Tag: IPL 2026

Sports

CSK’s Legend MS Dhoni Gears Up for Another IPL Season

Tanisha Cardozo

The cricketing world can breathe a sigh of relief—MS Dhoni is officially set to play in the IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news to NDTV, ending months of speculation over whether the iconic captain would continue playing.

At 44, Dhoni may no longer be scoring prolifically and often bats lower down the order, but his presence on the field extends far beyond statistics. Known as the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies and a five-time IPL champion with CSK, Dhoni continues to be an inspiration and a fan favourite across the country. Whenever injuries or other challenges have sidelined designated captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the past, Dhoni has seamlessly returned to the helm, demonstrating the leadership and calm that has defined his legendary career.

Off the field, Dhoni has made it clear that he has no interest in joining the commentary box, citing the delicate balance required to critique players without appearing unfair. In a recent podcast, he explained, “Commentary is very difficult… It’s a very thin line. If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.” This insight underscores Dhoni’s dedication to the sport and his preference to contribute directly on the field rather than from the booth.

As the IPL 2026 approaches next month, fans of CSK and cricket enthusiasts nationwide can look forward to witnessing the return of a living legend. Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and ability to galvanise his team continue to make him indispensable, proving that while he may have scaled back his personal batting milestones, his impact on the game remains monumental. Whether he’s guiding young players, leading in critical moments, or delighting spectators with his unique presence, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL remains unmatched, promising yet another memorable season.

Sports

Virat Kohli Heads to London After Epic 54th ODI Century in Indore

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Virat Kohli delivered yet another masterclass, smashing his 54th ODI century during India’s final match against New Zealand in Indore. The iconic batter reached the milestone in 108 balls, showcasing composure and class under pressure.

Kohli topped the series as India’s leading run-getter, registering scores of 93, 24, and 124, underlining his consistency and hunger for runs. However, his heroic effort wasn’t enough as India fell 41 runs short while chasing 338, allowing New Zealand to script history with their first-ever bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.

Despite the series setback, Kohli’s performance propelled him back to the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings, a feat he achieved after more than four years. The achievement sparked celebrations among fans, even as many expressed disappointment over his upcoming six-month break from international cricket.

Kohli is expected to return to action later this year, with India scheduled to tour Afghanistan in June and England in July. Before that, fans can look forward to seeing him light up the IPL once again with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where expectations remain sky-high.

As Kohli heads to London for a short break, the cricketing world continues to marvel at his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to rise on the biggest stages.

Sports

IPL Auction Records: The Costliest Players Sold So Far and the Big Question for 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Indian Premier League has long been a stage where talent meets staggering valuations, and recent auction cycles have only reinforced that reputation. Over the years, franchises have consistently broken records in their pursuit of match-winners, leaders, and crowd-pullers, pushing player prices to unprecedented levels.

At the top of the list so far stands Rishabh Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history after being sold for ₹27 crore in 2025. Close behind him is Shreyas Iyer, who fetched ₹26.75 crore in the same year, underlining the premium teams are willing to pay for proven Indian leaders. The trend of aggressive bidding was also evident in 2024, when Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned to the IPL with a massive ₹24.75 crore deal, making him the most expensive overseas player at the time.

The 2025 auction further highlighted the league’s financial muscle, with Venkatesh Iyer going for ₹23.75 crore, while Pat Cummins and Sam Curran continued to command big numbers in previous seasons. Indian bowlers have also seen their value rise sharply, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh each being picked up for ₹18 crore in 2025, reflecting the growing demand for proven wicket-takers in the tournament.

As franchises now turn their attention to the IPL 2026 auction, speculation is already rife. With evolving team combinations, new stars emerging, and established players continuing to deliver on the big stage, the question remains wide open — who will be the next name to rewrite the IPL auction record books?

Sports

IPL 2026 to Begin on March 26, Final Scheduled for May 31

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is set to begin on Thursday, March 26, with the final scheduled for Sunday, May 31. The dates for the upcoming edition were revealed by IPL CEO Hemang Amin during a briefing with all ten franchises ahead of the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, according to Cricbuzz. While the complete match schedule is yet to be announced, it is expected to be made public in the coming days.

It has been confirmed that defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will feature in the opening fixture of the tournament. However, uncertainty remains over whether the match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Traditionally, the IPL season opener is hosted at the home venue of the defending champions, but the availability of the stadium is yet to be finalised.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has received conditional clearance from the state government to host IPL matches, with final approval pending the fulfilment of safety and security requirements. The venue has not hosted matches since a tragic stampede outside the stadium during victory celebrations last year resulted in the loss of 11 lives, following which even Women’s World Cup matches were relocated.

Ahead of the auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India held a meeting with representatives of all ten franchises, during which teams were informed about the tentative window for the tournament. Attention will now shift to the IPL 2026 auction, where franchises will compete for 77 available slots, including 31 overseas player positions. The highest reserve price has been set at ₹2 crore, with 40 players registering in this bracket.

Several prominent international and domestic players, including Cameron Green, David Miller, Devon Conway, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Gus Atkinson, Wanindu Hasaranga, Venkatesh Iyer and Liam Livingstone, have entered the auction at the top base price. Meanwhile, notable absentees from the auction list include Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis. As teams prepare to finalise their squads, anticipation continues to build for the return of one of cricket’s most-watched tournaments.

Sports

Glenn Maxwell Withdraws from IPL 2026 Auction, Ends a Memorable League Journey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially withdrawn from the IPL 2026 auction, bringing an emotional close to his long, colourful, and influential journey in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, off-spin versatility, and electrifying fielding, Maxwell’s presence in the league has always been a major attraction. His announcement came through a heartfelt Instagram post, where he expressed deep gratitude to fans, teammates, and the franchises that believed in him over the years. In his message, Maxwell spoke about the IPL’s impact on his career and personal growth, calling his time in India unforgettable. He thanked supporters for their passion, acknowledging the league as a major factor in shaping him both as a player and as a person.

Maxwell’s decision follows a disappointing IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, who signed him for ₹4.20 crore. Despite his reputation as a dynamic match-winner, he managed only 48 runs in seven games, averaging 8 with a strike rate of 97.96. His contributions with the ball, picking up four wickets, offered some relief but did little to change the fortunes of his campaign. The season seemed far removed from his earlier heroics in the league, and his withdrawal from the 2026 auction signals a reflective pause in his T20 franchise journey.

His exit joins a growing list of top overseas players stepping away from IPL 2026. Former RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted out earlier, and West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell announced his retirement from the league after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders. Russell, however, will remain connected to the franchise by joining KKR’s support staff for the upcoming season. With Maxwell’s departure adding to this wave, the upcoming IPL season is set to mark the end of an era defined by some of the league’s most entertaining international performers.

Through his message, Maxwell reinforced his bond with Indian fans and left the door open for a future return. As the IPL prepares for its next phase, the absence of one of its most charismatic figures will undoubtedly be felt.