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Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) look to have one of the strongest squads going into the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. Here's who all made it to their final 25 for IPL 2026.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) look to have one of the strongest squads going into the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. Here's who all made it to their final 25 for IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: Check out RCB final squad; batters, bowlers, keepers and more

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Mumbai Indians are slightly ahead of Chennai Super Kings as the greatest team in IPL history, even though both have won the same number of titles. The 41-year-old reasoned that MI has made a bigger impact on Indian cricket than CSK, producing several top players who have represented the national team. He further explained that this comes from Mumbai’s strong scouting system and their different team approach. Mumbai usually mixes players in their prime with new domestic talents, while Chennai, until 2026, mostly depended on experienced and proven players.&nbsp;Pathan pointed out that Chennai began winning titles from 2010 and even won back-to-back trophies in 2010 and 2011. But when Mumbai started winning in 2013, they kept winning almost every alternate year and later won consecutive titles in 2019 and 2020. He added that Mumbai had a very strong squad last season and could have won the title but missed out for various reasons.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lebron-james-breaks-another-record-in-los-angeles-lakers-win-over-orlando-magic-1774150793454">LeBron James breaks another record in Los Angeles Lakers win over Orlando Magic</a>&nbsp;“CSK started winning the IPL title from 2010 onwards. They won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 and were the first team to do so. But when Mumbai Indians started winning from 2013, they kept winning after every alternate year. Then they won the IPL trophy back-to-back in 2019 and 2020," said Pathan.&nbsp;“What I like about Mumbai is their contribution to Indian cricket. The number of match winners they have produced for the Indian team is absolutely tremendous. How do you achieve that? First, you make your franchise big. Second, you deliver results with the team you have. Even now, Mumbai Indians had a great squad last season that could have easily won the trophy, but they couldn’t for different reasons," he added.&nbsp;While MI can take pride in discovering talents like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma for India, CSK can highlight their role in nurturing players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay and Ruturaj Gaikwad.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-ms-dhoni-to-bid-adieu-in-upcoming-season-here-s-what-former-india-batter-robin-uthappa-said-chennai-super-kings-1774092429147">IPL: MS Dhoni to bid adieu in upcoming season? Here's what Ex-India batter said</a>&nbsp;Pathan also noted that Mumbai has produced four Indian captains, which sets them apart. He concluded that while both teams are great and the debate is fair, Mumbai Indians have a slight advantage because of their larger contribution to Indian cricket and young talent.&nbsp;“CSK don’t have four Indian captains, Mumbai Indians do. In that respect, assembling a team and contributing to a bigger cause, I think Mumbai Indians are the greatest IPL team. I know CSK will always say they are also the greatest, having won five trophies too. There is no doubt. There will always be a debate and it is a fair debate. But I think Mumbai Indians take the edge because they have given so many wonderful cricketers and young talents to Indian cricket," Pathan concluded.

Mumbai Indians will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium on Mar 29, while Chennai Super Kings will open their season against Rajasthan Royals at ACA Stadium on Mar 30.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Mumbai Indians are slightly ahead of Chennai Super Kings as the greatest team in IPL history, even though both have won the same number of titles. The 41-year-old reasoned that MI has made a bigger impact on Indian cricket than CSK, producing several top players who have represented the national team. He further explained that this comes from Mumbai’s strong scouting system and their different team approach. Mumbai usually mixes players in their prime with new domestic talents, while Chennai, until 2026, mostly depended on experienced and proven players. Pathan pointed out that Chennai began winning titles from 2010 and even won back-to-back trophies in 2010 and 2011. But when Mumbai started winning in 2013, they kept winning almost every alternate year and later won consecutive titles in 2019 and 2020. He added that Mumbai had a very strong squad last season and could have won the title but missed out for various reasons. Also Read - LeBron James breaks another record in Los Angeles Lakers win over Orlando Magic “CSK started winning the IPL title from 2010 onwards. They won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 and were the first team to do so. But when Mumbai Indians started winning from 2013, they kept winning after every alternate year. Then they won the IPL trophy back-to-back in 2019 and 2020," said Pathan. “What I like about Mumbai is their contribution to Indian cricket. The number of match winners they have produced for the Indian team is absolutely tremendous. How do you achieve that? First, you make your franchise big. Second, you deliver results with the team you have. Even now, Mumbai Indians had a great squad last season that could have easily won the trophy, but they couldn’t for different reasons," he added. While MI can take pride in discovering talents like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma for India, CSK can highlight their role in nurturing players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Also Read - IPL: MS Dhoni to bid adieu in upcoming season? Here's what Ex-India batter said Pathan also noted that Mumbai has produced four Indian captains, which sets them apart. He concluded that while both teams are great and the debate is fair, Mumbai Indians have a slight advantage because of their larger contribution to Indian cricket and young talent. “CSK don’t have four Indian captains, Mumbai Indians do. In that respect, assembling a team and contributing to a bigger cause, I think Mumbai Indians are the greatest IPL team. I know CSK will always say they are also the greatest, having won five trophies too. There is no doubt. There will always be a debate and it is a fair debate. But I think Mumbai Indians take the edge because they have given so many wonderful cricketers and young talents to Indian cricket," Pathan concluded.

Mumbai Indians will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium on Mar 29, while Chennai Super Kings will open their season against Rajasthan Royals at ACA Stadium on Mar 30.

CSK or MI? Former India all-rounder makes his call on IPL’s best side

From Virat Kohli to KL Rahul here is a look at five batters fastest to 5000 IPL runs. The illustrious list also features iconic names like David Warner, AB de Villiers and Shikhar Dhawan. 

From Virat Kohli to KL Rahul here is a look at five batters fastest to 5000 IPL runs. The illustrious list also features iconic names like David Warner, AB de Villiers and Shikhar Dhawan.&nbsp;

From Virat Kohli to KL Rahul, 5 batters fastest to 5000 IPL runs

From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson here is a look at five highest individual score in a lost chase in IPL history. The illustrious list also features the likes of Yusuf Pathan, KL Rahul and Shaun Marsh. 

From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson here is a look at five highest individual score in a lost chase in IPL history. The illustrious list also features the likes of Yusuf Pathan, KL Rahul and Shaun Marsh.&nbsp;

From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt a huge blow a week before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season after star bowler Akash Deep was ruled out on Saturday (Mar 21). The Indian pacer who made headlines during India's tour of England last year in the red-ball format will miss the entire season. The injury crisis comes after Harshit Rana and new signing Matheesha Pathirana are also struggling with injuries.<h2>Akash Deep ruled out</h2>A top official from Kolkata Knight Riders has confirmed the development to Cricbuzz. "Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season," the KKR official said. The 29-year-old Bengal pacer was picked by the franchise at his base price of INR 1 crore at last year's mini-auction in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;Akash Deep was not part of the franchise's preparatory camp, having instead been at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation. His absence adds to a growing list of concerns in KKR's fast-bowling department.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Harshit Rana is all but ruled out, while Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss parts of the first half of the tournament, leaving the side short on both availability and experience. KKR had already made a change in the lead-up to the season, bringing in Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, but beyond that, their fast-bowling resources now appear thin.&nbsp;Their Indian seam options currently comprise Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, with Cameron Green providing a seam-bowling allrounder option. The franchise is also conducting trials for an Indian fast bowler, with a replacement for Rana a priority as they look to rebuild a depleted pace attack ahead of the new season.

Akash Deep who made headlines during India tour of England last year in the red-ball format will miss the entire season. The injury crisis comes after Harshit Rana and new signing Matheesha Pathirana are also struggling with injuries.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt a huge blow a week before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season after star bowler Akash Deep was ruled out on Saturday (Mar 21). The Indian pacer who made headlines during India's tour of England last year in the red-ball format will miss the entire season. The injury crisis comes after Harshit Rana and new signing Matheesha Pathirana are also struggling with injuries. Akash Deep ruled out A top official from Kolkata Knight Riders has confirmed the development to Cricbuzz. "Unfortunately, he is out of the IPL, ruled out for the season," the KKR official said. The 29-year-old Bengal pacer was picked by the franchise at his base price of INR 1 crore at last year's mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Akash Deep was not part of the franchise's preparatory camp, having instead been at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation. His absence adds to a growing list of concerns in KKR's fast-bowling department. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Harshit Rana is all but ruled out, while Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss parts of the first half of the tournament, leaving the side short on both availability and experience. KKR had already made a change in the lead-up to the season, bringing in Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman, but beyond that, their fast-bowling resources now appear thin. Their Indian seam options currently comprise Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, with Cameron Green providing a seam-bowling allrounder option. The franchise is also conducting trials for an Indian fast bowler, with a replacement for Rana a priority as they look to rebuild a depleted pace attack ahead of the new season.

Akash Deep who made headlines during India's tour of England last year in the red-ball format will miss the entire season. The injury crisis comes after Harshit Rana and new signing Matheesha Pathirana are also struggling with injuries.

After Harshit Rana KKR dealt another injury blow, Akash Deep ruled out of IPL 2026

From KL Rahul to Rishabh Pant here is a look at five players with most runs without winning an IPL title. The list of players also consists of Chris Gayle, Sanju Samson and AB de Villiers as teams prepare for the latest round of retentions. 

From KL Rahul to Rishabh Pant here is a look at five players with most runs without winning an IPL title. The list of players also consists of Chris Gayle, Sanju Samson and AB de Villiers as teams prepare for the latest round of retentions.&nbsp;

From KL Rahul to Rishabh Pant, 5 players with most runs without winning an IPL title

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has hinted that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season will be MS Dhoni’s last as he enters the twilight of his career. Dhoni, who turns 45 in July, confirmed availability for the upcoming season and will feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they bid for a record sixth title. According to Uthappa, the upcoming season will be his last with the Yellow Army as they look to give him a happy sendoff.<h2>MS Dhoni to play last IPL?</h2>“I don't think CSK should hand over the leadership duties to Sanju Samson. You have to give Ruturaj Gaikwad time to settle as captain. He has been leading the team since 2024. No matter what people say, he is coming out of the shadow of MS Dhoni. You want him to come out completely and stand in his own light. You want to see what he can produce,” Uthappa said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;“You want him to lead the team when MS is not playing and stand on his own, without that overwhelming feeling of always being under that energy. So I think you can see Dhoni being a little more hands-off. IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year. I don't see him batting at number seven.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;“I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he is on his way out, he wants to wean himself out. I think he will do that. Only then will we see the true potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. Give him a few years. If it doesn't work, you always have Sanju Samson in the team to handle the captaincy duties,” the 2007 T20 World Cup winner added.&nbsp;Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK won five IPL titles and will bid for a sixth one under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy. They will also have Sanju Samson in their ranks, who was traded from the Rajasthan Royals in November.&nbsp;CSK will kick start their IPL 2026 season on Monday (Mar 30) when they face Rajasthan Royals at their adopted home at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

MS Dhoni, who turns 45 in July, confirmed availability for the upcoming season and will feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they bid for a record sixth title.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has hinted that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season will be MS Dhoni’s last as he enters the twilight of his career. Dhoni, who turns 45 in July, confirmed availability for the upcoming season and will feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they bid for a record sixth title. According to Uthappa, the upcoming season will be his last with the Yellow Army as they look to give him a happy sendoff. MS Dhoni to play last IPL? “I don't think CSK should hand over the leadership duties to Sanju Samson. You have to give Ruturaj Gaikwad time to settle as captain. He has been leading the team since 2024. No matter what people say, he is coming out of the shadow of MS Dhoni. You want him to come out completely and stand in his own light. You want to see what he can produce,” Uthappa said. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli “You want him to lead the team when MS is not playing and stand on his own, without that overwhelming feeling of always being under that energy. So I think you can see Dhoni being a little more hands-off. IPL 2026 is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey. I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role this year. I don't see him batting at number seven. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds “I see him batting at number eight. Knowing that he is on his way out, he wants to wean himself out. I think he will do that. Only then will we see the true potential of Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain. Give him a few years. If it doesn't work, you always have Sanju Samson in the team to handle the captaincy duties,” the 2007 T20 World Cup winner added. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK won five IPL titles and will bid for a sixth one under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy. They will also have Sanju Samson in their ranks, who was traded from the Rajasthan Royals in November. CSK will kick start their IPL 2026 season on Monday (Mar 30) when they face Rajasthan Royals at their adopted home at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

MS Dhoni, who turns 45 in July, confirmed availability for the upcoming season and will feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they bid for a record sixth title.

IPL 2026: MS Dhoni to bid adieu in upcoming season? Here's what former India batter said

Shubman Gill will have a point to prove as the Gujarat Titans prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Gill, India’s captain in ODI and Tests, was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad in January and will have a point to prove during IPL 2026. Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted the issue and why Gill would be more than prepared for the tournament, where he captains the the Gujarat Titans.<h2>Gill to prove a point in IPL 2026</h2>Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan – Know Your Team’, JioStar expert Pujara discussed how the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup snub could motivate Gill in IPL 2026. The Indian batter was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame.&nbsp;“The T20 World Cup squad snub will definitely fire up Shubman Gill. He is a quality player suited for all three formats. If he has a good IPL 2026 season, he will surely put his name in India’s T20I squad. He is leading the Test squad and is also the ODI captain,” Pujara said while answering about Gill.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;“He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will be back in the scheme of things for the Indian team. There will be some pressure on him because he has not been part of the India squad in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for him to carry on batting the way he has. He needs to try and accelerate a little more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect one for him to show he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” added Pujara.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;GT will start their IPL 2026 campaign under Shubman Gill’s captaincy on Mar 31 when they face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Their first home match will be on April 4 when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Shubman Gill was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame.

Shubman Gill will have a point to prove as the Gujarat Titans prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Gill, India’s captain in ODI and Tests, was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad in January and will have a point to prove during IPL 2026. Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted the issue and why Gill would be more than prepared for the tournament, where he captains the the Gujarat Titans. Gill to prove a point in IPL 2026 Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan – Know Your Team’, JioStar expert Pujara discussed how the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup snub could motivate Gill in IPL 2026. The Indian batter was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame. “The T20 World Cup squad snub will definitely fire up Shubman Gill. He is a quality player suited for all three formats. If he has a good IPL 2026 season, he will surely put his name in India’s T20I squad. He is leading the Test squad and is also the ODI captain,” Pujara said while answering about Gill. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds “He is a multi-format player. If he has a good season, he will be back in the scheme of things for the Indian team. There will be some pressure on him because he has not been part of the India squad in the shortest format. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity for him to carry on batting the way he has. He needs to try and accelerate a little more because that is something he has been working on. This IPL season is the perfect one for him to show he can bat at a strike rate of 150 to 160,” added Pujara. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli GT will start their IPL 2026 campaign under Shubman Gill’s captaincy on Mar 31 when they face Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Their first home match will be on April 4 when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Shubman Gill was instrumental in India’s Asia Cup success in September, but was sensationally omitted from the World Cup squad, with Rinku Singh and Ishan Kishan instead coming into the frame.

IPL 2026: Cheteshwar Pujara backs Shubman Gill to bounce back after T20 World Cup snub

Mumbai Indians (MI) look to have one of the strongest squads going into the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. Here's who all made it to their final 25 for IPL 2026.

Mumbai Indians (MI) look to have one of the strongest squads going into the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. Here's who all made it to their final 25 for IPL 2026.

IPL 2026: Check out MI final squad; batters, bowlers, keepers and more

From Mitchell Starc to Matheesha Pathirana, here's a look at the five key players missing early IPL 2026 matches. This list also includes Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lockie Ferguson

From Mitchell Starc to Matheesha Pathirana, here's a look at the five key players missing early IPL 2026 matches. This list also includes Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Lockie Ferguson.

From Mitchell Starc to Matheesha Pathirana, 5 key players missing early IPL 2026 matches

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday (Mar 21) that India will play a two-match T20I series against Ireland in June, immediately following the conclusion of their ODI series against Afghanistan. The first T20I will be held on June 26 at 7:30 pm IST, with the second match scheduled for June 28 at the same time and both games will take place in Belfast. India has toured Ireland three times over the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023), but this series marks their return to Belfast for the first time since 2007. After this short series, India will tour England for five T20Is and three ODIs from July 1 to 19.&nbsp;"Team India (Senior Men) will travel to Ireland for a two-match T20I series in June 2026. Having toured Ireland three times in the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023). This tour will mark India’s return to Belfast for the first time since 2007," read the statement.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-teams-will-come-hard-at-us-virat-kohli-warns-rcb-teammates-ahead-of-ipl-2026-1774066117859">‘Teams will come hard at us’: Virat Kohli warns RCB teammates ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;The BCCI statement came shortly after Ireland’s director of high performance, Graham West, confirmed the series and shared that Paul Stirling has stepped down as the T20I captain.&nbsp;West said that the India series is part of Ireland’s summer plans and added that with Ireland already qualified for the 2028 T20 World Cup, Stirling’s decision gives a new captain the chance to prepare and lead the team starting with this series.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s (Stirling) decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June," West said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-took-a-lot-of-effort-shreyas-iyer-on-injury-recovery-ahead-of-ipl-2026-1774064241958">‘Took a lot of effort….’: Shreyas Iyer on injury recovery ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Stirling’s decision to step down as Ireland’s T20I captain comes after a disappointing T20 World Cup, in which the team won just one of their four group-stage matches, losing to Sri Lanka and Australia, while their game against Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain.&nbsp;Even after leaving the T20 captaincy role, Stirling said he is still committed to the team and will continue as ODI captain and wants to focus on improving his performance and contributing more as a player. &nbsp;&nbsp;“While I will be stepping away from the T20 captaincy, I remain fully committed to the Ireland team and will continue in my role as ODI captain. I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field," said Stirling.

India has toured Ireland three times over the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023), but this series marks their return to Belfast for the first time since 2007. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday (Mar 21) that India will play a two-match T20I series against Ireland in June, immediately following the conclusion of their ODI series against Afghanistan. The first T20I will be held on June 26 at 7:30 pm IST, with the second match scheduled for June 28 at the same time and both games will take place in Belfast. India has toured Ireland three times over the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023), but this series marks their return to Belfast for the first time since 2007. After this short series, India will tour England for five T20Is and three ODIs from July 1 to 19. "Team India (Senior Men) will travel to Ireland for a two-match T20I series in June 2026. Having toured Ireland three times in the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023). This tour will mark India’s return to Belfast for the first time since 2007," read the statement. Also Read - ‘Teams will come hard at us’: Virat Kohli warns RCB teammates ahead of IPL 2026 The BCCI statement came shortly after Ireland’s director of high performance, Graham West, confirmed the series and shared that Paul Stirling has stepped down as the T20I captain. West said that the India series is part of Ireland’s summer plans and added that with Ireland already qualified for the 2028 T20 World Cup, Stirling’s decision gives a new captain the chance to prepare and lead the team starting with this series. “With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Paul’s (Stirling) decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India series in June," West said. Also Read - ‘Took a lot of effort….’: Shreyas Iyer on injury recovery ahead of IPL 2026 Meanwhile, Stirling’s decision to step down as Ireland’s T20I captain comes after a disappointing T20 World Cup, in which the team won just one of their four group-stage matches, losing to Sri Lanka and Australia, while their game against Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain. Even after leaving the T20 captaincy role, Stirling said he is still committed to the team and will continue as ODI captain and wants to focus on improving his performance and contributing more as a player. “While I will be stepping away from the T20 captaincy, I remain fully committed to the Ireland team and will continue in my role as ODI captain. I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field," said Stirling.

India has toured Ireland three times over the past eight years (2018, 2022 and 2023), but this series marks their return to Belfast for the first time since 2007.&nbsp;

India set to return to Belfast after 19 years as Ireland T20I series schedule released

From Imran Tahir to Mohammad Amir, here's a look at the top five bowlers fastest to 400 T20 wickets. This list also includes Shakib Al Hasan, Rashid Khan and Wahab Riaz.

From Imran Tahir to Mohammad Amir, here's a look at the top five bowlers fastest to 400 T20 wickets. This list also includes Shakib Al Hasan, Rashid Khan and Wahab Riaz.

Meet top 5 bowlers fastest to 400 T20 wickets

India batting stalwart Virat Kohli warned his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammates that IPL 2026 season will be more difficult because, they are the current champions, so other teams will try harder to beat them. During the team’s first practice session at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli spoke to a small group of mostly Indian players and asked them to give their full effort in the coming weeks. For many years, RCB was often seen as a “banter franchise,” struggling to win a title despite having top players for 17 years. However, coach Andy Flower and director of cricket Mo Bobat changed the team’s approach and focused on building a balanced team with consistent performers instead of only relying on big stars. Their strategy paid off in 2025, when RCB claimed their first IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-took-a-lot-of-effort-shreyas-iyer-on-injury-recovery-ahead-of-ipl-2026-1774064241958">‘Took a lot of effort….’: Shreyas Iyer on injury recovery ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;Kohli said the team worked very hard over the past few seasons to achieve success, but now the challenge will be bigger because other teams will come prepared. He told his teammates not to waste any time and to stay focused, giving more than their best for the next two and a half months. He also added that the team looks excited and ready for the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We worked really hard over the last two to three seasons to achieve what we did last year, and it’s only going to get tougher because the other teams are going to come hard at us," Kohli said.&nbsp;“We don’t waste these days. We stay ahead. So, switch on now. Let’s not waste even a minute of every session we are a part of. We must give our 120% for these two and a half months. I can see from everyone’s faces that we are excited enough to be challengers," he added.&nbsp;Coach Andy Flower kicked off the session by greeting the new players and said that combining them with experienced ones like Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar will help build a solid team. Flower also mentioned that having a star on their jersey as champions is a proud moment, but last season is over and the team must now focus on winning again this year.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-was-saleh-mohammadi-young-wrestling-champion-executed-in-iran-for-anti-national-activities-1774002839253">Who was Saleh Mohammadi? Young wrestling champion executed in Iran</a>&nbsp;“We had an interesting auction. I think we’ve improved our squad, to be quite frank," Flower said in the video. “We brought in some great new additions. So, integrating those new players into the RCB way with some of the established players, obviously led by Virat and Rajat, is an exciting part of building a new team together. If there is one difference this year, we have actually got a star on our shirts. So that is a very proud feeling to have for all RCBians. One thing that I would emphasise, though, is that the season’s gone and now we have a new challenge ahead of us, and it’s a really exciting challenge. We’re here to win this year’s IPL."

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Mar 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

India batting stalwart Virat Kohli warned his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammates that IPL 2026 season will be more difficult because, they are the current champions, so other teams will try harder to beat them. During the team’s first practice session at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli spoke to a small group of mostly Indian players and asked them to give their full effort in the coming weeks. For many years, RCB was often seen as a “banter franchise,” struggling to win a title despite having top players for 17 years. However, coach Andy Flower and director of cricket Mo Bobat changed the team’s approach and focused on building a balanced team with consistent performers instead of only relying on big stars. Their strategy paid off in 2025, when RCB claimed their first IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad. Also Read - ‘Took a lot of effort….’: Shreyas Iyer on injury recovery ahead of IPL 2026 Kohli said the team worked very hard over the past few seasons to achieve success, but now the challenge will be bigger because other teams will come prepared. He told his teammates not to waste any time and to stay focused, giving more than their best for the next two and a half months. He also added that the team looks excited and ready for the challenge. “We worked really hard over the last two to three seasons to achieve what we did last year, and it’s only going to get tougher because the other teams are going to come hard at us," Kohli said. “We don’t waste these days. We stay ahead. So, switch on now. Let’s not waste even a minute of every session we are a part of. We must give our 120% for these two and a half months. I can see from everyone’s faces that we are excited enough to be challengers," he added. Coach Andy Flower kicked off the session by greeting the new players and said that combining them with experienced ones like Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar will help build a solid team. Flower also mentioned that having a star on their jersey as champions is a proud moment, but last season is over and the team must now focus on winning again this year. Also Read - Who was Saleh Mohammadi? Young wrestling champion executed in Iran “We had an interesting auction. I think we’ve improved our squad, to be quite frank," Flower said in the video. “We brought in some great new additions. So, integrating those new players into the RCB way with some of the established players, obviously led by Virat and Rajat, is an exciting part of building a new team together. If there is one difference this year, we have actually got a star on our shirts. So that is a very proud feeling to have for all RCBians. One thing that I would emphasise, though, is that the season’s gone and now we have a new challenge ahead of us, and it’s a really exciting challenge. We’re here to win this year’s IPL."

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Mar 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

‘Teams will come hard at us’: Virat Kohli warns RCB teammates ahead of IPL 2026

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opened up about his recovery struggle after suffering a spleen injury in the third ODI of India’s Australia tour, which caused him to lose nearly seven kilograms and sidelined him for months. At one point, he was even admitted to the ICU in a Sydney hospital before being discharged. Speaking at an event in Mohali ahead of IPL 2026, Iyer said returning after such an injury was not easy and explained that although he regained fitness in about two months, but putting the lost weight back on required a lot of effort. He added that he enjoys challenges and felt proud to overcome this phase and return to playing, including representing India again in a recent series.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It’s always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kg due to the injury, it was a severe one,” Iyer said in Mohali, ahead of the start of IPL 2026 next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Thankfully, I was back in good shape after two months. But gaining those 7 kg back took a lot of effort. I enjoy challenges, and that was one I had to overcome. I’m glad I came through that phase and am back representing my team, and also having represented India in the previous series. I feel proud of myself.”&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-coach-abhishek-nayar-provides-major-update-on-harshit-rana-s-replacement-check-details-1774015868607"> KKR coach Abhishek Nayar provides major update on Harshit Rana’s replacement</a>&nbsp;After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and taking Punjab Kings to the final in 2025, expectations are high from Iyer this season. He said the team’s main goal is to win the trophy and that he enjoys the pressure that comes with it.&nbsp;“Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” Iyer said before opening up on the importance of team bonding activities.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-major-setback-for-pbks-as-lockie-ferguson-to-miss-start-of-season-1774008942360">IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season</a>&nbsp;Iyer also highlighted the importance of team bonding and said that spending time together helps players understand each other better. He mentioned that much of their free time is spent playing games like FIFA, while match strategies are usually discussed before to match days. According to him, building strong relationships off the field eventually leads to better performances on it. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is the period where we live as a family for two months. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time where we build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer has returned from a challenging injury break and is ready to lead Punjab Kings once again, focusing on taking the team a step further in IPL 2026.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opened up about his recovery struggle after suffering a spleen injury in the third ODI of India’s Australia tour, which caused him to lose nearly seven kilograms and sidelined him for months. At one point, he was even admitted to the ICU in a Sydney hospital before being discharged. Speaking at an event in Mohali ahead of IPL 2026, Iyer said returning after such an injury was not easy and explained that although he regained fitness in about two months, but putting the lost weight back on required a lot of effort. He added that he enjoys challenges and felt proud to overcome this phase and return to playing, including representing India again in a recent series. “It’s always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kg due to the injury, it was a severe one,” Iyer said in Mohali, ahead of the start of IPL 2026 next week. “Thankfully, I was back in good shape after two months. But gaining those 7 kg back took a lot of effort. I enjoy challenges, and that was one I had to overcome. I’m glad I came through that phase and am back representing my team, and also having represented India in the previous series. I feel proud of myself.” Also Read - KKR coach Abhishek Nayar provides major update on Harshit Rana’s replacement After leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and taking Punjab Kings to the final in 2025, expectations are high from Iyer this season. He said the team’s main goal is to win the trophy and that he enjoys the pressure that comes with it. “Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy,” Iyer said before opening up on the importance of team bonding activities. Also Read - IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season Iyer also highlighted the importance of team bonding and said that spending time together helps players understand each other better. He mentioned that much of their free time is spent playing games like FIFA, while match strategies are usually discussed before to match days. According to him, building strong relationships off the field eventually leads to better performances on it. “This is the period where we live as a family for two months. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time where we build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually,” he added.

Shreyas Iyer has returned from a challenging injury break and is ready to lead Punjab Kings once again, focusing on taking the team a step further in IPL 2026.

‘Took a lot of effort….’: Shreyas Iyer on injury recovery ahead of IPL 2026

From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone here is a look at five most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions. The auctions that took place in December also saw the likes of Matheesha Pathirana, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer make the elite list.

From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone here is a look at five most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions. The auctions that took place in December also saw the likes of Matheesha Pathirana, Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer make the elite list.

From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions

Get complete IPL 2026 details including dates, venues, full schedule, ticket booking, live streaming info, team squads, and captains. Stay updated with everything you need to know about the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

Get complete IPL 2026 details including dates, venues, full schedule, ticket booking, live streaming info, team squads, and captains. Stay updated with everything you need to know about the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

IPL 2026: Dates, venues, schedule, tickets, live streaming, team squads and captains – All you need to know

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, as their star pacer Harshit Rana almost ruled out of the tournament after injuring a ligament in his right knee during a warm-up match for the T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa. Following surgery, he is currently recovering, but there is no clear timeline for his return, forcing KKR to explore other bowling options. Speaking at Eden Gardens on Friday (Mar 20), head coach Abhishek Nayar said Rana’s absence is a big loss and explained that Rana has been an important part of the team for the past few seasons and has developed into a strong player, making him hard to replace.&nbsp;“Firstly, it’s a big blow because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last few seasons. All these years, he has grown into a good cricketer. We’ll always miss Harshit Rana, and it’s not easy to replace him," Nayar said at a press conference in Kolkata.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-major-setback-for-pbks-as-lockie-ferguson-to-miss-start-of-season-1774008942360">IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season</a>&nbsp;Nayar also said the team has been reviewing several bowlers to find the best replacement, however, no final decision has been made yet. He added that Rana is currently recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and the team expects to announce a replacement in the next few days.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Having said that, we have looked at a few bowlers over the past few days. We are trying to evaluate, with the help of our leadership group, who fits in and who can play that role to the best of their abilities. So we are still evaluating that and have yet to make that decision. But hopefully, we can identify who can make a difference," he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-suffer-early-setback-as-mitchell-starc-set-to-miss-initial-stage-of-ipl-2026-1773993183628">Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on Mar 29. Their first home match will be against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Apr 2, where team owner Shah Rukh Khan is likely to be present.

Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on Mar 29 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, as their star pacer Harshit Rana almost ruled out of the tournament after injuring a ligament in his right knee during a warm-up match for the T20 World Cup 2026 against South Africa. Following surgery, he is currently recovering, but there is no clear timeline for his return, forcing KKR to explore other bowling options. Speaking at Eden Gardens on Friday (Mar 20), head coach Abhishek Nayar said Rana’s absence is a big loss and explained that Rana has been an important part of the team for the past few seasons and has developed into a strong player, making him hard to replace. “Firstly, it’s a big blow because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last few seasons. All these years, he has grown into a good cricketer. We’ll always miss Harshit Rana, and it’s not easy to replace him," Nayar said at a press conference in Kolkata. Also Read - IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season Nayar also said the team has been reviewing several bowlers to find the best replacement, however, no final decision has been made yet. He added that Rana is currently recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and the team expects to announce a replacement in the next few days. “Having said that, we have looked at a few bowlers over the past few days. We are trying to evaluate, with the help of our leadership group, who fits in and who can play that role to the best of their abilities. So we are still evaluating that and have yet to make that decision. But hopefully, we can identify who can make a difference," he added. Also Read - Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026 KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on Mar 29. Their first home match will be against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Apr 2, where team owner Shah Rukh Khan is likely to be present.

Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Mumbai Indians on Mar 29 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

KKR coach Abhishek Nayar provides major update on Harshit Rana’s replacement, check details

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, starting on Mar 28. The Punjab Kings pacer is currently representing the Blackcaps in a five-match T20I series against South Africa. He recently returned from a short paternity break after the birth of his child, having taken time off during the T20 World Cup 2026 before rejoining the squad in the Super 8 stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 34-year-old recently shared that having a newborn has changed his priorities and he wants to spend more time at home while still managing his cricket career. Ferguson further added that he will take a few weeks off after the current series and then join Punjab Kings later in the IPL season.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-suffer-early-setback-as-mitchell-starc-set-to-miss-initial-stage-of-ipl-2026-1773993183628">Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;"Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. 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," Lockie Ferguson said before the third T20I against South Africa.&nbsp;In the second T20I against South Africa, he performed well and picked up three wickets for 16 runs in a comfortable win for New Zealand. After the third match, he plans to take a longer break.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-boost-for-kkr-as-matheesha-pathirana-declared-fit-ahead-of-ipl-2026-1773995983759">Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;Despite Lockie Ferguson’s absence, Punjab Kings still have strong fast-bowling options, including Arshdeep Singh, Ben Dwarshuis, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett and Yash Thakur. All-rounders such as Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis further add depth to the squad.&nbsp;Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, starting on Mar 28. The Punjab Kings pacer is currently representing the Blackcaps in a five-match T20I series against South Africa. He recently returned from a short paternity break after the birth of his child, having taken time off during the T20 World Cup 2026 before rejoining the squad in the Super 8 stage. The 34-year-old recently shared that having a newborn has changed his priorities and he wants to spend more time at home while still managing his cricket career. Ferguson further added that he will take a few weeks off after the current series and then join Punjab Kings later in the IPL season. Also Read - Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026 "Just had a wee son, trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. 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," Lockie Ferguson said before the third T20I against South Africa. In the second T20I against South Africa, he performed well and picked up three wickets for 16 runs in a comfortable win for New Zealand. After the third match, he plans to take a longer break. Also Read - Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026 Despite Lockie Ferguson’s absence, Punjab Kings still have strong fast-bowling options, including Arshdeep Singh, Ben Dwarshuis, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Xavier Bartlett and Yash Thakur. All-rounders such as Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen and Marcus Stoinis further add depth to the squad. Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

Punjab Kings, who finished as runners-up last season, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Mar 31 in New Chandigarh.

IPL 2026: Major setback for PBKS as Lockie Ferguson to miss start of season

New Zealand won the third T20I against South Africa by eight wickets at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday (Mar 20), taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. After choosing to bowl first, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner led a strong effort to restrict South Africa to 136 for nine in 20 overs. Nqobani Mokoena was the top scorer for visitors with an unbeaten 26 from 20 balls, hitting three sixes and one four. George Linde (23), Dian Forrester (17) and Gerald Coetzee (16) also contributed some runs, but the top order failed badly and could not build a solid total.&nbsp;For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson (2/42), Mitchell Santner (2/21) and Ben Sears (2/27) took two wickets each. Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham (1/22) and Cole McConchie (1/14) picked up one wicket each.&nbsp;Lockie Ferguson was named Player of the Match for his excellent bowling, giving away only nine runs in four overs and taking one wicket.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-boost-for-kkr-as-matheesha-pathirana-declared-fit-ahead-of-ipl-2026-1773995983759">Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;Chasing 137, New Zealand reached the target comfortably in 16.2 overs, losing just two wickets. Tom Latham scored an unbeaten 63 off 55 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Devon Conway supported him well with 39 runs off 26 balls, including two sixes and four fours. Tim Robinson also added 17 runs and their combined effort helped New Zealand win the match easily.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-suffer-early-setback-as-mitchell-starc-set-to-miss-initial-stage-of-ipl-2026-1773993183628">DC suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;For South Africa, Lutho Sipamla (1/26) and captain Keshav Maharaj (1/30) took one wicket each, but the rest of the bowlers could not make an impact.&nbsp;With this win, New Zealand will look to keep their momentum going in the remaining matches, while South Africa will try to bounce back and level the series.

With this win, New Zealand will aim to continue their momentum in the upcoming matches, while South Africa will look to bounce back and level the series.

New Zealand won the third T20I against South Africa by eight wickets at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday (Mar 20), taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. After choosing to bowl first, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner led a strong effort to restrict South Africa to 136 for nine in 20 overs. Nqobani Mokoena was the top scorer for visitors with an unbeaten 26 from 20 balls, hitting three sixes and one four. George Linde (23), Dian Forrester (17) and Gerald Coetzee (16) also contributed some runs, but the top order failed badly and could not build a solid total. For New Zealand, Kyle Jamieson (2/42), Mitchell Santner (2/21) and Ben Sears (2/27) took two wickets each. Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham (1/22) and Cole McConchie (1/14) picked up one wicket each. Lockie Ferguson was named Player of the Match for his excellent bowling, giving away only nine runs in four overs and taking one wicket. Also Read - Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026 Chasing 137, New Zealand reached the target comfortably in 16.2 overs, losing just two wickets. Tom Latham scored an unbeaten 63 off 55 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Devon Conway supported him well with 39 runs off 26 balls, including two sixes and four fours. Tim Robinson also added 17 runs and their combined effort helped New Zealand win the match easily. Also Read - DC suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026 For South Africa, Lutho Sipamla (1/26) and captain Keshav Maharaj (1/30) took one wicket each, but the rest of the bowlers could not make an impact. With this win, New Zealand will look to keep their momentum going in the remaining matches, while South Africa will try to bounce back and level the series.

With this win, New Zealand will aim to continue their momentum in the upcoming matches, while South Africa will look to bounce back and level the series.

NZ vs SA, 3rd T20I: New Zealand crush South Africa by eight wickets, lead series 2-1

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) received a timely boost on Thursday (Mar 20) as Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that their key fast bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, is fully fit and ready for the IPL 2026. Amid speculation over his availability, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Bandula Dissanayake stated that Pathirana has completed his recovery and has been cleared to participate in the tournament.&nbsp;“As far as I know, he’s fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL, that’s all I know at this point of time," Dissanayake was quoted as saying.&nbsp;“He has completed rehab and he is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness. At the moment we don’t know anything about that. As far as we know he is fit and ready to join IPL."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-suffer-early-setback-as-mitchell-starc-set-to-miss-initial-stage-of-ipl-2026-1773993183628">DC suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;However, it is still not clear when Pathirana will join the KKR squad. The team will leave for Mumbai on Mar 25 and play their first match against Mumbai Indians on Mar 29. After that, they will play three home games at Eden Gardens against Sunrisers Hyderabad (Apr 2), Punjab Kings (Apr 6) and Lucknow Super Giants (Apr 9).&nbsp;Pathirana, bought by KKR for INR 18 crore, had been recovering from a calf injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against Australia. He subsequently missed the remainder of the tournament, as the co-hosts were eliminated in the Super 8 stage.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-reprimands-israeli-football-association-for-breaching-anti-discrimination-objectives-1773971924922">FIFA reprimands Israeli Football for breaching anti-discrimination objectives</a>&nbsp;Nicknamed “Baby Malinga,” Pathirana emerged as a T20 specialist while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Since his debut in 2022, he has featured in 32 matches for the team, claiming 47 wickets.&nbsp;However, his 2025 season was not very successful, as he managed only 13 wickets in 12 matches, at an economy rate of 10.14 and bowling average of 32.62.&nbsp;KKR’s pace attack has faced challenges ahead of the upcoming season, as their main pacer Harshit Rana is recovering from a ligament injury in his right knee and is likely to miss the tournament. Earlier this year, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released due to a BCCI rule and the team brought in Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani as his replacement.

KKR gets a timely boost ahead of IPL 2026 as Matheesha Pathirana cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket to join the franchise

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) received a timely boost on Thursday (Mar 20) as Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that their key fast bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, is fully fit and ready for the IPL 2026. Amid speculation over his availability, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Bandula Dissanayake stated that Pathirana has completed his recovery and has been cleared to participate in the tournament. “As far as I know, he’s fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL, that’s all I know at this point of time," Dissanayake was quoted as saying. “He has completed rehab and he is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness. At the moment we don’t know anything about that. As far as we know he is fit and ready to join IPL." Also Read - DC suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026 However, it is still not clear when Pathirana will join the KKR squad. The team will leave for Mumbai on Mar 25 and play their first match against Mumbai Indians on Mar 29. After that, they will play three home games at Eden Gardens against Sunrisers Hyderabad (Apr 2), Punjab Kings (Apr 6) and Lucknow Super Giants (Apr 9). Pathirana, bought by KKR for INR 18 crore, had been recovering from a calf injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match against Australia. He subsequently missed the remainder of the tournament, as the co-hosts were eliminated in the Super 8 stage. Also Read - FIFA reprimands Israeli Football for breaching anti-discrimination objectives Nicknamed “Baby Malinga,” Pathirana emerged as a T20 specialist while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Since his debut in 2022, he has featured in 32 matches for the team, claiming 47 wickets. However, his 2025 season was not very successful, as he managed only 13 wickets in 12 matches, at an economy rate of 10.14 and bowling average of 32.62. KKR’s pace attack has faced challenges ahead of the upcoming season, as their main pacer Harshit Rana is recovering from a ligament injury in his right knee and is likely to miss the tournament. Earlier this year, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released due to a BCCI rule and the team brought in Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani as his replacement.

KKR gets a timely boost ahead of IPL 2026 as Matheesha Pathirana cleared by Sri Lanka Cricket to join the franchise

Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana declared fit ahead of IPL 2026

Best Batting Performance - Chris Gayle 175 not out
Best Bowling Performance - Alzarri Joseph 6/12
Best Team Total - 287/3 by SRH
Most Total Sixes in an IPL Match - 42 in KKR vs PBKS
Highest Total Chased - 262 by PBKS
Lowest Total Defended - 111 by PBKS
Best Partnership by Runs - 229 by ABD & Kohli

As IPL 2026 gears up to begin, let's have a look at the best performance in the tournament history from batting, bowling to partnership and individual brilliance.

IPL Records: List of Best Batting, Bowling and Team Records in IPL History

Star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will miss the initial stage of IPL 2026, as reported by cricket.com.au, joining fellow Australians Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who will also not feature at the start of the tournament. According to the report, Cricket Australia is managing its key bowlers carefully due to an upcoming packed international schedule. From August, Australia’s Test team is expected to play up to 21 matches in a year, including important tours of South Africa, India and England, followed by the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The return of these players will depend on how well they recover in the coming weeks.&nbsp;“Cricket Australia is taking a cautious approach with their star multi-format bowlers given what lies ahead: from August, the Test side will play up to 21 matches in a 12-month period, including legacy-defining tours of South Africa, India and England, before defending their ODI World Cup crown in Southern Africa in late 2027. The trio’s availability will depend on progress in their return to play protocols over the next few weeks," the report stated.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/march-madness-watch-vcu-stuns-unc-thanks-to-3p-dagger-in-ot-by-terrence-hill-jr-1773976185584">March Madness | WATCH - VCU stuns UNC, thanks to 3P dagger in OT by Hill</a>&nbsp;Cummins, who leads Australia in Tests, played only one match in the 2025-26 The Ashes due to a back injury. Hazlewood, on the other hand, missed the entire series because of hamstring and Achilles issues. Both players also missed the T20 World Cup 2026, held in India and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan will lead Hyderabad at the start of the season, which begins on Mar 28.&nbsp;Another Australian pacer, Nathan Ellis, is ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. He had recovered earlier to play in the World Cup but got injured again during a domestic final in Hobart.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-reprimands-israeli-football-association-for-breaching-anti-discrimination-objectives-1773971924922">FIFA reprimands Israeli Football for breaching anti-discrimination objectives</a>&nbsp;Young Australian bowler Jack Edwards will also miss IPL 2026 due to a foot injury. He had performed well in the Big Bash League, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches.&nbsp;Starc’s absence is a big setback for Delhi Capitals, as he is their lead bowler and picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches last season. In his absence, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi is expected to lead the bowling attack, with support from T. Natarajan, Auqib Nabi Dar, Kyle Jamieson and Dushmantha Chameera.

This decision comes ahead of a demanding year, as Australia’s Test side prepares for a heavy workload of up to 21 matches over the next 12 months starting in August.

Star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc will miss the initial stage of IPL 2026, as reported by cricket.com.au, joining fellow Australians Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who will also not feature at the start of the tournament. According to the report, Cricket Australia is managing its key bowlers carefully due to an upcoming packed international schedule. From August, Australia’s Test team is expected to play up to 21 matches in a year, including important tours of South Africa, India and England, followed by the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The return of these players will depend on how well they recover in the coming weeks. “Cricket Australia is taking a cautious approach with their star multi-format bowlers given what lies ahead: from August, the Test side will play up to 21 matches in a 12-month period, including legacy-defining tours of South Africa, India and England, before defending their ODI World Cup crown in Southern Africa in late 2027. The trio’s availability will depend on progress in their return to play protocols over the next few weeks," the report stated. Also Read - March Madness | WATCH - VCU stuns UNC, thanks to 3P dagger in OT by Hill Cummins, who leads Australia in Tests, played only one match in the 2025-26 The Ashes due to a back injury. Hazlewood, on the other hand, missed the entire series because of hamstring and Achilles issues. Both players also missed the T20 World Cup 2026, held in India and Sri Lanka. In Cummins’ absence, Ishan Kishan will lead Hyderabad at the start of the season, which begins on Mar 28. Another Australian pacer, Nathan Ellis, is ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. He had recovered earlier to play in the World Cup but got injured again during a domestic final in Hobart. Also Read - FIFA reprimands Israeli Football for breaching anti-discrimination objectives Young Australian bowler Jack Edwards will also miss IPL 2026 due to a foot injury. He had performed well in the Big Bash League, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches. Starc’s absence is a big setback for Delhi Capitals, as he is their lead bowler and picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches last season. In his absence, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi is expected to lead the bowling attack, with support from T. Natarajan, Auqib Nabi Dar, Kyle Jamieson and Dushmantha Chameera.

This decision comes ahead of a demanding year, as Australia’s Test side prepares for a heavy workload of up to 21 matches over the next 12 months starting in August.

Delhi Capitals suffer early setback as Mitchell Starc set to miss initial stage of IPL 2026

All the sides will be led by Indian captain for now with Ishan Kishan replacing Pat Cummins for SRH till the Aussie pacer recovers from the injury.

All the sides will be led by Indian captain for now with Ishan Kishan replacing Pat Cummins for SRH till the Aussie pacer recovers from the injury.

IPL 2026 Captains List: Team-wise captain names

Rajasthan Royals could have a huge shoe to fill with little over a week to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season to start. According to a media report circulating on Thursday (Mar 19), all-rounder Sam Curran is likely to miss the entire season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Curran was one of the two players traded to RR from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with Ravindra Jadeja.<h2>Curran to miss IPL 2026?</h2>According to a report from prominent cricket website Espncricinfo, Curran has suffered a groin injury, which could see him miss at least two months of cricket. This means he could miss the entire IPL 2026, which begins next season. The English all-rounder was a high-profile trade from CSK in November, which saw Ravindra Jadeja also come to the 2008 champions, while Sanju Samson was released.&nbsp;While the extent of the injury is unknown, Curran’s unavailability could be a huge issue for the Rajasthan management. In case Curran’s unavailability is confirmed, RR will have to stress their resources and find a like-to-like replacement. In case the injury is confirmed, the IPL commission will only allow a like-for-like replacement.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;RR would have been the third franchise Curran would have represented in the IPL after having started his career at Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2019. Curran then played for CSK in 2020 and 2021, before returning to PBKS in 2023 as the league's most expensive player at INR 18.5 crore, and playing for them again in 2024. Curran was bought back by CSK for INR 2.4 crore for IPL 2025, which he finished with 114 runs and only one wicket in five games.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Apart from Jadeja, RR also have another allrounder in Donovan Ferreira, a power-hitter who can bowl quickish offspin. Just like Jadeja and Curran, Ferreria, too, was bought by RR via a trade at his base price of INR 1 crore from the Delhi Capitals.

According to a media report circulating on Thursday (Mar 19), all-rounder Sam Curran is likely to miss the entire season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Curran was one of the two players traded to RR from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with Ravindra Jadeja.

Rajasthan Royals could have a huge shoe to fill with little over a week to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) season to start. According to a media report circulating on Thursday (Mar 19), all-rounder Sam Curran is likely to miss the entire season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Curran was one of the two players traded to RR from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with Ravindra Jadeja. Curran to miss IPL 2026? According to a report from prominent cricket website Espncricinfo, Curran has suffered a groin injury, which could see him miss at least two months of cricket. This means he could miss the entire IPL 2026, which begins next season. The English all-rounder was a high-profile trade from CSK in November, which saw Ravindra Jadeja also come to the 2008 champions, while Sanju Samson was released. While the extent of the injury is unknown, Curran’s unavailability could be a huge issue for the Rajasthan management. In case Curran’s unavailability is confirmed, RR will have to stress their resources and find a like-to-like replacement. In case the injury is confirmed, the IPL commission will only allow a like-for-like replacement. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds RR would have been the third franchise Curran would have represented in the IPL after having started his career at Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2019. Curran then played for CSK in 2020 and 2021, before returning to PBKS in 2023 as the league's most expensive player at INR 18.5 crore, and playing for them again in 2024. Curran was bought back by CSK for INR 2.4 crore for IPL 2025, which he finished with 114 runs and only one wicket in five games. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Apart from Jadeja, RR also have another allrounder in Donovan Ferreira, a power-hitter who can bowl quickish offspin. Just like Jadeja and Curran, Ferreria, too, was bought by RR via a trade at his base price of INR 1 crore from the Delhi Capitals.

According to a media report circulating on Thursday (Mar 19), all-rounder Sam Curran is likely to miss the entire season, which starts on Saturday (Mar 28). Curran was one of the two players traded to RR from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) along with Ravindra Jadeja.

IPL 2026: Sam Curran likely to miss entire season with suspected groin injury - Report

&nbsp;Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has hailed Sanju Samson’s impact on the game as he termed the World Cup winners irreplaceable on Thursday (Mar 19). Speaking in a pre-season event, Parag compared Samson to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and said their impact is unparalleled. According to Parag, they can try different players, but replacing Samson will be a huge task. The former skipper in November 2025 was traded to Chennai Super Kings, while Ravindra Jadeja went in the opposite direction.<h2>Parag hails Samson’s impact</h2>"We can only try to look for players with the same skills [like Samson] and someone who can fill the hole left by him in the batting order," Parag said in Jaipur. "Just like you cannot replace Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in any XI, Samson is irreplaceable.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;"But will we plan something new? That's what we've been discussing in the build-up. If you see last season, we lost five or six close games; in fact, a couple of games were last-ball defeats. This season, if those few games go in our favour, then we won't be asked about our issues any longer.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;"In any 40-over game, there will be a few moments where you have to make the right decisions and that's what I'll focus on - like who will bat where, or what to do at the toss - and if we do that well, then this year will be a good one."&nbsp;In November, Samson was traded to CSK, with Jadeja going in the opposite direction. This meant Samson would end his long association with the Rajasthan Royals, where he had served for 12 seasons across two spells. In a productive career, he scored 4027 runs from 149 matches with a best of 119 and also scored two hundreds.

In November, Sanju Samson was traded to CSK, with Ravindra Jadeja going in the opposite direction. This meant Samson would end his long association with the Rajasthan Royals, where he had served for 12 seasons across two spells.

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has hailed Sanju Samson’s impact on the game as he termed the World Cup winners irreplaceable on Thursday (Mar 19). Speaking in a pre-season event, Parag compared Samson to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and said their impact is unparalleled. According to Parag, they can try different players, but replacing Samson will be a huge task. The former skipper in November 2025 was traded to Chennai Super Kings, while Ravindra Jadeja went in the opposite direction. Parag hails Samson’s impact "We can only try to look for players with the same skills [like Samson] and someone who can fill the hole left by him in the batting order," Parag said in Jaipur. "Just like you cannot replace Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in any XI, Samson is irreplaceable. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli "But will we plan something new? That's what we've been discussing in the build-up. If you see last season, we lost five or six close games; in fact, a couple of games were last-ball defeats. This season, if those few games go in our favour, then we won't be asked about our issues any longer. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "In any 40-over game, there will be a few moments where you have to make the right decisions and that's what I'll focus on - like who will bat where, or what to do at the toss - and if we do that well, then this year will be a good one." In November, Samson was traded to CSK, with Jadeja going in the opposite direction. This meant Samson would end his long association with the Rajasthan Royals, where he had served for 12 seasons across two spells. In a productive career, he scored 4027 runs from 149 matches with a best of 119 and also scored two hundreds.

In November, Sanju Samson was traded to CSK, with Ravindra Jadeja going in the opposite direction. This meant Samson would end his long association with the Rajasthan Royals, where he had served for 12 seasons across two spells.

IPL 2026: Riyan Parag hails Sanju Samson, says 'he is irreplaceable like Kohli or Rohit'

World Champions India are all set to play Ireland in a T20I series in July ahead of the Men in Blue’s white-ball tour of England. The announcement came on Thursday (Mar 19) with Ireland's director of high performance also confirming Paul Stirling’s decision to step down as captain in T20Is after the side’s poor show in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in India.<h2>India to tour Ireland</h2>While no layout of the tour has been prepared, India will tour Ireland before the England series. The series was not part of the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP), meaning it will serve as a warm-up for the Men in Blue. This will be India’s first away series since winning the T20 World Cup on home soil on March 8 with a thumping win against New Zealand.<h2>Paul Stirling steps down</h2>Graham West, Ireland's director of high performance, confirmed in a press release announcing Stirling's departure that the series will go ahead. Stirling took over from Andy Balbirnie on a full-time basis in 2023 and has captained in 48 T20Is overall. But his tenure included two group-stage exits at T20 World Cups, and he was ruled out of the most recent edition midway through Ireland's second match after sustaining a knee injury while fielding.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;"I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field," Stirling said while announcing his decision to step down."This feels like the right time for the team to move into a new chapter, and I wish whoever takes on the T20 captaincy every success. They will have my full support, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to build and push for success on the international stage.”&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;As per the ICC's Future Tours Programme, Ireland's men are due to host New Zealand (one Test), Bangladesh (three ODIs and three T20Is) and Afghanistan (one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is) next summer.

While no layout of the tour has been prepared, India will tour Ireland before the England series. The series was not part of the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP), meaning it will serve as a warm-up for the Men in Blue.

World Champions India are all set to play Ireland in a T20I series in July ahead of the Men in Blue’s white-ball tour of England. The announcement came on Thursday (Mar 19) with Ireland's director of high performance also confirming Paul Stirling’s decision to step down as captain in T20Is after the side’s poor show in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in India. India to tour Ireland While no layout of the tour has been prepared, India will tour Ireland before the England series. The series was not part of the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP), meaning it will serve as a warm-up for the Men in Blue. This will be India’s first away series since winning the T20 World Cup on home soil on March 8 with a thumping win against New Zealand. Paul Stirling steps down Graham West, Ireland's director of high performance, confirmed in a press release announcing Stirling's departure that the series will go ahead. Stirling took over from Andy Balbirnie on a full-time basis in 2023 and has captained in 48 T20Is overall. But his tenure included two group-stage exits at T20 World Cups, and he was ruled out of the most recent edition midway through Ireland's second match after sustaining a knee injury while fielding. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "I still have a huge amount of ambition as a player and feel this decision will allow me to fully focus on being the best version of myself and making the strongest possible contribution on the field," Stirling said while announcing his decision to step down. "This feels like the right time for the team to move into a new chapter, and I wish whoever takes on the T20 captaincy every success. They will have my full support, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to build and push for success on the international stage.” ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli As per the ICC's Future Tours Programme, Ireland's men are due to host New Zealand (one Test), Bangladesh (three ODIs and three T20Is) and Afghanistan (one Test, three ODIs and three T20Is) next summer.

While no layout of the tour has been prepared, India will tour Ireland before the England series. The series was not part of the ICC Future Tour Program (FTP), meaning it will serve as a warm-up for the Men in Blue.

World Champions India to play T20I series against Ireland ahead of England tour

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World Champions India to play T20I series against Ireland ahead of England tour