Unsurprisingly, Cameron Green went to Kolkata in a mock auction. Shane Bond spoke about the Sanju Samson split. BCCI announced the window for the IPL 2026 auction. Axar Patel won’t play against South Africa. All players must play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Lastly, what’s going wrong with Shubman Gill in T20Is?
IPL 2026 start date
IPL 2026 will commence on March 26 and end on May 31. Interim BCCI CEO Hemang Amin has informed the franchise about the window ahead of the auction in Abu Dhabi. As reigning champions, RCB will play the IPL 2026 opener, but it’s unclear whether they’ll be allowed to host the match in Bengaluru.
RR ready for Samson-less future
RR’s assistant and fast-bowling coach Shane Bond has opened up about Sanju Samson’s exit from the team. The former New Zealand cricketer admitted it’ll be a little weird seeing Samson in yellow instead of pink. But thinks it’s best for RR and Samson, as both will start afresh.
Gill must follow GT template
In an exclusive chat with InsideSport, Robin Uthappa talked about Shubman Gill’s form slump in T20I cricket. The former IPL star thinks that Gill needs to play his natural game, i.e., take his time and follow the template he uses as the Gujarat Titans’ opener. Uthappa imagines Gill playing the Virat Kohli anchor role in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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BCCI’s VHT mandate
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won’t be the only centrally contracted players who will play the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The BCCI has informed those participating in the India vs South Africa T20I series that VHT isn’t optional. The players will play at least 2 matches, as per their convenience.
Axar Patel out with illness
Axar Patel, who didn’t play in Dharamshala, has been ruled out of the remainder of the India vs South Africa T20I series due to illness. The all-rounder will remain with the team in Lucknow, the venue of the 4th T20I, and has been replaced by Shahbaz Ahmed.
Mock IPL 2026 auction
JioStar, the official rights holder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), conducted a mock auction on the eve of the official one featuring Anil Kumble, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Suresh Raina as team owners. As expected, Cameron Green went to Kolkata, while Chennai bagged Rahul Chahar as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement.
