Sanju Samson desires new IPL staff, Rishabh Pant harm replace & RCB out of M Chinnaswamy Stadium?

The planning and plotting for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has apparently already begun. And the biggest news currently going around is the likelihood of Sanju Samson leaving the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Well, the Kerala-born superstar has asked RR to release him, and with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) approaching, we might see Samson and Dhoni play together. Apart from this there’s an update on Rishabh Pant, who endured an unfortunate blow to his tow during the recent India vs England Tests. Also, there might be a bad news coming for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise, considering the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Sanju Samson wants new IPL team

Sanju Samson wants out of Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026 and has formally requested a trade or release. CSK and KKR are keen on signing him, with CSK eyeing him as a potential successor to MS Dhoni. Samson’s relationship with RR has soured, and his family has also expressed their desire for him to leave. RR retained him for Rs 18 crore before the 2025 auction, but they’ve received unacceptable trade offers so far. With Samson under contract till 2027, RR might hold on to him till the next mega auction, unless they decide to release him. Read more here.

Shreyas Iyer the Test player back?

Shreyas Iyer is set to make a comeback to the Indian Test team for the upcoming series against the West Indies and South Africa. His expertise in playing spin bowling is expected to be a major part. Iyer, who was axed from the Test team and central contracts earlier, has impressed with his Ranji Trophy performances, scoring 480 runs at an average of 68.57. He’s likely to earn a recall to the T20I team as well and might be included in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Read more here.

Rishabh Pant injury update

Good news for Rishabh Pant that he won’t need surgery for his fractured toe, but he’ll be out for 6 weeks. Unfortunately, that means he’ll miss the Asia Cup and the West Indies series. Pant had a stellar series against England, scoring 479 runs with 2 tons and 3 fifties, and hitting 17 sixes. Meanwhile, Karun Nair has suffered a setback with a finger fracture and will miss the Duleep Trophy. He scored 205 runs in the England series but will likely recover in time for the next Test series. Read more here.

Latest on Cricket

Shubman Gill to lead at Duleep Trophy

Shubman Gill is set to lead North Zone in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, starting August 28 in Bengaluru. After impressing as India’s Test captain in the drawn series against England, Gill will look to continue his form. The North Zone squad includes players like Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, with replacements named for international players. His batting was phenomenal, scoring 754 runs at an average of 75. This Duleep Trophy stint could be crucial in preparing him for future challenges. Read more here.

Pakistan refuses to play India

So, it seems Pakistan’s hockey team has decided not to play the Asia Cup in India, and it’s kind of ironic given the whole drama that went down with Indian cricketers refusing to play against Pakistan. Now, with the Asia Cup cricket tournament coming up in the UAE, it’ll be interesting to see if Pakistan shows up to play India. Keeping all the money and pressure involved, the India vs Pakistan will happen twice, if not thrice (in the finals). The teams are scheduled to face off multiple times, starting September 14. The abandoned WCL match has, however, put fire in the debate. Read more here.

Bad news for RCB?

The KSCA has relocated the Maharaja Trophy 2025 from M Chinnaswamy Stadium to Mysuru due to safety concerns, possibly concerning about future events, including the Women’s World Cup 2025 and IPL 2026. This could impact RCB, potentially forcing them to play away from their home ground, Chinnaswamy Stadium. The ICC might consider alternative venues for the Women’s World Cup if the issues aren’t resolved. This development has put the stadium’s future hosting capabilities in doubt. Read more here.