.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium turned back time on Sunday as legendary Chennai Super Kings heroes walked out for a first-of-its-kind ‘Roar’ event, delighting fans.

The originals — the men who built CSK’s legacy — including Suresh Raina, Muttiah Muralitharan, Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo, donned their iconic yellow jerseys once again for an exhibition match against the current squad. The veterans outplayed the newer lot with ease, sending the 28,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.

The biggest cheers, however, were reserved for Sanju Samson, who is set for his debut season with CSK. The T20 World Cup winner acknowledged the reception and promised to give his best in helping the team chase another title.

It took Royal Challengers Bengaluru 18 seasons and three unsuccessful final appearances to finally capture the long-awaited IPL title. On June 3 last year, they clinched it with a narrow six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final.

The journey had been a painful one — marked by repeated heartbreaks, close calls and the unwavering support of one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. Yet when the long-awaited triumph finally arrived, the celebrations that followed were cut short by tragedy.

June 4, 2025, changed Bengaluru’s sporting narrative in a way few could have foreseen. Eleven people lost their lives in a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations, less than a day after the historic win. What should have been a moment of pure joy turned into one of shock and mourning, leaving a lasting scar on the city and the game.

In the days that followed, the historic title win faded into the background. The tragedy also cast a long shadow over the Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the iconic venue — a regular host of international matches for decades — barred from staging games.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three in what could be a defining IPL season for him. With the franchise investing heavily in him, expectations are high for both leadership and batting returns.

Pant, who struggled for consistency last season, will look to cement his place in India’s T20 plans with strong performances. With players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in form, the pressure is on Pant to deliver.

LSG’s management believes the No. 3 role suits him best as they aim for a stronger campaign.

Raina, fondly called ‘Chinna Thala’, was a cornerstone of CSK from 2008 to 2021 and played a crucial role in four title-winning campaigns. He remains the franchise’s highest run-getter with 5529 runs, including two centuries and 38 fifties.

Hayden, meanwhile, represented CSK from 2008 to 2010 and was instrumental in their 2010 title triumph. He also won the Orange Cap in 2009 with 572 runs. Their induction into the Hall of Fame recognises their immense contributions to the franchise’s success.

Chennai Super Kings inducted former India all-rounder Suresh Raina and Australia great Matthew Hayden into their first-ever Hall of Fame during the ‘Roar’26’ fan event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The ceremony celebrated the legacy of two players who played key roles in shaping CSK’s identity over the years.

Several former players, including Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Lakshmipathy Balaji, S Badrinath and Michael Hussey, were present, making it a nostalgic evening for fans at Chepauk.

Dubey brings promising domestic credentials into the setup, having taken 16 wickets in eight List A matches. Known for his ability to swing the ball and maintain discipline, the left-arm pacer now has a golden opportunity to break into the IPL spotlight.

With KKR looking to build a balanced attack, Dubey’s skill set could offer variety alongside their existing seam options. The upcoming season could prove to be a turning point in his career if he manages to translate domestic success into impactful performances on the big stage.

Akash Deep has been ruled out for at least eight weeks due to a stress reaction in his lower back, effectively sidelining him from the IPL. The setback also casts serious doubt over his availability for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in early June.

For KKR, the timing of the injury is far from ideal, forcing them to recalibrate their bowling plans just before the season begins. The team management will now rely on replacements like Dubey to step up and fill the void left by the right-arm seamer.

Kolkata Knight Riders are set to rope in Vidarbha left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for injured India seamer Akash Deep ahead of the upcoming IPL season. While the franchise is yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate that the 28-year-old has been finalised as cover.

Dubey, who has not made his IPL debut yet, was previously part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. His inclusion adds depth to KKR’s pace attack, especially with the team needing reliable options early in the tournament amid concerns over injuries and squad balance.