The Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) might get new captains for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. While the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could get a new head coach. Rohit Sharma has cleared his fitness test. Sarfaraz Khan won’t play in the Duleep Trophy. And Shreyas Iyer was not selected for the Asia Cup because Gautam Gambhir can’t control him?
Rohit Sharma fit as a fiddle
Rohit Sharma has passed his pre-season fitness test. The Indian ODI captain had travelled to Bengaluru for the assessment after a nearly 3-month break from cricket. Other than Rohit, big names like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Mohammed Siraj also cleared the fitness tests.
Battle for RR captaincy
RR is in turmoil. Their head coach, Rahul Dravid, has left, and as of now, they aren’t certain who should be their captain for IPL 2026. One faction wants Sanju Samson to continue as captain. Another wants Riyan Parag to lead after he showed promise last season. The third one has floated the idea of Yashasvi Jaiswal being the man in charge.
Dravid, KKR’s new head coach?
KKR is interested in Rahul Dravid becoming their head coach. The 2-time IPL champions had parted ways with Chandrakanth Pandit in July. With Dravid available, they want to sign him for a multi-year deal. But it’s unclear whether Dravid will want to jump back into coaching or take some time off.
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Axar Patel to be sacked by DC?
Axar Patel might not continue as DC’s captain. The all-rounder was named skipper last year and enjoyed moderate success, with 7 wins in 14 matches. But the management doesn’t want him leading again. It’s uncertain who’ll replace him, but KL Rahul seems to be an obvious choice.
Gambhir doesn’t want Shreyas Iyer?
Former England spinner Monty Panesar thinks that Shreyas Iyer wasn’t named in India’s squad for the Asia Cup because Gautam Gambhir might find it difficult to manage him. Both have shared the dressing room at KKR and were part of a title run. But since Shreyas leads an IPL team and has leadership skills, he might be a bit to handle for Gambhir.
Sarfaraz Khan, Jurel & Shami injured
Sarfaraz Khan has been ruled out of Duleep Trophy due to quadriceps injury and will recover in about 3 weeks. Central Zone’s captain Dhurv Jurel hasn’t recovered from his groin injury and will miss the semifinal against West Zone. Mohammed Shami has hurt his toe while playing for East Zone but it the injury doesn’t seem that serious.
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