The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium returns to the IPL spotlight after nearly a year without hosting matches, and it is expected to stay true to its reputation as a batting paradise
"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of TATA IPL 2026," CSK said in an official statement.
As defending champions RCB host SRH, the focus extends beyond cricket, with the league's 19th edition starting under a sombre backdrop even as it promises two months of high-octane action.
Rajat Patidar made his captaincy debut in IPL 2025, replacing Faf du Plessis, and in his very first season as IPL captain, he led his team to their maiden title
Citing estimates that franchises earn ₹400-500 crore annually, Mukund suggested that the current spending of around ₹100-120 crore on player salaries is disproportionately low.
Ishan Kishan, who led Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) in 2025, will be making his IPL captaincy debut against RCB in the IPL 2026 opening game
RCB have received a timely boost ahead of the IPL 2026 opener against SRH, with Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood officially joining the squad
Thushara's absence comes after he failed to clear a mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
This story revisits some of the most talked-about controversies that once shook the IPL tournament.
Gill was the India vice-captain in the shortest format but was dropped to accommodate Sanju Samson in the top order. India went on to win a record third title
The other Indian players who have expressed their concerns over the rule include Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and more recently Delhi Capitals' skipper Axar Patel
LSG will start their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Delhi Capitals on April 1 in Lucknow. They then travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, take on KKR, and return home to face GT.
DC will kick off the season on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow.
KKR secured marquee players including Cameron Green, Matheesha Pathirana, and Finn Allen, while also signing West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell to fill the gap left by Andre Russell.
RR are playing their initial three matches in Guwahati and will then move to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Prior to the auction, GT retained key players such as Rashid Khan for ₹18 crore and captain Shubman Gill for ₹16.5 crore, along with star wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler.
Despite the IPL 2025 setback, the team will aim to build on that success and go one step further this season under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
Ahead of the 2026 edition, SRH have made several squad decisions during the retention and trade window.
Led by Hardik Pandya, the teams has plenty of experience in their ranks, with T20 World Cup winning captains Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma as well.
Chennai Super Kings will kick off their campaign on the road, facing Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati for their opening match of the season.