Royal Challengers Bengaluru surged to the top of the table with another clinical win, while injury concerns across teams continue to shape squad combinations. From Chennai's growing momentum to key returns on the horizon, IPL 2026 is entering a phase where form, fitness, and consistency are becoming decisive factors.
Here are the top stories from the IPL today.
1. RCB go top of the table after clinical win over Lucknow Super Giants
Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 standings after defeating Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in a disciplined all-round performance.
RCB bowlers set the tone early, with Rasikh Salam claiming four wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar adding three as LSG were bowled out for 146. Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya created sustained pressure through tight spells that
forced mistakes from the opposition.
In response, Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a composed 49, while Rajat Patidar continued his aggressive form as RCB secured victory with nearly five overs to spare. The result strengthened RCB's position as early title contenders.
2. MS Dhoni set for likely comeback against Mumbai Indians
Chennai Super Kings veteran MS Dhoni is expected to make his long-awaited IPL 2026 debut against Mumbai Indians on April 23.
Dhoni has been recovering from a calf strain sustained during pre-season but has returned to light training sessions and batting drills without visible discomfort. Team officials remain optimistic about his availability, which could significantly boost CSK's lower middle-order strength.
His potential return in a marquee clash at Wankhede is expected to generate major excitement among fans.
3. Rohit Sharma likely to miss next two matches due to hamstring injury
Mumbai Indians are bracing for a significant setback with Rohit Sharma expected to miss the next two matches due to a hamstring injury.
The MI opener retired hurt during the recent clash against RCB, and sources suggest he may sit out fixtures against Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. His absence could further impact a team already struggling to regain form after multiple losses.
Mumbai's campaign now hinges on finding stability in their batting order during this crucial phase.
4. Pat Cummins cleared for IPL return with late-April target
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has been cleared to return to the IPL after undergoing successful follow-up scans for his back injury.
Cummins is targeting a comeback around April 25, potentially against Rajasthan Royals. His return would be a major boost for SRH, who have managed mixed results in his absence.
Team management remains hopeful that his leadership and bowling strength will help strengthen their playoff push.
5. Rishabh Pant suffers elbow blow after retiring hurt against RCB
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant suffered an elbow injury after being struck by a short ball during their clash against RCB.
Pant retired hurt shortly after the incident, raising concerns over his availability for upcoming matches. Although he remains eligible to bat later in the innings after retiring hurt, the lack of immediate clarity on the severity of the injury has left LSG monitoring the situation closely.
Any extended absence would be a major setback for Lucknow's batting structure.
6. Virat Kohli claims Orange Cap as leaderboard battles intensify
Virat Kohli moved to the top of the Orange Cap standings after his 49-run knock helped RCB chase down Lucknow's total.
Kohli now leads the run charts with 228 runs, ahead of Sunrisers Hyderabad's Heinrich Klaasen. Meanwhile, the Purple Cap race remains tightly contested, with Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna jointly leading the wicket tally.
With several players already crossing the 200-run mark and bowlers maintaining tight competition, the race for individual honours is heating up.
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