We (Delhi Capitals) have a very strong team and performed well last season. Personally, my approach is simple – go out there and get wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav at TOISA 2025
It took Royal Challengers Bengaluru 18 seasons and three unsuccessful finals to finally capture the long-awaited IPL title. On June 3 last year, they clinched the title with a six-run win over Punjab Kings in the final.
The journey has been an agonizing one, marked by frequent grief, close calls and unwavering support from one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. However, when the long-awaited victory finally arrived, the celebrations that followed ended in tragedy.
June 4, 2025 changed the sporting narrative in Bengaluru in a way that few could have predicted. 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 a moment 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 has also cast a long shadow over the Chinnaswamy Stadium, as the iconic venue – which has regularly hosted international matches for decades – has been banned from organizing matches.
IPL 2026 Build-up Live: Key move No. 3 for LSG
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to finish at number three in what could be a defining season in the IPL 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 a strong performance. With players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, the pressure is on Pant to perform well.
LSG management believe the No. 3 role suits him best as they aim for a stronger campaign.
IPL 2026 Live Streaming: Raina and Hayden’s CSK legacy
Raina, fondly called ‘Chinna Thala’, was the cornerstone of the CSK side from 2008 to 2021 and played a crucial role in their four title-winning campaigns. He remains the franchise’s highest run-getter with 5,529 runs, including two centuries and 38 fifties.
Meanwhile, Hayden represented CSK from 2008 to 2010 and was instrumental in the team winning the title in 2010. He also won the Orange Cap in 2009 with 572 runs. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is recognition of their tremendous contributions to the success of the franchise.
IPL 2026 Build-up Live: CSK honors Raina and Hayden in Chipauk
Chennai Super Kings inducted former India pacer Suresh Raina and Australian 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 legacies of two players who played key roles in shaping CSK’s identity over the years.
Many former players, including Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Lakshmipathi Balaji, S Badrinath and Michael Hussey, were in attendance, making this a nostalgic evening for the fans in Chepauk.
IPL 2026 Build-up Live: Dubey’s numbers and chances
Dubey brings promising domestic credentials to the line-up, 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 limelight.
As KKR look to build a balanced attack, Dubey’s skillset could provide versatility alongside their existing seaming options. Next season could be a turning point in his career if he can translate domestic success into impactful performances on the big stage.
IPL 2026 Build-up Live: Akash Deep’s injury reshapes KKR’s plans
Akash Deb has been ruled out for at least eight weeks due to a stress reaction in his lower back, effectively ruling him out of the Indian Premier League. The setback also casts serious doubt on 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 readjust their bowling plans just before the season begins. The team management will now rely on replacements like Dube to step up and fill the void left by the right-hand seamer.
IPL 2026 Build-up Live: KKR eyeing Dubey as Akash Deep’s replacement
Kolkata Knight Riders are set to rope in Vidarbha left-arm spinner Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for injured Indian seamer Akash Deep ahead of the upcoming IPL season. While the franchise has yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate that the 28-year-old’s cap position has been finalized.
Dubey, who is yet to make his IPL debut, was previously part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. His inclusion adds depth to KKR’s attacking pace, especially with the team needing reliable options early in the tournament amid concerns over injuries and squad balance.
IPL 2026 build live updates: Kolkata Knight Riders are set to sign left-arm spinner Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for injured Indian seamer Akash Deep ahead of the IPL, though official confirmation is awaited. The 28-year-old Vidarbha bowler, who has 16 wickets in eight List A matches, is yet to make his IPL debut.
Akash Deb has been ruled out for at least eight weeks with a lower back strain reaction, which also puts his readiness for the Afghanistan Test into doubt.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings inducted Suresh Raina and Matthew Hayden into their Hall of Fame at the ‘Roar’26 event in Chennai, celebrating their key roles in the franchise’s success.
Elsewhere, Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to finish third in the crucial IPL season, and his performance is likely to impact his chances of making a return to the T20.
