Sanju Samson has continued his love affair with Mumbai. MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are not yet fit. However, Mitchell Starc is almost ready for IPL 2026. Mumbai Indians (MI) have tricked the system. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lost a foreign pacer. Meanwhile, the venue for cricket in the Olympics is confirmed.
Rohit-Dhoni still unfit
MS Dhoni is yet to play his first match of IPL 2026. The former CSK captain was ruled out of the MI match several hours before the toss and didn’t even come to the ground for the game. Similarly, Rohit Sharma wasn’t fit for selection. He trained before the toss, and his hamstring remains an issue.
Starc fitness injury
Mitchell Starc is expected to join DC soon. The left-arm fast bowler has been bowling pain-free in Sydney and will get a fitness clearance from Cricket Australia soon. Starc could play his first IPL 2026 match in early May, with DC easing him into competitive cricket since he hasn’t played a match since January 25.
No Thushara for RCB
Nuwan Thushara won’t be available for RCB. The fast bowler has withdrawn his legal case against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Thushara had gone to court after he was denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for IPL 2026. However, he has now withdrawn his case and apologised to SLC.
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Samson’s 2nd hundred
Sanju Samson has smashed a second hundred of IPL 2026. With wickets tumbling all around him, the wicketkeeper anchored CSK to 207. He remained unbeaten on 101, hitting the final ball for a six as MI lost by 103 runs. Samson was named the ‘player of the match’ for his exploits, as no other batter even crossed the 40-run mark.
MI exploit IPL rule
MI is under the scanner for exploiting the concussion substitute loophole against CSK. Mumbai used Shardul Thakur as a replacement for Mitchell Santner after the latter injured his shoulder while taking a catch. However, because Santner’s head hit the ground in the process, MI were allowed to replace him.
Olympics’ venue for cricket
The ICC is constructing a cricket stadium in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California, which will serve as the venue for cricket during the LA Olympics in 2028. The ground will also serve as the home of the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the Major League Cricket.
