Hardik Pandya Told To 'Say No To Mumbai Indians Captaincy' By Ex-BCCI Selector: "Things Will Get Resolved" The captaincy dispute at Mumbai Indians (MI) has resurfaced as former India batter Kris Srikkanth has called on Hardik Pandya to voluntarily step down as team captain and hand over the role to Suryakumar Yadav. Srikkanth, a former BCCI selector, emphasized that the situation requires a resolution, suggesting that Hardik should communicate directly with the management to address the internal conflict. Hardik rejoined MI in 2024 through a high-profile trade from Gujarat Titans, the team he led to their inaugural IPL title in 2022. However, the franchise’s decision to appoint him as captain in 2025, despite his recent playoff exit, has sparked speculation about tensions between Hardik and former captain Rohit Sharma. The management’s choice faced backlash after MI finished at the bottom of the table in 2024, though the team showed signs of recovery by reaching the playoffs in 2025. The leadership debate has persisted into the 2026 season, with calls for a change in captaincy growing louder. Srikkanth highlighted the unusual nature of the situation, noting that two T20 World Cup-winning captains—Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav—are currently playing under Hardik’s leadership. He argued that the franchise must address this internal policy issue, suggesting that Suryakumar should be given the opportunity to lead. “They should ask Surya to lead this year to see if there is a change of luck,” Srikkanth said. “They can always appoint Surya as the captain anytime. It’s a funny situation. Hardik is a good captain, but the obvious choice should be Suryakumar.” The former BCCI selector also urged Hardik to take the initiative by publicly supporting Suryakumar’s leadership.#suryakumar_yadav #hardik_pandya #rohit_sharma #mumbai_indians #kris_srikkanth
Mumbai Indians captaincy debate reignites as ex-India star urges leadership shift Mumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League champions, face renewed scrutiny over their leadership structure as they prepare for the 2026 season. Despite boasting a star-studded squad including Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, the franchise has not won the title since 2020. The team’s recent struggles have sparked discussions about whether a change in leadership could revitalize their fortunes. The debate intensified after Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in 2024. While the transition initially showed promise, the team’s performance declined, culminating in a last-place finish that season. The following year brought some improvement, with Mumbai reaching the playoffs, but they were eliminated in Qualifier 2 by Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer. These results have fueled calls for a reevaluation of the team’s leadership dynamics. Former India selector Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Suryakumar Yadav, who recently led India to T20 World Cup success, should be given the captaincy. Srikkanth emphasized that the franchise’s management, along with key players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, should consider allowing Yadav to lead. “They should ask Surya to lead this year to see if there is a change of luck,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. “They don’t need to announce it right now.” Srikkanth also highlighted the unusual internal dynamics within the squad, noting that multiple World Cup-winning captains are currently playing under Hardik. “It’s a funny situation,” he remarked. “Hardik is a good captain, but they have two T20 World Cup-winning captains playing under him. This might be a franchise policy.#suryakumar_yadav #hardik_pandya #rohit_sharma #mumbai_indians #kris_srikkanth
IPL Team Sponsorship Revenues Surpass Rs 1,000 Crore Milestone The Indian Premier League (IPL) has achieved a significant commercial milestone as team sponsorship revenues crossed the Rs 1,000 crore mark for the 2025 season, according to a report by WPP Media. This growth highlights the league’s expanding appeal to global brands and its role as a cornerstone of Indian sports commerce. The surge in sponsorship income is attributed to a shift in brand focus, with sectors such as technology, aviation, fintech, and renewable energy increasingly investing in the league. These industries view the IPL as a strategic platform to access India’s vast consumer market, further solidifying its position as a premier global sports event. Among the franchises, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings emerged as the top earners, each generating approximately Rs 150 crore in sponsorship revenue. This dominance places them at the forefront of the league’s commercial landscape. The remaining teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, occupy the second tier, while the collective contributions of all 10 franchises totaled Rs 1,033 crore. Vinit Karnik, MD of WPP Media, emphasized the league’s significance, stating, “IPL is not just big, it is the backbone of Indian sports commerce. If there is an aggregated audience for an impact property, traditional and new sponsors are ready to step up.” The IPL’s commercial success is further underscored by its competitive standing against global sporting leagues. While the English Premier League remains the wealthiest football league with annual revenues exceeding GBP 6 billion, the IPL has surpassed it in terms of per-match media rights value, trailing only the NFL globally.#chennai_super_kings #indian_premier_league #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #wpp_media
Rohit Sharma Joins Mumbai Indians Fan Festa with Daughter Samaira A video shared by Mumbai Indians on their official social media accounts captured Rohit Sharma dancing alongside teammates during a festive event at the team’s training camp. The clip also showed Tilak Varma carrying Sharma’s daughter, Samaira, while current captain Hardik Pandya attended the gathering with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. The event, which brought players and fans together ahead of the new IPL season, featured a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere as the team prepared for their opening fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. Sharma’s appearance on stage drew massive cheers from the crowd, with fans expressing excitement over his return to the team. The five-time IPL champions began their training camp earlier this week, shifting focus to the upcoming season under Pandya’s leadership. Sharma, who will once again play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, is aiming to contribute to the team’s title ambitions. Sharma’s form heading into the new season has been highlighted by his strong performance in IPL 2025. After a slow start to the tournament, he regained his rhythm in the latter stages, delivering consistent performances in crucial matches. He finished the season with 418 runs in 15 games, including two consecutive half-centuries, which played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ playoff run. During the campaign, Sharma also reached the milestone of 6,000 IPL runs, becoming only the second player in the league’s history to achieve this feat. With his focus now primarily on ODIs for India and the IPL, Sharma is entering the new season with momentum and a settled role in the team.#hardik_pandya #rohit_sharma #mumbai_indians #tilak_varma #samaira_sharma
Rohit Sharma’s ‘new version’ has Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians excited for IPL 2026 Mahela Jayawardene, head coach of the Mumbai Indians, expressed enthusiasm for Rohit Sharma’s return to the Indian Premier League in 2026. As the tournament approaches, the focus remains on both emerging Indian talent and the enduring presence of veteran players like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. For these three, the IPL holds special significance as it is the sole T20 competition they participate in. Dhoni has retired from international cricket, while Kohli and Sharma now play only ODIs for India. Before they resume national duties in June, the IPL offers a crucial platform to refine their form. Kohli has already arrived in Bengaluru to join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp, while Sharma has joined his Mumbai Indians teammates and begun training. His performance during a session where he hit Shardul Thakur for a towering six showcased his readiness. Sharma, now leaner than in recent years, has raised expectations within the MI camp. Jayawardene praised Sharma’s fitness and commitment, highlighting his potential to lead the team effectively. The Mumbai Indians are set to open their IPL 2026 campaign on April 29 against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Jayawardene emphasized Sharma’s preparation, noting his dedication to skill development in the weeks leading up to the tournament. “He joined us on the first day of training and looked very good in the nets. This is a newer version of Rohit—much fitter and very committed,” Jayawardene said during the final of the MI Junior tournament. The coach expressed confidence in Sharma’s ability to guide the team from the top. Sharma’s recent performances have been mixed, with his last few seasons falling short of his usual standards.#ipl_2026 #kolkata_knight_riders #rohit_sharma #mumbai_indians #mahela_jayawardene
Rohit Sharma's return to the Mumbai Indians squad has been met with optimism by head coach Brendon McCullum, who praised the veteran's fitness and commitment ahead of the team's upcoming matches. McCullum highlighted that Sharma, who retired from T20 internationals in 2024 after leading India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, has made significant contributions during the team's training camp. The coach noted that Sharma joined the camp on its first day and has been visibly improved in his physical conditioning and dedication, describing him as a "newer version" of the player. McCullum expressed confidence in Sharma's ability to lead the team from the top, emphasizing his role as a key figure for the franchise in the IPL 2025 season. Sharma's performance in the tournament has been notable, with 418 runs scored in 15 matches, showcasing his continued impact despite his retirement from international T20 cricket. Meanwhile, McCullum addressed the form of Suryakumar Yadav, the team's T20 World Cup-winning captain, who had a relatively subdued campaign in the global tournament. Yadav scored 242 runs in the competition, but McCullum acknowledged his value as a "class operator" and reassured that his contributions during critical moments were invaluable. The coach noted that while consistency remains an area for improvement, Yadav's leadership during the season and the World Cup was exceptional, with tough decisions made under pressure. McCullum praised Yadav's ability to adapt and emphasized that he would return to the camp with renewed focus. In addition to discussing the team's senior players, McCullum highlighted the importance of scouting young talent, a priority for the franchise.#t20_world_cup #rohit_sharma #brendon_mccullum #ipl_2025 #mumbai_indians
Mumbai Indians Announces Ticket Sale Schedule for IPL 2026 Home Matches The five-time champions Mumbai Indians have released the ticket sale schedule for their home matches in the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will be held from March 28 to April 12. The schedule includes four matches for the franchise, starting with a home game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. The team will then travel for away games against the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) before returning home for a high-profile clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Tickets for the matches will be available exclusively through M-Tickets on the BookMyShow platform, with sales divided into four phases. The first phase will allow Google Pay UPI users to book tickets from March 19, 12:00 IST, to March 21, 12:00 IST. Phase two will grant access to MI Gold, Silver, and Junior Members from March 21, 15:00 IST, to March 22, 15:00 IST. MI Blue Members and pre-registered BookMyShow users will have access during phase three, from March 22, 17:00 IST, to March 23, 17:00 IST. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting March 23, 18:00 IST. To qualify for early access benefits, members must have purchased their membership before 11:59 PM IST on March 19, 2026. The phased approach ensures priority access for loyal fans and members before tickets are made available to the broader public. The franchise also announced the start of their training camp, with veteran player Rohit Sharma joining the team ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL. This marks the beginning of preparations for the cash-rich tournament, which promises to be a competitive and exciting event for cricket fans.#wankhede_stadium #ipl_2026 #kolkata_knight_riders #delhi_capitals #mumbai_indians
IPL 2026 Ticket Guide: Prices and Booking Details The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off its 2026 season on March 28, promising a thrilling lineup of matches and intense fan engagement. With franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru drawing massive crowds, ticket sales are expected to be highly competitive. The first 20 matches of the season have been announced, with the second half of the schedule to be released later. Ticket availability for IPL 2026 is managed through multiple platforms, with each franchise partnering with specific booking services. For instance, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Mumbai Indians have made their tickets accessible via BookMyShow, while Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals are using District by Zomato for their home matches. Offline ticketing options are also available at designated counters for fans who prefer in-person purchases. The initial match schedule includes several high-profile clashes. For example, the opening match on March 28 features Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad, though ticket details for this game are still pending. On March 29, Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders, with tickets available through BookMyShow. Other early matches include Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings on March 30, with tickets sold via District by Zomato. Ticket pricing varies significantly across teams and platforms. For BookMyShow, Gujarat Titans offer tickets ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹25,000, with the latter covering premium presidential suites at the Narendra Modi Stadium.#chennai_super_kings #indian_premier_league #royal_challengers_bengaluru #bookmyshow #mumbai_indians
Mumbai Indians Announce IPL 2026 Match Ticket Sale Phases Mumbai Indians have released details for the sale of tickets for their home matches in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The team confirmed that tickets for two matches—against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 and Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 12—will be available in four distinct phases. Fans are urged to mark their calendars and prepare to secure tickets before they sell out. The ticket sale process will begin with a Google Pay exclusive window for UPI users, starting on March 19 at 12:00 IST and ending on March 21 at the same time. This will be followed by an early access phase for MI Gold, Silver, and Junior members, opening on March 21 at 15:00 IST and closing on March 22 at 15:00 IST. A second early access window will be available to MI Blue members and BMS pre-registered users, starting on March 22 at 17:00 IST and ending on March 23 at 17:00 IST. Finally, tickets will be open to the general public from March 23 at 18:00 IST onwards. Fans are encouraged to visit the official Mumbai Indians website to purchase memberships, which may grant priority access to ticket sales. The team emphasized the importance of planning ahead, as tickets are expected to be in high demand. The announcement was shared via a tweet from the Mumbai Indians account, urging supporters to join the "Blue and Gold wave" at the Wankhede Stadium for the upcoming matches. The ticket sale information includes specific dates and times for each phase, ensuring fans have clear guidance on when to act. The team also highlighted the significance of the matches, positioning them as key events for fans to attend. The details provided align with the team's strategy to manage ticket distribution effectively while maximizing attendance for their home games.#wankhede_stadium #ipl_2026 #kolkata_knight_riders #google_pay #mumbai_indians
IPL 2026 Impact Player Options for Major Teams The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to evolve, with the "Impact Player" rule becoming a key strategic tool for teams. As the league enters its fourth season with this rule, teams are shifting from generic substitutions to specialized players who can make a significant difference in crucial moments. Ahead of the IPL 2026, set to begin on March 26, franchises are carefully planning how to leverage their Impact Player to maximize their chances of success. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are expected to rely on Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar, Anshul Kamboj, and Mukesh Choudhary as their Impact Player options. The team has made notable signings, including Sanju Samson via trade from Rajasthan Royals and Kartik Sharma for Rs 14.20 crore, reducing their dependence on MS Dhoni. With Samson likely to handle wicketkeeping, Dhoni can focus solely on batting, making the Impact Player rule ideal for him to avoid fielding duties and contribute in the final overs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, are looking at Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mangesh Yadav, and Devdutt Padikkal as their Impact Player choices. The team’s strategy will depend on how these players perform in high-pressure situations. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have Matheesha Pathirana, Vaibhav Arora, Akash Deep, and Anukul Roy as their top options. However, Pathirana’s injury status remains uncertain, adding an element of unpredictability to their plans. Mumbai Indians (MI) are considering Mayank Markande, Ashwani Kumar, and Atharva Ankolekar as their Impact Player candidates. Former captain Rohit Sharma, who previously played as an Impact Player in IPL 2025, could also be a key option for MI in 2026.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #kolkata_knight_riders #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians
IPL 2026 Wicket-Keepers Predicted for Major Franchises The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, set to begin on March 28, has seen all ten franchises finalize their squads for the upcoming tournament. Teams have strategically allocated their resources to maximize their chances of success, with a focus on maintaining key roles such as wicket-keeping. While most teams have retained their established wicket-keepers, some adjustments have been made due to player availability, retirements, or new signings. Below is a breakdown of the predicted wicket-keepers for major franchises, along with key details about their roles and team dynamics. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have opted for MS Dhoni as their wicket-keeper, leveraging his experience and leadership. Dhoni, who has been a cornerstone of the team for years, is expected to continue his role as both a batter and a strategic leader. His presence is crucial for CSK’s balanced approach, combining aggressive batting with calculated bowling. Mumbai Indians (MI) have retained Ishan Kishan, who has shown promise in recent seasons. Kishan’s ability to contribute with the bat and his composure behind the stumps make him a valuable asset. His inclusion provides MI with flexibility, allowing them to balance batting and bowling effectively. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have selected Jitesh Sharma as their wicket-keeper. Sharma, known for his aggressive style and ability to score runs, adds a dynamic element to RCB’s batting lineup. His partnership with the team’s top-order batters could help RCB capitalize on high-scoring matches. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have chosen Finn Allen as their wicket-keeper. Allen’s all-round capabilities, including his batting and bowling, make him a versatile option.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #kolkata_knight_riders #royal_challengers_bangalore #mumbai_indians
