IPL 2026: From explosive batting heroics to injury updates and on-field controversies, cricket continues to deliver gripping storylines across leagues.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's sensational knock headlines Indian Premier League 2026 action, while MS Dhoni's fitness remains a key talking point for Chennai Super Kings.
Meanwhile, drama in the Pakistan Super League sees Daryl Mitchell question Usman Tariq's action, and Babar Azam responds strongly to comparisons with Virat Kohli. Add to that milestones, team setbacks, and squad changes, and the latest round-up captures all the major developments shaping the cricketing landscape.
Here are the top news stories from IPL 2026.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shares Mindset Behind His Blistering Innings
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered another sensational performance, smashing 78 off just 26 balls to guide the Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati and extend their unbeaten run in IPL 2026. Chasing 202, the 15-year-old dominated with eight fours and seven sixes, bringing up a 15-ball fifty, matching the fastest by an Indian in IPL history, a feat he had already achieved earlier this season.
Despite his heroics, Sooryavanshi remained grounded, skipping celebrations due to an early flight and stressing his focus on "the ball, not the bowler. " He also credited his father, coach, and mentor for keeping him focused on the long-term journey, a mindset that has resonated strongly with fans.
MS Dhoni Injury Update
MS Dhoni is currently recovering from a calf muscle strain that has ruled him out of Chennai Super Kings' first three IPL 2026 matches. The 44-year-old is undergoing rehab in Chennai and has resumed light training, including net sessions, but has yet to regain full match fitness. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed there is no clear timeline for his return. Dhoni has been officially ruled out of the April 11 clash against Delhi Capitals, with the team prioritising his recovery.
A possible comeback could be on April 14 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, subject to fitness clearance. Despite his absence, Dhoni remains a key figure for CSK, contributing through leadership and experience.
Daryl Mitchell Confronts Usman Tariq On Action
Daryl Mitchell's on-field clash with Usman Tariq during a PSL 2026 game has reignited debate around the spinner's unusual bowling action. Mitchell objected to Tariq's pronounced pause before delivery, twice stepping away mid-run-up and prompting umpire intervention. Despite the concerns, Tariq was allowed to continue and later dismissed Mitchell as Rawalpindi Pindiz suffered a 61-run loss to Quetta Gladiators in Karachi.
Tariq's stop-start action, marked by a delay before release, has previously drawn scrutiny, though he has been cleared after being reported twice. Mitchell's reaction echoed advice from Ravichandran Ashwin, who earlier suggested batters step away to counter such disruptions. The incident has once again sparked discussions around fairness, rhythm, and the interpretation of bowling actions in modern cricket.
RR Ends RCB's Away Winning Streak
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's impressive dominance in away fixtures came to an end on April 11, 2026, after a defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, snapping a remarkable 10-match winning streak on the road. The run, which began in April 2024, highlighted RCB's evolution into one of the IPL's strongest travelling sides, built on adaptability and composure under pressure.
During the 2025-26 phase, RCB won nine of their ten away matches, with standout performances including a commanding victory over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede. Their success was driven by a potent batting lineup and a disciplined bowling unit, making them consistently formidable away from home.
However, that momentum was halted by a clinical Rajasthan performance in Guwahati. Despite the loss, the 10-match streak remains a significant milestone, underlining RCB's growth and consistency over the past two seasons as they aim to bounce back in the tournament.
Sandeep Sharma Reaches 150 Wickets
Sandeep Sharma reached a major milestone in IPL 2026, claiming his 150th wicket during the Rajasthan Royals' clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. The 32-year-old became only the fourth Indian pacer to achieve the feat, joining an elite group featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Harshal Patel.
Known for his swing bowling and variations, Sandeep has built a reputation for consistency, particularly in the powerplay and at the death. His strong head-to-head record against top batters like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma further highlights his effectiveness. The milestone underlines his longevity and impact in the league, playing a key role in the Rajasthan Royals' strong run this season.
Babar Azam Reacts to Being Compared With Virat Kohli
Babar Azam had a heated exchange with a journalist after Peshawar Zalmi's last-ball win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 2026. The tension arose when he was compared to Virat Kohli on finishing, prompting Babar to firmly dismiss the comparison and defend his record.
In the match, Babar played a key role with a steady 43 off 37 balls, helping anchor the 146-run chase before a late finish sealed victory and lifted Zalmi to fourth on the table. The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing debate between Babar and Kohli, despite mutual respect between the two players. With momentum on their side, Zalmi will now aim to build consistency in upcoming matches.
Who Will Replace Wanindu Hasaranga At LSG?
Lucknow Super Giants are set to name a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. The all-rounder has been unavailable since the T20 World Cup and failed to clear fitness tests required for participation, forcing the franchise to look for alternatives. George Linde has emerged as the leading candidate, potentially making his IPL debut.
Despite Hasaranga's absence, LSG's spin attack has remained steady, with contributions from their existing bowlers, while injuries in the pace department have added to their challenges. Linde's experience across global T20 leagues could provide valuable depth and variety, especially on spin-friendly surfaces. LSG are expected to finalise their replacement soon as they aim to maintain balance and momentum in their campaign.
