IPL 2026 Build-up Live: Delhi Capitals share updates on Mitchell Starc

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson enjoyed a stellar ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, playing a key role in India’s title defence. After an impressive campaign, the Kerala batter now shifts focus to a new challenge — the IPL 2026 — and that too with a new team, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings.

Having represented Rajasthan Royals for over a decade, Samson will don CSK colours in IPL 2026 after being traded last year. The right-hander will also share the dressing room with legendary MS Dhoni.

Recently, during an exhibition match between CSK veterans and current players, Samson faced off against spin great Muttiah Muralitharan — a moment that fans found both special and emotional.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium turned back time on Sunday as legendary Chennai Super Kings heroes walked out for a first-of-its-kind ‘Roar’ event, delighting fans.

The originals — the men who built CSK’s legacy — including Suresh Raina, Muttiah Muralitharan, Michael Hussey, Matthew Hayden, Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo, donned their iconic yellow jerseys once again for an exhibition match against the current squad. The veterans outplayed the newer lot with ease, sending the 28,000-strong crowd into a frenzy.

The biggest cheers, however, were reserved for Sanju Samson, who is set for his debut season with CSK. The T20 World Cup winner acknowledged the reception and promised to give his best in helping the team chase another title.

The affection fans have for MS Dhoni is no secret. The roar of the crowd — cheers, chants, and the familiar “Dhoni! Dhoni!” — is almost guaranteed every time he appears, and it was no different when he stepped onto the stage. Beyond the excitement, there remains a lingering hope among fans that the 44-year-old will continue to feature in every IPL season.

As the event got underway, one question dominated conversations: will Dhoni call time on his career after IPL 2026? The former captain, who guided Chennai Super Kings to five titles, offered a subtle hint.

It took Royal Challengers Bengaluru 18 seasons and three unsuccessful final appearances to finally capture the long-awaited IPL title. On June 3 last year, they clinched it with a narrow six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final.

The journey had been a painful one — marked by repeated heartbreaks, close calls and the unwavering support of one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. Yet when the long-awaited triumph finally arrived, the celebrations that followed were cut short by tragedy.

June 4, 2025, changed Bengaluru’s sporting narrative in a way few could have foreseen. Eleven people lost their lives in a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations, less than a day after the historic win. What should have been a moment of pure joy turned into one of shock and mourning, leaving a lasting scar on the city and the game.

In the days that followed, the historic title win faded into the background. The tragedy also cast a long shadow over the Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the iconic venue — a regular host of international matches for decades — barred from staging games.

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three in what could be a defining IPL season for him. With the franchise investing heavily in him, expectations are high for both leadership and batting returns.

Pant, who struggled for consistency last season, will look to cement his place in India’s T20 plans with strong performances. With players like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in form, the pressure is on Pant to deliver.

LSG’s management believes the No. 3 role suits him best as they aim for a stronger campaign.

Raina, fondly called ‘Chinna Thala’, was a cornerstone of CSK from 2008 to 2021 and played a crucial role in four title-winning campaigns. He remains the franchise’s highest run-getter with 5529 runs, including two centuries and 38 fifties.

Hayden, meanwhile, represented CSK from 2008 to 2010 and was instrumental in their 2010 title triumph. He also won the Orange Cap in 2009 with 572 runs. Their induction into the Hall of Fame recognises their immense contributions to the franchise’s success.

Chennai Super Kings inducted former India all-rounder Suresh Raina and Australia great Matthew Hayden into their first-ever Hall of Fame during the ‘Roar’26’ fan event at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The ceremony celebrated the legacy of two players who played key roles in shaping CSK’s identity over the years.

Several former players, including Muttiah Muralitharan, Ambati Rayudu, Lakshmipathy Balaji, S Badrinath and Michael Hussey, were present, making it a nostalgic evening for fans at Chepauk.

Dubey brings promising domestic credentials into the setup, having taken 16 wickets in eight List A matches. Known for his ability to swing the ball and maintain discipline, the left-arm pacer now has a golden opportunity to break into the IPL spotlight.

With KKR looking to build a balanced attack, Dubey’s skill set could offer variety alongside their existing seam options. The upcoming season could prove to be a turning point in his career if he manages to translate domestic success into impactful performances on the big stage.

Akash Deep has been ruled out for at least eight weeks due to a stress reaction in his lower back, effectively sidelining him from the IPL. The setback also casts serious doubt over his availability for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in early June.

For KKR, the timing of the injury is far from ideal, forcing them to recalibrate their bowling plans just before the season begins. The team management will now rely on replacements like Dubey to step up and fill the void left by the right-arm seamer.

Kolkata Knight Riders are set to rope in Vidarbha left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey as a replacement for injured India seamer Akash Deep ahead of the upcoming IPL season. While the franchise is yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate that the 28-year-old has been finalised as cover.

Dubey, who has not made his IPL debut yet, was previously part of Sunrisers Hyderabad. His inclusion adds depth to KKR’s pace attack, especially with the team needing reliable options early in the tournament amid concerns over injuries and squad balance.