Read Bengali: IPL 2026: আইপিএলে দাপট আরসিবির, ঘরের মাঠে ১৮ রানে হার মুম্বাই

Batting first after being asked to set a total, RCB posted a massive 240/4 in 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive knocks from Phil Salt (78 off 36 balls), Virat Kohli (50), and skipper Rajat Patidar, who blasted 53 off just 20 deliveries. Tim David provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 34 as RCB crossed the 240-mark.

In reply, MI started with intent but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav got decent starts, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 40. However, the real fight came from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 71 and kept the chase alive till the very end.

Despite a late flourish, the asking rate kept climbing, and RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. MI finished at 222/5, falling 18 runs short in what turned out to be a record-breaking high-scoring encounter (total aggregate 462 runs).

This victory highlighted RCB’s strong batting depth and composure under pressure. For MI, it’s another disappointing result as they continue to search for consistency in the season.

Read Bengali: IPL: দিল্লির বিরুদ্ধে মরসুমের প্রথম জয় চেন্নাইয়ের, ফর্মে ফিরলেন সঞ্জু স্যামসন

Opting to bat first, CSK got off to a slow start with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for timing (15 off 18). But Samson took charge, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout and finding the perfect partner in young Ayush Mhatre, who chipped in with a fluent 59. The duo added 113 runs for the second wicket. In the end, Shivam Dube came in as a finisher (20 off 10) after Mhatre was retired out, helping push the total past 210.

In reply, Delhi Capitals began brightly with Pathum Nissanka racing to 41 off 24, but CSK’s pace attack soon took control. Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and debutant Gurjapneet Singh each picked up key top-order wickets. Gurjapneet made an instant impact, dismissing DC captain Axar Patel with his very first ball in IPL.

The middle overs belonged to Jamie Overton, whose fiery spell of 4/18 choked the life out of DC’s chase. Tristan Stubbs fought hard with a valiant 60 off 38, and a brief partnership with Ashutosh Sharma kept hopes alive, but once Noor Ahmad broke that stand, the innings crumbled. Overton had the final say in a heated 19th over, dismissing a frustrated Stubbs.

Kamboj (3/35) wrapped up the tail efficiently as DC were bowled out for 189 in the final over.

It was a much-needed boost for the five-time champions, who had endured a slow start to the season. Samson’s explosive knock, combined with smart bowling variations on a tricky Chepauk surface, proved decisive.

Read Bengali: PBKS vs SRH: পাঞ্জাবের আক্রমণে জলে গেল হায়দ্রাবাদের পরিশ্রম

Chasing a stiff target of 220, PBKS got off to a flying start with Priyansh Arya (57 off 20) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25) blasting a sensational 99-run opening stand. The duo tore into the SRH attack during the powerplay, reaching 93 without loss and setting the perfect platform.

Abhishek Sharma had earlier lit up the game with a brutal 74 off 28 balls (including eight sixes), adding 120 runs with Travis Head (38 off 23) in just 8.1 overs to power SRH to 219/6. However, Shashank Singh’s double strike in one over shifted the momentum, and Xavier Bartlett kept things tight at the death with a brilliant final over.

In the chase, Priyansh raced to a 16-ball fifty with some clean hitting, while Prabhsimran danced down the track to smack big sixes. Though Shivang Kumar picked three wickets to raise SRH’s hopes, Shreyas Iyer stayed calm and finished the job in style with seven balls to spare.

The win was built on smart captaincy too — Shreyas cleverly used Shashank Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal to break the explosive SRH opening stand when the pacers were being hammered.

A complete team performance, led from the front by their skipper!

The young Rajasthan Royals sensation was absolutely unstoppable, smashing a breathtaking 78 off just 26 balls to help his team chase down 203 with ease and secure a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. His fiery innings, packed with eight fours and seven sixes, not only powered RR to a comfortable win but also earned him the coveted Orange Cap for the tournament.

Read Bengali : আইপিএলের বিস্ময় বালক বৈভব সূর্যবংশী

Virat Kohli, who witnessed the youngster’s carnage up close, made sure to show some love after the match. Sooryavanshi approached Kohli for an autograph, and the RCB star happily signed his Rajasthan Royals cap with a personal message: “Dear Vaibhav, well done.”

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag also had nothing but praise for the teenager, describing him as a bundle of joy that everyone in the team adores.

“Everyone loves him. Everyone loves having him around,” Parag said during the post-match presentation. “He’s a fun-loving kid who enjoys eating out and doing all the typical 15-16-year-old stuff. As long as he keeps batting like this, we make sure he gets whatever he wants!”

With 200 runs in just four matches, including this match-winning 78, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the IPL.

The concern stems from Bangladesh’s international commitments during the IPL window. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand, featuring both ODIs and T20Is. While Mustafizur is no longer a regular in the ODI setup, he remains a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 squad. If he is selected, KKR may have to release him for a few matches midway through the IPL.

The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31. The Bangladesh–New Zealand T20 series is likely to take place between April 16 and April 23. If Mustafizur is called up during this period, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board could become complicated, potentially disrupting KKR’s plans.

Notably, this is the highest-ever auction price paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. Mustafizur is also set to be the only Bangladeshi player in IPL 2026, as Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib went unsold at the auction.

This will be the first time Mustafizur wears the KKR jersey. To secure his services, KKR had to outbid Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings—both teams he has represented in the past. His proven IPL track record is what makes him such a valuable asset for the Knight Riders.

Mustafizur made a sensational IPL debut in 2016, winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in his very first season. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. Across all T20 cricket, he has played 308 matches and claimed 387 wickets.

In the end, the big question remains: if national duty pulls him away midway, will KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble be put at risk? Or will Mustafizur silence all speculation and set the IPL on fire in Kolkata colors throughout the season? Only time will tell.

নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের

Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

বিপক্ষের বোলাররা ভয়ে কাঁপবেন! নিলামে এই কিউই তারকাকে নিল KKR

Although Finn Allen is a familiar name on the international stage, he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the IPL. In the 2021 season, he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for Josh Philippe, earning ₹20 lakh. In the following auction, RCB picked him again for ₹80 lakh, but he didn’t play a single match, spending the season as a reserve keeper.

Outside the IPL, Finn Allen has made a mark in global franchise leagues. At just 26, he is considered one of the most destructive T20 openers in the world.

This signing is crucial for KKR. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to find consistent success with foreign wicketkeeper-batters. Even with Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the squad, runs haven’t flowed consistently. Early runs at the top of the order have been a challenge in T20 cricket, and Finn Allen is expected to fill that gap for the Knight Riders.

Finn Allen’s greatest strength is his attacking mindset from the very first ball. He is equally comfortable against both spin and pace, as reflected in his T20 strike rate. Across international and franchise cricket, he consistently bats at over a 170 strike rate.

His exploits in Major League Cricket have drawn global attention. He has played in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, scoring 333, 306, and 75 runs respectively. In his first season, his strike rate exceeded 225, showcasing his aggressive approach.

For New Zealand, Finn Allen has played 52 T20 internationals, scoring 1,285 runs with a highest of 137 and an average of 25.19. Across all franchise T20 leagues outside international cricket, he has played 162 matches, accumulating 4,431 runs with a highest score of 151.

If he can maintain this form in the KKR jersey, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. Kolkata fans are eagerly waiting to witness Finn Allen unleash a storm of sixes at Eden Gardens.

1. Cameron Green

The Australian all-rounder is KKR’s top choice. With Russell retired and Iyer released, the team needs a pace-bowling all-rounder like Green. In IPL matches, he has already showcased his talent with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 games. The auction for him is expected to be competitive, and he could even become one of the most expensive players in history.

2. Jamie Smith

This English batsman can bat at any position. He can open, form a partnership with Narine, or finish matches. Additionally, he could solve KKR’s wicketkeeping issue, as de Kock and Rishabh Gurunath have been released. Jamie Smith has already scored 130 runs in 5 T20 matches at a strike rate of 194.02.

3. Jacob Duffy

Duffy could be an ideal choice to strengthen KKR’s pace attack, especially in death overs. The New Zealand bowler has taken 53 wickets in 38 T20 matches. After Russell’s retirement, he could become KKR’s main weapon in the death overs.

4. Prithvi Shaw

KKR needs a strong Indian opener, and Prithvi Shaw could fill that gap. The Indian batsman has recently shown consistency in domestic cricket. KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar has also expressed interest in coaching Shaw. With a base price of just ₹75 lakh, he is an affordable option for the team.

5. Venkatesh Iyer

The team may try to bring him back. Despite being released, Iyer shares a good relationship with KKR. He could be valuable as a future captain. Iyer’s interest in the team is clear, so a reunion in the auction is possible.

RCB’s first task will be to find a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. There will be various options available—new-ball bowlers as well as death-over specialists.

While Sri Lankan yorker specialist Matheesha Pathirana may be expensive, other alternatives such as Reece Topley, Matt Henry, Gerald Coetzee, and Spencer Johnson are likely to be on RCB’s radar.

Possible Overseas Pace Targets

Matheesha Pathirana

Gerald Coetzee

Anrich Nortje

Reece Topley

Spencer Johnson

Matt Henry

If RCB manage to grab any of these pacers at a reasonable price, their bowling backup will be significantly strengthened.

Kohli–Faf Want a Stronger Allrounder Unit

RCB have already released Liam Livingstone. Though there’s still a chance to buy him back, cheaper alternatives like Moeen Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Aaron Hardie may also be available in the auction.
With two overseas slots open, the team must choose wisely.

Among Indian allrounders, RCB could target:

Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Atharva Taide

Mahipal Lomror

Need for a Backup Top-Order Batter

RCB’s first-choice backup top-order option was Venkatesh Iyer, but acquiring him will be tough.

Thus, the franchise is likely to look at players like:

Prithvi Shaw

Sheikh Rasheed

Wicketkeeping Department

With Tim Seifert released, RCB need a backup wicketkeeper. Since no overseas slots are free for this category, they will target Indians.

Possible options:

Luvnith Sisodia

Bansh Bedi

Most Popular Indian Bowling Targets

Among Indian pacers, the most sought-after names are expected to be:

Simarjeet Singh

Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Chetan Sakariya

Akash Madhwal

Among spinners:

Rahul Chahar

Karn Sharma

Kumar Kartikeya

RCB might be able to sign a few of them without breaking the bank.

RCB’s Probable 8 Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
Overseas Fast Bowlers

Reece Topley

Matt Henry

Gerald Coetzee

Overseas Allrounders

Wanindu Hasaranga

Moeen Ali

Indian Allrounders / Bowlers

Mahipal Lomror (Indian spin allrounder)

Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Indian pace allrounder)

Simarjeet Singh (Indian fast bowler)

Rahul Chahar (Indian leg-spinner)

Batting & Wicketkeeping

Prithvi Shaw (Top-order batter)

Luvnith Sisodia (Indian wicketkeeper)

The core of the champion squad is already set so RCB will prioritize picking the right “squad players” rather than big superstars.
How the Patidar–Kohli-led unit uses their ₹16.40 crore purse will be interesting to watch.

Lucknow Super Giants did not retain him, so Miller has entered his name in this year’s auction pool. At this moment, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra mentioned on his YouTube channel that multiple teams might go after Miller.

Aakash Chopra said, “This is a very important series for David Miller. Even though Lucknow released him, he is still a quality cricketer. In today’s IPL, almost every team needs a finisher who can bat at No. 6 or 7. From Chennai Super Kings to Kolkata Knight Riders.”

He added, “Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and even Miller’s old team Gujarat Titans will be looking for a backup overseas batter. So there is a very high chance that Miller will be sold for a big price.”

A total of 1,390 players registered for the IPL 2026 auction. From that list, 350 players have been shortlisted—240 Indians and 110 overseas players. Across the 10 franchises, 77 slots are still open, including 31 spots reserved exclusively for overseas players. Naturally, the demand for established finishers like Miller is sky-high.

David Miller’s recent form and vast experience have made him one of the major attractions in the auction. As Chopra suggested, several teams are keeping an eye on him. If CSK, KKR, Delhi, Rajasthan, or even Gujarat decide to bid for him, it would come as no surprise.