Saurabh Dubey Joins KKR as Replacement for Akash Deep in IPL 2026 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced the inclusion of Saurabh Dubey in their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for injured fast bowler Akash Deep. Dubey, who was left out of the IPL 2025 auction, is set to bolster KKR’s pace attack after the team faced challenges with injuries and form issues in the previous season. Dubey, a 26-year-old left-arm fast bowler, has not played a single match in the IPL so far. Despite his potential, he was not selected in the 2025 auction, which raised questions about his readiness for the tournament. However, KKR’s decision to bring him on board for 2026 suggests confidence in his ability to contribute to the team’s bowling department. The team’s pace attack has been under scrutiny, with key players like Harshit Rana and Akash Deep missing due to injuries. Additionally, Mathisa Pathirana is unavailable for early matches, further straining KKR’s options. Dubey’s inclusion aims to address these gaps and provide depth to the bowling unit. Dubey’s career has seen mixed results in domestic cricket, but his performances in List-A matches have shown promise. In 2025, he took 15 wickets in 10 games for Punjab Kings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, highlighting his ability to bowl in pressure situations. KKR’s management believes his experience and pace could be a valuable asset in the high-stakes IPL environment. The team’s struggles in IPL 2025, where they managed only five wins in 14 matches, have prompted a strategic overhaul. The addition of overseas stars like Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Cameron Green has strengthened KKR’s batting lineup, but the bowling department remains a priority.#ipl_2026 #kolkata_knight_riders #punjab_kings #akash_deep #saurabh_dubey
Punjab Kings aim to clinch their first TATA IPL title in 11 years after securing a spot in the final last season. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, JioHotstar's 'Game Plan - Know Your Team' segment featured insights from JioStar analysts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar, who evaluated the team's strengths, Shreyas Iyer's potential role in the Indian T20I squad, and the significance of Harpreet Brar's contributions. Irfan Pathan highlighted Shreyas Iyer's readiness to perform at the highest level, emphasizing his experience in both T20 cricket and international matches. "Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer who has excelled in T20 formats for Punjab Kings and for the Indian team," Pathan said. He recalled Iyer's standout performance against Mumbai in a qualifier, where the captain deftly handled a yorker from Bumrah. Pathan expressed confidence that Iyer could replicate such form this season, noting his ability to adapt and improve rapidly. The analyst also praised Punjab Kings' balanced team composition, stressing the importance of their top order and fast-bowling attack. "The top order is solid with Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya," Pathan said. He highlighted the reliability of Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh in the middle order, while underscoring the need for Stoinis' finishing skills. Pathan also pointed to Mitch Owen as a key asset, describing him as a "powerhouse" whose performance could influence the team's success. The fast-bowling trio of Arshdeep, Marco Jansen, and Ferguson was deemed "totally sorted," with adequate backups to ensure consistency. Sanjay Bangar focused on the team's opening pair, noting Prabhsimran Singh's experience and consistency. "Prabhsimran has been a reliable performer for Punjab, including a century in the IPL," Bangar said.#irfan_pathan #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #sanjay_bangar #harpreet_brar
Punjab Kings Set for IPL 2026 with Confidence After Historic Final Run Punjab Kings are entering the 2026 Indian Premier League season with renewed optimism, aiming to break their 11-year drought and secure their first title. The franchise’s return to the final last year has sparked a sense of momentum, and experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Bangar have analyzed the squad’s strengths and potential challenges ahead of the tournament. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting form are seen as critical to the team’s success. Pathan expressed confidence in the captain’s ability to maintain his high standards, citing Iyer’s consistent performances for both Punjab Kings and the Indian team. “Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer who has done exceptionally well in T20 cricket,” Pathan said. He highlighted Iyer’s ability to handle high-pressure situations, referencing a memorable innings against Mumbai where Iyer’s shot against Jasprit Bumrah showcased his composure. Pathan believes Iyer’s continued excellence will be key to Punjab’s title aspirations. The squad’s balance is another major strength. Pathan praised the depth of the batting lineup, noting the reliability of the top order featuring Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, and Priyansh Arya. He also emphasized the pace attack’s readiness, with players like Arshdeep, Marco Jansen, and Ferguson forming a formidable unit. “The fast bowlers are totally sorted, and they have good backups,” Pathan added. However, he acknowledged the need for consistency from Mitch Owen, who will be relied upon to deliver crucial performances. Sanjay Bangar focused on the opening pair, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, highlighting their potential and the pressure they face. While Singh has experience and a proven track record, Arya’s inexperience in high-stakes matches could be a concern.#irfan_pathan #shreyas_iyer #punjab_kings #sanjay_bangar #prabhsimran_singh
Shubman Gill joins Gujarat Titans camp ahead of IPL 2026 Captain Shubman Gill has joined the Gujarat Titans squad as the team ramps up preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The squad will begin its campaign with an away match against the Punjab Kings on March 31 in Mullanpur. The Gill-led side will then return to Ahmedabad to face the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4. The early fixtures also include away games against the Delhi Capitals on April 8 and the Lucknow Super Giants on April 12. The Gujarat Titans have emerged as one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, reaching the playoffs in three of their first four seasons and winning the title in their debut year in 2022. With Gill at the helm, the team aims to secure a second championship in the league. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, which will run from March 28 to April 12 across 10 venues. The season will open with the defending champions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, hosting the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. Gujarat Titans had a strong campaign in 2025, securing nine wins, four losses, and one no-result in their matches. The team is looking to build on that momentum as they prepare for the 2026 season. The BCCI’s schedule highlights the competitive nature of the league, with teams facing a mix of home and away fixtures to test their depth and adaptability. The IPL 2026 season is also expected to serve as a platform for emerging talent, with teams vying to secure key players for future international duties. Gill’s leadership will be crucial as the Gujarat Titans aim to maintain their dominance.#bcci #shubman_gill #rajasthan_royals #gujarat_titans #punjab_kings
Virender Sehwag's comment about David Miller has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans, with many accusing the former India batter of unprofessional behavior. The remark, which has gone viral on social media platforms, claims that Sehwag refused to teach Miller how to bat against spin during the 2025 Indian Premier League season. According to the alleged quote, Sehwag stated he withheld guidance from Miller because the South African player was preparing for South Africa’s upcoming series against India. The post, attributed to Sehwag, reportedly originated from a conversation during Punjab Kings’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 20, 2025. It claims that Miller had previously asked for roughed-up pitches to practice against spin, but Sehwag allegedly chose not to share his expertise. Fans and critics have condemned the remark, arguing that it undermines Sehwag’s credibility as a mentor. One user on X wrote, “Sehwag was dishonest with his role as a mentor. It’s a self-indictment,” while another added, “It’s one thing to be this unprofessional. Another thing to brag about it. But nothing even surprises me anymore.” Further scrutiny revealed that the quote is tied to Sehwag’s time as a Cricbuzz analyst during the 2025 IPL. While he did mention Miller’s request for specific training conditions, he never explicitly stated he refused to teach him. The controversy also highlights Sehwag’s harsh criticism of Glenn Maxwell, an Australian all-rounder. In a separate comment, Sehwag accused Maxwell of lacking passion and dedication, calling him a “holidaymaker” who prioritizes personal time over team success. Sehwag and Maxwell have a history of tension in the IPL.#david_miller #royal_challengers_bengaluru #punjab_kings #virender_sehwag #glenn_maxwell
