Abhishek Sharma Misses Century, Ishan Kishan Scores 72 Off 25 Balls as SRH Batters Shine in Practice Match Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) showcased their explosive batting lineup during an intra-squad practice match ahead of the IPL 2026, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. The team split into two groups—SRH A and SRH B—to test their skills, with standout performances from key players. Abhishek Sharma came close to a century, scoring 94 runs off 42 balls for SRH A, while Ishan Kishan delivered a scintillating innings of 72 off just 25 deliveries for SRH B. The practice match highlighted the team's readiness for the upcoming IPL season. SRH A posted a formidable total of 253 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 21 overs. Henry Klassen contributed 49 off 31 balls, while unregistered Indian player Salil Arora scored 47 off 16 deliveries. Jaydev Unadkat took five wickets for 48 runs in five overs, and Nitesh Kumar Reddy claimed three wickets. SRH B, on the other hand, chased down 282 runs in 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan leading the charge. Arora also played a crucial role for SRH B, scoring 56 off 26 balls, while Harsh Dubey added 37 off 14 deliveries. Harshal Patel took three wickets for 45 runs in four overs. The practice match served as a crucial preparation for IPL 2026, which is set to begin on March 28. SRH will open the tournament with a match against defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Ishan Kishan will captain the team in this opener, as Pat Cummins remains unfit. This marks Kishan's first leadership role in a major tournament, following his success as captain for the Jharkhand team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. The practice match underscored SRH's strong batting depth and their determination to make a mark in the IPL 2026.#ishan_kishan #ipl_2026 #abhishek_sharma #sunrisers_hyderabad #rajiv_gandhi_international_cricket_stadium
MS Dhoni's Unique Advice to CSK's ₹14.2 Cr Buy Prashant Veer The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 28 and conclude on May 31. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have added several young talents to their squad ahead of the tournament, including 20-year-old Prashant Veer. Veer was acquired for a record ₹14.2 crore during a fierce bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His inclusion marks a significant investment in the team’s future, as Veer aims to make an immediate impact in the competition. MS Dhoni, the team’s skipper, provided Veer with unique guidance during their first interaction. Despite Dhoni’s age of 44 and his 19th season in the IPL, the advice he gave Veer was unrelated to cricket. Instead, it focused on a crucial life lesson. Veer, who will turn 21 this year, shared that Dhoni emphasized the importance of saving money and avoiding unnecessary spending. This advice stems from Dhoni’s own experience, as he has navigated financial responsibilities over his career. Veer revealed, “He told me to save my money and not spend it unnecessarily,” as quoted by Sportstar. Dhoni’s influence extends beyond his leadership on the field. His IPL career is defined by a series of records that solidify his status as a legend of the tournament. He holds the titles for most captaincy wins (shared with Virat Kohli), most finals appearances as a player, most runs scored without a century, most appearances, most games led, most games won as skipper, and most dismissals as a wicketkeeper. Dhoni is also the first Indian captain to lift the IPL trophy, a milestone that underscores his legacy. Under his leadership, CSK has secured five IPL titles, including victories in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.#chennai_super_kings #ms_dhoni #kolkata_knight_riders #sunrisers_hyderabad #prashant_veer
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faces uncertainty ahead of IPL 2026 opener as Josh Hazlewood's fitness remains in question Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is preparing for the IPL 2026 season, but the team is grappling with a significant challenge as Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s availability remains uncertain. The 34-year-old pacer, a key figure in RCB’s recent success, is dealing with a fitness concern that could impact his participation in the tournament. The team is awaiting clarity on his readiness ahead of the opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Hazlewood played a pivotal role in RCB’s 2025 IPL title win, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker and delivering a standout performance in the final against Punjab Kings. His ability to generate pace and movement off the pitch was instrumental in key moments during the championship run. However, his absence from the Ashes and the ICC T20 World Cup due to injury has raised concerns about his recovery timeline. Reports suggest Hazlewood has been under close medical supervision, with physiotherapists monitoring his progress. While there is optimism about his potential return, a definitive timeline for his comeback remains unclear. For RCB, which relied heavily on his contributions during powerplay overs, his possible exclusion could weaken the bowling attack. The team’s management is now focused on addressing this gap, with the possibility of relying on younger bowlers or adjusting strategies to compensate for his absence. As the 2026 season approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood’s fitness adds pressure to the squad’s preparations. The outcome of this situation will be critical in determining RCB’s prospects for retaining their title.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #josh_hazlewood #ashes
Star Pacer Awaits Clearance For IPL 2026 Amidst Injury Concerns Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 opener against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 remains uncertain due to ongoing injury recovery. The Australian pacer, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title win, has not competed since November’s Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria. Following that game, he was ruled out of the 2025-26 Ashes series and later suffered a calf injury just five days before Australia’s T20 World Cup opener against Ireland. Veteran batter Steve Smith replaced him in the squad, as Australia’s depleted team crashed out of the tournament in the group stage. Hazlewood has been dealing with recurring hamstring, Achilles, and calf injuries over the past several months, and his return to action is contingent on medical clearance. A source told The Hindustan Times that he is still under physiotherapy and that his IPL 2026 involvement will depend on whether he receives the green light. While there is still time before the tournament begins, the situation remains a “wait-and-watch” scenario. RCB’s reliance on Hazlewood extends beyond his bowling prowess, as the franchise has limited overseas pace options in Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy. The team’s plans for the 2026 season are heavily dependent on his fitness, given his critical role in their previous success. Pat Cummins, another key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also awaiting medical clearance for the IPL 2026 opener. The source noted that Cummins, too, is being monitored by the team’s physio staff. Both players’ availability could significantly impact their respective franchises’ prospects in the tournament.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #josh_hazlewood
IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood Still Awaiting Medical Clearance for Participation Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood remains in physiotherapy for his hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries, with his participation in the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) still uncertain. The 35-year-old was initially hopeful of joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the tournament, but sources have confirmed he is yet to receive medical clearance. Hindustan Times reported that Hazlewood’s recovery timeline is under review, and his inclusion in IPL 2026 depends on the assessment of the medical team. Hazlewood’s previous IPL campaign was marked by standout performances. In the 2025 season, he claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches, playing a pivotal role in RCB’s historic first title win. His contributions helped the franchise end Virat Kohli’s 18-year wait for a domestic title. However, his season was cut short by a right hamstring injury sustained while playing for New South Wales in November. The injury not only ruled him out of the first Ashes Test but also led to his exclusion from the entire Ashes series and the T20 World Cup due to a subsequent Achilles injury. A source close to the situation told Hindustan Times that Hazlewood is still undergoing treatment and that his IPL participation remains a “wait-and-watch” scenario. The source noted that while there is still time for him to recover, the medical team’s approval is critical. Hazlewood’s IPL career has been impressive, with 57 wickets in 39 matches at an economy rate of 8.27 and a strike rate of 20.98. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins is also under physiotherapy for a back injury. Cummins, who played only one Ashes Test in Adelaide, was ruled out of the T20 World Cup just 10 days before its start.#indian_premier_league #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #josh_hazlewood
Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 Schedule Lucknow Super Giants will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at their home venue in Lucknow on April 1. The team will then travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5 before heading to Kolkata for a match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9. Their final home fixture of the first phase will be against Gujarat Titans on April 12. The franchise’s 2025 season saw a mixed performance, with strong batting contributions but inconsistent bowling. Key concerns included Rishabh Pant’s fluctuating form and the team’s lack of depth in the bowling department. Despite retaining most of their core players, LSG released several key signings, including Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, and Akash Deep. The team also let go of Digvesh Rathi, who had emerged as a promising prospect. To strengthen their squad, LSG acquired veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs. 10 crore. They also brought in Arjun Tendulkar for Rs. 30 lakh to bolster their pace attack, which had been affected by injuries in the previous season. The franchise made three all-cash deals to manage their purse, including trading Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians for Rs. 2 crore. The full squad for IPL 2026 includes Rishabh Pant (captain), Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ayush Badoni, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan.#kolkata_knight_riders #sunrisers_hyderabad #lucknow_super_giants #delhi_capitals #gujarat_titans
Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 Schedule: LSG Eye Fresh Start With DC Opener In Lucknow On April 1 The Lucknow Super Giants have unveiled their full schedule for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, marking the beginning of their campaign to secure their first title. Following a seventh-place finish in the 2025 tournament, the team has restructured its squad to focus on consistency and dominance. Key players such as Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Mohammed Shami are expected to play pivotal roles in their quest for success. The franchise’s strategy centers on leveraging their strong batting lineup and improved bowling attack to challenge for the championship. The BCCI has released the initial phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, with the Lucknow Super Giants set to open their campaign against the Delhi Capitals on April 1, 2026, in Lucknow. The team’s fixtures for this phase include matches against the Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with all games scheduled in the afternoon or evening slots. The first set of matches will take place in April, with the second phase of the tournament to be finalized in the coming weeks. The staggered release of the schedule is a strategic move to avoid conflicts with state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, ensuring smooth operations for both the league and the electoral process. The Lucknow Super Giants’ performance in the 2025 season highlighted areas for improvement. Despite reaching the playoffs in their first two years, the team finished seventh in the 2025 league stage, a result that fell short of their expectations. While Mitchell Marsh led the batting with 627 runs, the team struggled with consistency in the death overs, securing six wins against eight losses.#kolkata_knight_riders #sunrisers_hyderabad #lucknow_super_giants #delhi_capitals #gujarat_titans
3 SRH players in poor form ahead of IPL 2026 With the Indian Premier League 2026 approaching, Sunrisers Hyderabad faces concerns over the form of three key players ahead of the tournament. The 2016 champions, known for their strong batting lineup, are under pressure as several players struggle to maintain consistency in recent T20 competitions. The team’s reliance on top-order batters has been tested, particularly in high-stakes matches like the T20 World Cup 2026, where poor performances have raised questions about their readiness for the upcoming season. Abhishek Sharma, once a standout opener for both India and SRH, has been inconsistent in recent matches. Despite his aggressive style and ability to score quickly, Sharma’s recent form has been lackluster. During the T20 World Cup 2026, he managed only 80 runs in six matches, averaging 13.33. His struggles have placed him among the underperforming players for SRH as the IPL 2026 looms. Travis Head, the Australian opener, has also faced challenges in maintaining his usual level of performance. While he showed flashes of his aggressive batting in the 2025 season, his recent outings have been marked by inconsistency. Head scored 62 runs in five matches, with his highest score being 31. His inability to consistently deliver under pressure has raised concerns about his role in the SRH lineup for the upcoming IPL. Heinrich Klaasen, another key batter, has struggled to replicate his earlier form. The South African player’s recent performances have been below par, with 138 runs in nine matches averaging 19.71. His lack of consistency has made him a target for criticism, especially as SRH looks to build a competitive squad for the IPL 2026. The team’s squad for IPL 2026 includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.#ipl_2026 #abhishek_sharma #sunrisers_hyderabad #travis_head #heinrich_klaasen
IPL 2026: Three Sunrisers Hyderabad Players Face Form Concerns The Indian Premier League 2026 season is approaching, but the Sunrisers Hyderabad squad faces challenges as several key players struggle with inconsistent performances. Despite being the 2016 champions and entering the tournament with high expectations, the team’s prospects are tempered by the poor form of three crucial players. Their recent performances in international and franchise competitions have raised questions about their readiness for the upcoming season. Abhishek Sharma, known for his explosive batting and ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay, has been a standout performer for both India and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, his recent T20 World Cup 2026 campaign highlighted his struggles. The Indian opener managed only 80 runs in six matches, averaging 13.33, which is far below his usual standards. For a player who thrives on aggressive runs and quick scoring, these numbers are concerning. If Sharma fails to regain his rhythm, it could impact the team’s ability to secure strong starts in the IPL. Travis Head, the Australian opener, has also faced a dip in form. A dominant force in T20 cricket, Head’s performances in the 2025–26 T20 season have been inconsistent. In international matches, he scored just 62 runs in five games, with a highest score of 31. Even during the T20 World Cup 2026, his contributions were limited, with 111 runs at an average of 27.75. While these figures are not disastrous, they fall short of the levels he achieved during his stellar 2024 season. Sunrisers Hyderabad will hope Head can return to his destructive form to bolster their batting lineup. Heinrich Klaasen, a reliable middle-order hitter, has long been a key asset for the team.#ipl_2026 #abhishek_sharma #sunrisers_hyderabad #travis_head #heinrich_klaasen
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Key Overseas Players for IPL 2026 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are entering the IPL 2026 season with a strong emphasis on their aggressive, high-scoring playing style. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign, the team has retained its core overseas talent and added strategic reinforcements, including England’s explosive all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who was signed during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. With the flexibility to field up to four overseas players in their XI, SRH’s lineup is built around match-winning international talent. Pat Cummins, the team’s captain and lead pacer, remains a cornerstone of the squad. Retained for a third consecutive season, Cummins is expected to lead SRH with his calm leadership and death-bowling expertise. Despite managing a back injury, his ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs and his tactical influence make him an essential part of the playing XI. Cummins has played 72 IPL matches, taking 79 wickets at an average of 30.03 and scoring 612 runs with a strike rate of 152.23. Travis Head, one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket, is a guaranteed starter for SRH. Retained by the franchise, Head’s aggressive strokeplay during the powerplay sets the tone for big totals on Hyderabad’s batting-friendly pitches. His IPL record with SRH includes match-winning knocks, and he is set to partner Abhishek Sharma to dominate the early overs. Head has scored 1,146 runs in 38 IPL matches at an average of 34.72 and a strike rate of 170.02, with a career-best 102 and eight half-centuries. Heinrich Klaasen, a top-tier T20 finisher, is retained as a premium overseas player.#liam_livingstone #sunrisers_hyderabad #pat_cummins #travis_head #heinrich_klaasen
IPL 2026 Schedule Announced: Royal Challengers Bangalore to Face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Tournament Opener on March 28 The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 schedule has been officially unveiled, with the tournament set to kick off on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The opening match will feature Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), marking a significant moment for both teams. The venue, a historic cricket ground in Karnataka, will host the first game of the season, drawing anticipation from fans across the country. The announcement highlights the strategic alignment of teams for the upcoming season, with RCB and SRH set to face each other in a high-stakes encounter. The match is expected to set the tone for the tournament, as both franchises aim to secure a strong start. The scheduling of the opener at Chinnaswamy Stadium underscores the importance of the venue in the IPL calendar, known for its passionate crowd and electric atmosphere. Additionally, the schedule includes details about the broader tournament structure, though specific dates for other matches were not disclosed in the initial announcement. Fans are encouraged to stay updated for further details on the fixtures. The inclusion of MS Dhoni in all matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has also sparked discussions, with the team’s CEO confirming his participation. Dhoni’s role in the tournament will be determined by the management, adding an extra layer of intrigue for supporters. The IPL 2026 schedule also reflects the league’s efforts to balance competitive matches with fan engagement, ensuring a mix of home and away games for all participating teams.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #sunrisers_hyderabad #m_chinnaswamy_stadium #royal_challengers_bangalore
IPL 2026 Schedule Announced: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Open Tournament Against Sunrisers Hyderabad The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 schedule was officially announced, marking the 19th edition of the tournament. The 2026 season will feature 84 matches, a significant increase from the 74 games in the previous edition. The first phase of the tournament, spanning from March 28 to April 12, will see the opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The schedule announcement came amid preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where Team India successfully defended its title. The BCCI’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, explained that the first 20-day schedule would be released within days, considering the timing of state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The full tournament schedule will be finalized once the poll dates are confirmed. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host several matches, but these are subject to approval from a government-appointed expert committee in Karnataka. The committee will conduct an inspection and a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements on March 13, 2026, to assess the stadium’s readiness for hosting IPL matches. The first phase of the tournament includes 20 matches across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Four double-headers are planned, with afternoon games starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening matches at 07:30 PM IST.#bcci #ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #m_chinnaswamy_stadium
Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Open IPL 2026 Title Defence Against Sunrisers Hyderabad The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their title defence in the 2026 Indian Premier League by facing Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The first phase of the tournament, featuring 20 matches from March 28 to April 12, was officially announced, with the remainder of the season’s schedule to be finalized after the election dates for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam are confirmed. The opening weekend will see Mumbai Indians take on Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium, followed by Rajasthan Royals hosting Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati. This match will mark a reunion for Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, who will face their former franchises after a high-profile off-season trade involving Sam Curran. The next two weekends will feature double-headers, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing Chennai Super Kings on April 5 in Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians hosting RCB on April 12 in a night game. Rajasthan Royals will host all three of their home matches in this phase at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati before moving to Jaipur for their remaining fixtures. Punjab Kings will split their home games between Mullanpur and Dharamsala. RCB will play two of their home matches in Raipur, with the BCCI noting that matches in Bengaluru are subject to approval from the Expert Committee appointed by the Government of Karnataka. The committee will inspect the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, conducting a full-scale mock demonstration to assess its readiness for hosting IPL matches.#west_bengal #ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #sunrisers_hyderabad #m_chinnaswamy_stadium
