Samson at CSK, Kishan set to captain SRH and Rohit back at MI: IPL 2026 takes shape
The IPL has a way of generating drama before a ball is even bowled, and 2026 is no exception. With defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to host Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, the pre-season is packed with storylines that will shape the next two months of franchise cricket.
Samson opens up on Rajasthan Royals exit
Sanju Samson, the T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to leave Rajasthan Royals and join Chennai Super Kings for INR 18 crore. The trade, finalised in November 2025, saw Ravindra Jadeja (INR 14 crore) and Sam Curran (INR 2.4 crore) head to Rajasthan in return.
"My time there was over," Samson said, explaining that he did not want emotions to cloud what he felt was the right call for his career. He also spoke about the prospect of learning from MS Dhoni at CSK, a move that has generated enormous excitement among the Chennai faithful.
Samson's form is frightening. His World Cup campaign ended with the Player of the Tournament award, and he carries that confidence into what will be a completely new environment. CSK fans will hope the Dhoni effect works its magic on a player who has always had the talent but sometimes lacked consistency across a full IPL season.
Kishan emerges as SRH captain with Cummins sidelined
Sunrisers Hyderabad face a significant leadership question with Pat Cummins still recovering from a lumbar stress back injury. The Australian has not played competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in December 2025 and is awaiting fitness clearance from Cricket Australia. He is expected to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026 at minimum.
Reports from multiple outlets suggest Ishan Kishan, who joined SRH in 2025, has been identified as the frontrunner to captain the side in Cummins' absence. The franchise reportedly chose Kishan over Abhishek Sharma because of his established leadership experience.
It is a big opportunity for Kishan, who has had a turbulent couple of years. Captaining an IPL side, even on an interim basis, would go a long way toward rebuilding his reputation as one of Indian cricket's most exciting young wicketkeeper-batters.
Rohit hits the nets at MI camp
Videos of Rohit Sharma training with Mumbai Indians have gone viral this week, with the five-time IPL-winning captain looking sharp in the nets. Hardik Pandya will continue to lead the side, but Rohit's presence in the squad remains a huge draw.
There has been debate over whether Rohit should play every match rather than being used as an impact substitute, given his improved fitness levels heading into the season. Either way, seeing him back in Mumbai Indians blue has given fans reason to believe this could be a strong campaign.
Chinnaswamy gets the all-clear
One practical hurdle has been cleared. The Karnataka government has given official approval for IPL matches to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, including the final. An expert committee reviewed safety measures following a stampede incident outside the ground in 2025, and the venue has now passed all checks.
That means the March 28 opener between RCB and SRH will go ahead as planned in Bengaluru, giving the defending champions the chance to begin their title defence in front of a home crowd.
