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Sunrisers Hyderabad SRH possible 11 for IPL 2026

Charbel Coorey
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Sunrisers Hyderabad SRH possible 11 for IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be aiming to have a big campaign in 2026 after enduring a miserable tournament last year. The Orange Army took the IPL by storm in 2024, smashing record totals en route to an appearance in the final. However, they couldn’t deliver the same impact with the bat in 2025 as their bowlers struggled.

On paper, SRH could have a similar campaign in 2026 with the bowling attack susceptible to conceding big totals. Also, Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga are under injury clouds and will miss the start of the tournament, while Jack Edwards is out of the entire campaign.

SRH possible 11 for IPL 2026: How will the bowling attack shape up?

1. Travis Head (OS), 2. Abhishek Sharma, 3. Ishan Kishan (c & wk), 4. Nitish Kumar Reddy, 5. Heinrich Klaasen (OS), 6. Aniket Verma, 7. Liam Livingstone (OS), 8. Brydon Carse (OS)/Zeeshan Ansari, 9. Harsh Dubey, 10. Harshal Patel, 11. Shivam Mavi, 12. Jaydev Unadkat

SRH’s top six is set. They boast an incredibly powerful lineup, with Ishan Kishan in particular enjoying an outstanding 2026 to date. Eyes will be on Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as well as the duo can blow teams away in the powerplay, setting a strong platform for Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, and the promising Aniket Verma in addition to Kishan.

However, while SRH can score big, they could also concede big in 2026. Cummins’ absence means Kishan will lead, with Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, and Jaydev Unadkat likely to form the core of the attack. Brydon Carse could be the overseas pacer with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma all capable of providing overs as well.

SRH play the first match of the 2026 season against defending champions RCB. The Orange Army have a history of scoring big at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and that looks their best chance of victory on paper.

Kolkata Knight Riders KKR possible 11 for IPL 2026

Charbel Coorey
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Kolkata Knight Riders KKR possible 11 for IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face a tricky start to the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, especially on the bowling front.

Harshit Rana is out of the tournament due to injury, while Matheesha Pathirana is yet to receive an NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket as he must pass a Physical Performance Test following the hamstring injury he sustained during the T20 World Cup. He will miss the early stages of the campaign.

In another blow, Akash Deep was ruled out of the tournament due to injury, though it remains unclear exactly what the issue is. “Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season,” said a KKR official, as reported by cricbuzz.

KKR also have decisions to make on their four overseas players. Here is a look at the possible 11 they may start with this season.

KKR possible 11 for IPL 2026: Is there room for both Finn Allen and Tim Seifert?

1. Tim Seifert/Finn Allen (OS, wk), 2. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 4. Cameron Green (OS), 5. Rahul Tripathi/Anukul Roy, 6. Rinku Singh, 7. Ramandeep Singh, 8. Sunil Narine (OS), 9 Umran Malik, 10 Vaibhav Arora, 11 Blessing Muzarabani/Anrich Nortje (OS), 12 Varun Chakravarthy

KKR face a conundrum. Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are one of the most destructive opening combinations in T20 cricket, but there may be room for only one depending on whether KKR opt to play an overseas pace bowler.

If KKR choose both, the three-time champions may opt to play three domestic frontline seamers depending on replacements for their injured players. Cameron Green, purchased for a record overseas sum, will surely make the first XI given the investment in the all-rounder. Sunil Narine is expected to be the other overseas option.

Also, the question if both Allen and Seifert play is where Ajinkya Rahane bats. The skipper would then move to three, pushing Green and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at least one spot down the order. This may not serve the team’s best interests as both prefer to bat in the top four.

KKR kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday March 29.

Best reactions & memes to England cricket being short on Dukes balls

Charbel Coorey
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Best reactions & memes to England cricket being short on Dukes balls

The war in the Middle East is impacting English cricket, with a shortage of Dukes balls as a result of high transport costs and a backlog of freight.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, English counties will begin the 2026 County Championship season with half the number of balls required for the summer.

This is further complicated by the fact that the England and Wales Cricket Board have scrapped the use of the Kookaburra ball throughout the season after mammoth totals in 2025.

“We’ve got plenty of stuff in the factories in the subcontinent ready to go, but the airlines are not taking the freight, because there’s a logjam,” said Dukes owner Dilip Jajodia to the Daily Mail.

“The rates have gone up too. A box of 120 cricket balls would be charged normally by airlines at about $5 a kilo. The last quote I got was $15 a kilo. Most of the stuff goes through the Middle East, but if you’ve suddenly got rockets flying around, you’ve got a major problem.”

Reactions to Dukes balls shortage: Shubman Gill, everywhere

According to reports, Dukes are exploring alternative routes from the subcontinent to avoid the logjam of flight traffic in the Middle East.

Fans on social media were all over it, with Shubman Gill a common sight on timelines as he told England to “grow some” during last year’s closely-fought Test series.

Here are some of the reactions.

The 2026 County Championship season kicks off on Friday April 3. Nottinghamshire won the 2025 Division One title, while Leicestershire sealed the Division Two title.

List of injured & unavailable players in IPL 2026

Charbel Coorey
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List of injured & unavailable players in IPL 2026

Injuries and player unavailability has interrupted the leadup to the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With the tournament to begin on March 28, franchises are now formulating their plan B’s with a number of squad changes.

IPL 2026: Injured players by franchise

Chennai Super Kings

In a huge blow for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Nathan Ellis is set to be ruled out of the entire tournament. According to cricket.com.au, the pace bowler reaggravated a hamstring injury in the recent Australia One Day Cup Final playing for Tasmania against New South Wales. Now, CSK are seeking a replacement player, as per cricbuzz.

Also, all-rounder Matt Short will miss the start of the season due to a fractured thumb.

Delhi Capitals

Mitchell Starc will miss the start of IPL 2026. According to cricket.com.au, Cricket Australia (CA) is taking a cautious approach with the left-arm fast bowler as Australia are set to play up to 21 Tests between August 2026 and August 2027.

How many games Starc will miss depends on CA’s return-to-play protocols over the next few weeks.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Matheesha Pathirana suffered a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s win over Australia in the recent T20 World Cup. He is reportedly progressing well, but must pass a Physical Performance Test, as communicated by Sri Lanka Cricket.

“Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained,” the release read.

Harshit Rana was previously ruled out due to a knee injury. The three-time champions are currently seeking a replacement, with the likes of Simarjeet Singh and Sandeep Warrier in the mix according to News Karnataka.

Punjab Kings

Lockie Ferguson will miss the early stages of IPL 2026 to spend time with his family. He and his wife welcomed a newborn son recently, and Ferguson wishes to be home to assist.

“Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out,” Ferguson said before the third T20I against South Africa, as quoted by The Hindu. “I’ll have a few weeks off after this, before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter.”

Rajasthan Royals

The Royals have been dealt a blow with Sam Curran likely to be ruled out of the IPL due to a groin injury. Curran has had a busy year in T20s already, leading Desert Vipers to the UAE ILT20 title in January. He then joined Sydney Sixers for a few matches in the BBL before embarking on national duty, including the recent T20 World Cup.

Eyes are also on Adam Milne’s recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered during the SA20. The fast bowler was subsequently ruled out of the T20 World Cup.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Defending champions RCB are sweating on the fitness of Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood, who played a crucial part on their title-winning season, has now entered a fifth month of rehabilitation after picking up hamstring and achilles injuries during the Australian summer. He will miss at least the early part of the IPL season and is subject to CA’s return-to-play protocols in the coming weeks.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH have been hit significantly with Jack Edwards ruled out of the tournament due to a foot injury, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. It is a blow for Edwards who performed well in the BBL 2025/26 season, taking 19 wickets in 13 games for the Sydney Sixers.

Also, captain Pat Cummins, like Hazlewood and Starc, will miss the early stages of the tournament. Cummins continues to manage a back stress injury that saw him feature in just one of the five Ashes Tests over the summer. He then missed the T20 World Cup.

It remains to be seen if Eshan Malinga will be fit to feature. The Sri Lankan missed the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder injury.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in 2025 board elections

Robin Rounder
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Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in 2025 board elections

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is under scrutiny from the Bangladesh government for alleged irregularities in the 2025 board elections.

Bangladesh had boycotted the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India after pacer Mustafizur Rahman was excluded from the KKR squad for IPL 2026 due to the tensions between India and Bangladesh. Bangladesh cited security issues in India for their contingent. Scotland replaced them in the tournament.

This boycott is a crucial factor under scrutiny. The National Sports Council has formed a 5-member committee to investigate the matter, along with alleged malpractice during last year’s elections. Retired Supreme Court judge AKM Asaduzzaman will head the committee, and other members are from government, police, legal, and media backgrounds. They are to submit their findings within 15 days. Apart from the absence in the T20 WC, the committee will look into abuse of power and manipulation within the BCB.

Former skipper and Bangladesh player Tamim Iqbal had demanded an independent review of the elections due to lack of transparency. Tamim, who was a part of the election, had withdrawn his name, claiming government interference in the elections. 

Specifically, Tamim accused BCB president Animul Haque of asking the sports ministry to change councillors from certain districts in the weeks before the elections. The former opening batter also accused the BCB of extending the dates for filing nominations on two separate occasions, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

BCB board elections: Bangladesh may face sanctions and even a ban from the ICC

If these allegations are found true, the Bangladesh Cricket Board will face sanctions from the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the team may even get a ban from international cricket. 

BCB has asked the government to close this matter with independence, stability, and ensuring their stand in the international cricket community remains fully protected.

“Given the potential implications for Bangladesh cricket at the international level, the BCB considers it important to address this matter with due care and transparency,” said the BCB in a statement, according to the Hindustan Times.

“Before initiating any formal communication or proceedings with the ICC, the BCB believes it is appropriate to engage directly with the National Sports Council to seek clarification regarding the context, intent, and possible implications of the gazette.”

They continued, “The BCB has requested the National Sports Council to close this matter in a manner that safeguards the stability, independence, and continued progress of Bangladesh cricket while also ensuring that the country’s standing within the international cricket community remains fully protected.” 

BCB president Aminul Haque said, “We will try to find out why we didn’t go to the World Cup, we have to understand why our sports diplomacy fell short. We will form an investigation committee on this subject after Eid. We have to strengthen our sports diplomacy and make sure we don’t repeat this mistake in the future.”

MS Dhoni should move out of from CSK if he bats below number 6: AB de Villiers

Robin Rounder
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MS Dhoni should move out of from CSK if he bats below number 6: AB de Villiers

MS Dhoni’s batting position in the last few editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the talk of the town. The former Indian captain, who used to hit those big sixes and finish tricky chases, now comes to bat only for a maximum of five or six deliveries.

South African legend AB de Villiers, on IPL Today Live, said, “It is very tricky and not straightforward. Brands are built over years, and CSK have built this empire over many years with this MS Dhoni figure that has always been there. You mention CSK, you immediately think about Dhoni

AB then talks about how Dhoni’s in the last few years has been only to keep the brand strong. “I feel that in the last few years, his role has been purely about keeping that brand as strong as possible. That’s why I don’t see a role for him batting at eight or nine and not really doing enough like last season,” he said, as quoted by Times of India.

Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over from MS Dhoni: AB de Villiers 

De Villiers continued, “We know he can be impactful with the bat, but if he’s batting that low and not captaining, it feels like he’s almost just making up for a spot for the wrong reasons. There’s still a place for him, but he needs to bat higher, at least at six, maybe even at five or four at times.”

With talent like Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Urvil Patel, Sarfaraz Khan in the mix for CSK, along with Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, it’s a headache for the franchise to define Dhoni’s role in the side. 

“I do feel Ruturaj and Sanju are the perfect players to take over from Dhoni. My only issue is when MS fits in and he’s not going to have that big impact batting at 4, 5, or 6 sometimes, then rather be out of the squad,” de Villiers said.

“Let someone else, who can maybe bowl and bat and have a bigger match impact in the game come in, and MS can almost sit on the side and mentor the guys.”

Mr. 360 concluded with, “It’s very tricky, but I think Sanju Samson is the right guy to take over, and credit to Dhoni because he’s hung around, waiting for the right person to come. If MS plays, I want him to put himself under more pressure and be the guy to handle those big moments.”

Why did Sanju Samson leave Rajasthan Royals (RR)? Keeper-batter provides the reason

Robin Rounder
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Why did Sanju Samson leave Rajasthan Royals (RR)? Keeper-batter provides the reason

Sanju Samson made his IPL debut at a very young age back in 2013 for the Rajasthan Royals. Later on, he moved to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) before coming back to the Royals in 2018. 

Samson became RR captain back in 2021. He is the Royals’ longest-serving skipper and under his leadership, Rajasthan qualified for the final in 2022, the first time they reached the decider since the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008.

Speaking at an event, Samson said, “This is the first time I will play against the Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let my emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time there was over. I will play my best cricket now if we face them.”  

Samson said that there will be emotions before and after the game, but on the field, he won’t think much about them. “I don’t think much about emotions on the ground as the situation dictates the game. But certainly before and after the game, there will be emotions, as there are players and support staff with whom I’ve shared a long association,” he continued. 

Excited to spend two months with Dhoni: Sanju Samson speaking about leaving the Royals and linking up with CSK

“I am really excited to be a part of CSK. I had a chat with Dhoni bhai earlier and always had positive vibes. Spending close to two months with him will be a great opportunity to observe and learn,” Samson said.

The Chennai crowd absolutely loved Sanju Samson during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Talking about that, he said, “I was surprised by the support from the Chennai crowd. Maybe they see me as one of them. I don’t want to disappoint them and will give my best for CSK.”

Chennai Super Kings’ first clash of the IPL will be against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, Assam. 

It will be interesting to see how Samson performs against his former team for whom he has scored 4027 runs in 143 games at an average of 32 at a strike rate of 141.20 with 23 fifties and two hundreds. 

New NSW coach Brad Haddin backs Sam Konstas to succeed in Test cricket

Charbel Coorey
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New NSW coach Brad Haddin backs Sam Konstas to succeed in Test cricket

Brad Haddin, who was announced as the new coach of New South Wales this week, has made it his mission to get the best out of Sam Konstas.

The 20-year-old finished the 2025/26 Sheffield Shield season with 660 runs at 33.00 in ten matches. It was a tough season overall for the batters in Shield cricket, with all the top nine runscorers averaging under 40.

However, Konstas’ season did promise a lot more given the starts he made. The opener finished the season with eight consecutive scores between 25 and 45.

Brad Haddin admits Sam Konstas was picked for Test cricket too early, but backs him to deliver

Haddin believes there were positive signs from Konstas’ campaign. While all the starts may be cause for frustration, the fact the opener was able to get through the initial stages against the new ball is reason for optimism.

“He may have got thrown in there (into Test cricket) too early and there’s parts of his game that I’m really impressed with,” Haddin said, as quoted by CODE Sports.

“I had a look at his season recently and there’s been a lot of talk about where his game was at, but he got a start in every innings this summer. That’s the hardest time to bat.”

Konstas made an incredible start to Test cricket, hitting an audacious 60 against India on Boxing Day in 2024. It was lean pickings thereafter, with just 103 runs in his remaining nine innings in Tests. However, Haddin believes Konstas can replicate what he’s achieved at the lower levels.

“Sam, looking at what he’s done in his career, he’s a hundred scorer everywhere (in every grade and age group). Everywhere he’s gone, he has been a hundred scorer,” Haddin said.

“Once he starts to understand where his game’s at and under pressure, look out, the kid can play.

“If I have a look at this playing group, I think we’ve got an opportunity here to find some generational talent.

“We’ve seen NSW in the past with our bowlers, David (Warner’s) just gone, Steve Smith … I think we’ve got the opportunity now to start to find a couple more of those players. And that excites me about this group.”

New South Wales missed out on the Sheffield Shield Final, finishing second-last in a disappointing campaign. Victoria and South Australia will contest the final, which begins on March 26 at Junction Oval.

Sunil Gavaskar criticised for comments on Indian-owned teams paying Pakistani players in T20 leagues

Charbel Coorey
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Sunil Gavaskar criticised for comments on Indian-owned teams paying Pakistani players in T20 leagues

Indian legend and one of the best batters of all time, Sunil Gavaskar, has shared his thoughts on Pakistani players playing for Indian-owned franchises in T20 leagues around the globe. 

Recently, Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed was bought by Sunrisers Leeds, a franchise owned by the Sunrisers franchise, for £190,000 in The Hundred. The franchise already received a lot of criticism from Indian fans, even calling for a boycott of their matches and team in the IPL.

Gavaskar said that Indian-owned franchises should avoid picking up Pakistani cricketers, as such payments cause harm to India. 

In his Mid-day column, Gavaskar said that the heat the Sunrisers are getting is understandable considering the relationship between both countries and Indian cricket’s stance of banning Pakistani players from the IPL after the terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2028

Gavaskar said, “The rage created by an Indian franchise after picking up Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred auction is hardly surprising.” He further wrote: “The hefty sum paid to the Pakistani cricketers goes to the Pakistani government via income tax, which then buys arms and weapons, which indirectly contributes to the death of Indian soldiers and civilians. This refrains Indian entities from even considering Pakistani sportspersons and artists.” 

He wrote that if the owner is an Indian, then he or she is contributing to the Indian casualties. Gavaskar also argued about whether success in a franchise tournament is more important than the national interest of India. 

Fans criticise Sunil Gavaskar for his comments about Pakistani cricketers playing for Indian-owned teams

The former Indian captain further said, “It won’t be a surprise if the Indian fans oppose this hard-to-believe move in every game that the franchise plays (in the IPL).”

After these comments, fans were clear in expressing their disagreement with the former Indian legend. Here are some of the reactions from the fans:

It is very likely that the Sunrisers franchise will get a lot of backlash from the Indian fans during the IPL, but fans didn’t liked Sunil Gavaskar’s argument on the matter. 

Glenn McGrath ranks 5 toughest batters he’s bowled to

Robin Rounder
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Glenn McGrath ranks 5 toughest batters he’s bowled to

Legendary Australian cricketer and one of the best fast bowlers of all time, Glenn McGrath, has listed the five toughest batters he has bowled to. Talking to Jason Gillespie and Damien Fleming, McGrath also gave some insights on why these players were the toughest to bowl against. 

At number five he has England’s Graham Thorpe. The Aussie pacer mentioned Thorpe’s average against him and said, “Number five, Graham Thorpe. He was deceptive. When I bowled to him, he averaged over 52. A very good player. He was unbelievable.”

At number four, McGrath puts South Africa’s AB de Villiers, who’s known for his 360-degree style of batting, which the legendary pacer also mentioned. “Number four, it’s tough because he’s brilliant at every single thing he does. Bats, bowls, plays rugby. Apparently, can sing. Probably good at chess. AB de Villiers. He was sensational. The shots he could play all around the wickets to all parts of the ground,” he said. 

Indian legend VVS Laxman is the third toughest batter Glenn McGrath ever bowled to. Laxman loved playing against Australia, averaging close to 50 against them, including that memorable 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001. On Laxman, McGrath said, “Number three, it’s VVS Laxman.”

Jason Gillespie said, “he was a superb player. Some of the best batting that I’ve ever seen. He was unstoppable.”

Glenn McGrath ranks Brian Lara over Sachin Tendulkar as the toughest batter

Moving on, McGrath said the top two toughest batters he has ever bowled to are the two big boys – Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. He mentioned that the late, great Shane Warne also said Sachin was the toughest. However, McGrath said that with Sachin, he could change his game as a bowler, but that wasn’t the case with Lara. 

Glenn McGrath’s top 5 toughest batters:

  1. Brian Lara
  2. Sachin Tendulkar
  3. VVS Laxman
  4. AB de Villiers
  5. Graham Thorpe

Here’s what McGrath said: “The top two, two big boys in Lara, Tendulkar. They always asked me who was better. Warnie (Shane Warne) always said Sachin, but I always thought, Sachin, I could change his game. He was waiting for a bad ball, whereas Brian just wanted to entertain.

“On his day, Lara was unbelievable. So I put Sachin in at number two. I put Brian in at number one. He was just unbelievable. Some days you’d knock him over because he wasn’t switched on. But those days he came out, and he was switched on. You knew you were in trouble.”

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