On-field drama, record moments, and a growing off-field storm - IPL 2026 continues to deliver on all fronts. From a bizarre dismissal in Delhi to shifts
in the Orange Cap race and fresh controversy around Rajasthan Royals, here's your full roundup.
1. Nitish Rana's rare hit-wicket dismissal headlines DC vs CSK clash
A bizarre moment stole the spotlight in the Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings clash, as Nitish Rana became the first player in IPL history to be dismissed in two ways on the same delivery.
Attempting a shot off Noor Ahmad, Rana ended up dislodging the bails before Kartik Sharma completed the catch - meaning the dismissal was officially recorded as hit-wicket.
Delhi recovered from early trouble to post 155/7, with Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs adding a crucial 65-run stand. In response, Chennai remained steady in the chase, led by Sanju Samson.
2. Orange Cap race tightens as KL Rahul leads, Samson re-enters top five
The race for the Orange Cap continues to heat up, with KL Rahul reclaiming the top spot despite a modest outing.
Sanju Samson's match-winning 87* pushed him back into the top five, joining Rahul, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as the only batters past the 400-run mark this season.
Meanwhile, the Purple Cap standings remain unchanged, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar still leading the wicket charts.
3. Delhi Capitals struggle to read home conditions, admits Hemang Badani
Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani admitted that the team has struggled to adapt to the varying pitches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
With just one win in five home matches, Badani highlighted the lack of control franchises have over surfaces, pointing to drastic variations - from high-scoring games to low totals - as a key challenge.
He also backed Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel despite inconsistent returns, stressing the need for patience and trust in experienced players.
4. 'Child labour' row erupts over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL participation
Off the field, Rajasthan Royals find themselves at the centre of controversy after a social activist threatened legal action over 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's participation in the IPL.
The claim labels his involvement as "child labour," arguing that minors should not be part of professional leagues. The remarks have triggered widespread backlash online, with many pointing to historical precedents of young athletes competing at elite levels.
Sooryavanshi, one of the youngest players in IPL history, continues to be a breakout figure this season.
5. Legal shadow looms over Rajasthan Royals ownership deal
Rajasthan Royals are also facing potential legal complications off the field, with a rejected consortium challenging the franchise's $1.65 billion ownership deal.
The group has raised concerns over transparency and fairness in the bidding process, claiming they were initially frontrunners before being sidelined.
With conflicting narratives emerging, the situation could escalate into a formal legal dispute, adding uncertainty to one of the biggest deals in IPL history.
