The buzz around Hardik Pandya’s next destination in the IPL continues to grow as Kolkata Knight Riders become the latest team to enter the conversation. This comes after reports claimed that MI and RR were in talks for a player swap ahead of IPL 2027 involving the all-rounder. Rishabh Pant, who returned to DC after being traded for Rs 15 crore, will be playing under the captaincy of Axar Patel, who has vowed to give him unconditional support.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been barred from using the Team India dressing room during the 5-match T20I series against England. And talking about ENG, Ben Stokes has apologised to his teammates for the nightclub incident which also involved Gus Atkinson. On that note, let’s take a look at the top headlines from Wednesday.
KKR offer Hardik Pandya captaincy
An IPL insider claimed that discussions have been taking place between KKR’s top management and MI’s ownership regarding a potential trade involving Hardik. The report claims that the three-time champions had approached Mumbai Indians initially at the end of IPL 2025, but the matter was deferred due to Reliance’s AGM. The report states that should Pandya move to KKR, he could be made the new captain while Ajinkya Rahane is bound to be released ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction. Read more here.
Axar Patel to continue as DC captain
Rishabh Pant’s homecoming won’t result in a captaincy transition at the Delhi Capitals (DC). There was some belief that the keeper might be handed the captaincy, since Axar Patel hasn’t done great as skipper in the last two IPL seasons. However, that won’t be the case. In a video, Axar and Delhi have welcomed Pant back. Basically, confirming to everyone that the former will continue to lead the side in the IPL 2027 season. Pant will return but as a middle-order batter and keeper. Read more here.
No dressing room access for Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi won’t be allowed to use India’s men’s cricket team’s dressing room during the India vs England T20I series for safeguarding reasons. The ICC and ECB prohibit cricketers under 16 from sharing a changing room with adults. The ICC and ECB are in touch with the BCCI and Team India’s liaison officer to ensure the appropriate measures are in place for the 5-match T20I series. Read more here.
Latest cricket news
- Sourav Ganguly reveals Greg Chappell wanted to coach KKR while he was captain, ‘couldn’t be fooled again’
- Ben Stokes refutes rumours of rift with Brendon McCullum after return as England Test captain
- DRS June 25: KKR eye Pandya, no captaincy for Pant, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi denied dressing room access
Yash Dayal to return to action
Yash Dayal missed the entire IPL 2026 due to reasons galore, but as per a report, the left-arm pacer is all set to return to cricket with the UP T20 League. IN fact, Dayal has been retained by Gorakhpur Lions, and will be available for the entire tournament. While there were speculations all around regarding his absence, he clarified on a podcast with Talk with Manvendra, that the decision to stay away from IPL 2026 was taken by the authorities, and not by him. And to watch RCB games from the TV set was even more challenging. Read more here.
Ben Stokes apologises
Ben Stokes has apologised to his teammates and Joe Root for letting the team down. The England Test captain and Gus Atkinson broke the midnight curfew and were involved in an altercation in a Chelsea nightclub on June 8, which resulted in the security detail with them requiring stitches. Subsequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) suspended them, and the duo missed the second Test of the England vs New Zealand series. However, Stokes or Atkinson weren’t found guilty of anything other than breaching the curfew protocol. Read more here.
Pakistan captain unhappy with team
It has just become a norm; Pakistan team crashes out of the World Cups, and the blame game, and the in-fighting starts. As per PTI, coach Wahab Riaz and skipper Fatima Sana did not see eye to eye over selection matters. To make matters worse, another report claimed that Sana objected to player Aliya Riaz’s husband staying in the team hotel, eventually being asked to vacate. Read more here.
