Rajasthan Royals are facing growing concerns over their fading playoff momentum in the Indian Premier League 2026 season after another disappointing home defeat exposed continuing issues with their bowling attack. After winning all three matches in Guwahati, RR have failed to register a single victory in three games at their primary home venue in Jaipur. The latest setback came against Gujarat Titans, leaving Rajasthan in fifth place on the points table with only three league-stage matches remaining. Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes the issue is less about conditions and more about poor performances. “I think they haven't really played good cricket there [in Jaipur], and I think that's the only reason,” Dasgupta said during ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “It's a high-scoring venue, and their batting remains very top-heavy. The middle order has been inconsistent again this season.” Dasgupta also pointed to the fluctuating form of Dhruv Jurel as one of the reasons behind RR’s struggles in pressure situations. Meanwhile, former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan highlighted the lack of assistance for pace spearhead Jofra Archer on Jaipur pitches. “There’s not that lift and bounce that was available at their previous home ground where Jofra was troubling batters consistently,” McClenaghan said. “The conditions aren’t helping genuine swing or lateral movement.” Archer, who had enjoyed a strong stretch between April 7 and May 1 with wickets in eight consecutive matches, has struggled in recent outings. Against Gujarat Titans, the England pacer endured a difficult opening over that cost 18 runs and included a no-ball and multiple wides. McClenaghan suggested the lengthy break before the match may have disrupted Archer’s rhythm. “Sometimes that happens after a break. Bowlers lose rhythm, and it just didn’t look crisp,” he said. RR bowling coach Shane Bond did not hide his frustration after the defeat. Rajasthan have now conceded more than 200 runs in four consecutive games, managing just one victory during that period. “We just haven’t played well enough in conditions that we know. We’ve been outplayed by our opposition,” Bond said at the post-match press conference. The former New Zealand pacer stressed that bowlers need to evolve quickly in an era dominated by aggressive batting. “The batters are coming out ultra-aggressive and putting pressure on bowlers. So as a bowler, you’ve got to ask: what can I do differently?” Bond said. “When bowlers keep doing the same thing game after game and getting the same result, then you’ve got to develop your skills and think outside the box.” Bond encouraged bowlers to experiment with angles, run-ups, and tactical variations while making greater use of analytical preparation. “You look at modern batters — they’re reversing, scooping, playing uppercuts. Bowlers also have to expand their range of skills,” he added. Despite the recent slump, Rajasthan Royals remain in contention for a playoff spot. However, with victories becoming increasingly difficult to secure, the franchise faces mounting pressure to rediscover form before the league stage concludes.

Bangladesh have recalled top-order batter Taj Nehar to their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, while Sarmin Sultana has been left out following the team’s recent home series against Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old Nehar returns despite modest numbers in international cricket so far, having scored 44 runs in eight T20Is. Her most recent appearance for Bangladesh came against West Indies in January 2025. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed explained that Nehar’s flexibility in the batting order played a key role in her selection ahead of Sarmin. “We were thinking of Sarmin Sultana for the one-day format. Taj Nehar is a versatile cricketer who can bat between No. 1 to No. 6 in the batting line-up,” Sajjad said. “The selectors believe that Nehar can solve the problem of scoring quick runs in the last five overs.” Bangladesh will once again be captained by Nigar Sultana, who is set to lead the side in her third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup after previously captaining the team in the 2023 and 2024 editions. The squad features a strong core of experienced players, including veteran spinner Fahima Khatun, who is preparing for her seventh T20 World Cup appearance. Fahima has been part of every Bangladesh Women’s T20 World Cup squad since 2014. Vice-captain Nahida Akter, along with Ritu Moni and Nigar, have all represented Bangladesh in the tournament since the 2016 edition. Overall, 11 players from the current squad were also part of the 2024 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates. Bangladesh head into the tournament after a disappointing 3-0 home series defeat to Sri Lanka earlier this month. The setback came after an impressive seven-match winning streak during the World Cup qualifiers. As part of their preparations, Bangladesh will travel to Edinburgh on May 25 for a tri-series involving hosts Scotland and the Netherlands. The team will then move to Loughborough for warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament. Placed in Group 1, Bangladesh will face the Netherlands, Australia, Pakistan, India and South Africa. Their opening match will be against the Netherlands on June 14 at Edgbaston. Bangladesh Squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Nigar Sultana (captain, wicketkeeper), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Sharmin Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akter, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous and Taj Nehar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians head into a high-stakes IPL 2026 encounter in Raipur on Sunday, with the playoff race intensifying and elimination looming for Mumbai. For RCB, the match marks a rare return to Raipur — a venue that has not hosted an IPL game in a decade. But instead of enjoying a fresh start at a new home venue, Bengaluru arrive under pressure after slipping in a crucial defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, a result that weakened their grip on a top-two finish in the standings. RCB’s recent concerns revolve around both form and consistency. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has endured two difficult outings, conceding runs at economy rates of 12.25 and 14. He was heavily attacked by batters such as Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant in consecutive matches. There was also frustration in the field when wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma dropped Buttler during the Gujarat Titans clash — a moment that could have changed the game’s outcome. RCB’s opening combination has also failed to click in the absence of Phil Salt. Young batter Jacob Bethell has managed only 43 runs in four innings and has repeatedly fallen while trying to attack during the powerplay. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, enter the game with virtually no margin for error. A defeat on Sunday would officially end their IPL 2026 playoff hopes after what has been a disappointing campaign. Despite their struggles, Mumbai received a timely boost with both Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton returning to form. Rickelton, in particular, has been in explosive touch, following up a career-best unbeaten 123 with a match-winning 83 not out, both at strike rates above 200. Middle-order inconsistency, however, continues to hurt Mumbai. Contributions from Naman Dhir have helped steady the innings at times, but the team’s batting unit has struggled collectively throughout the season. Mumbai’s bowling attack has also underperformed, especially in the powerplay. Surprisingly, even premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah has endured a lean spell. MI currently possess the worst powerplay economy rate in the tournament at 11.61, exposing a major weakness in their campaign. Fitness concerns remain around captain Hardik Pandya, who missed the previous game due to back spasms. Although he has joined the squad in Raipur, his participation remains uncertain. Star batter Suryakumar Yadav is expected to be available after arriving on Sunday morning. The Raipur surface adds another layer of intrigue. The city has not hosted an IPL match since 2016, and only two T20 internationals have been played there since 2018. Traditionally known for slower pitches, the venue is expected to offer good batting conditions this time, although heavy rain on Saturday may influence the surface. RCB are likely to retain their existing combination led by captain Rajat Patidar, alongside stalwart Virat Kohli. Mumbai, on the other hand, may make late decisions depending on Hardik’s fitness. With playoff implications on the line and Mumbai fighting to stay alive, Sunday’s clash promises to be one of the most intense contests of the IPL 2026 season.

Kolkata Knight Riders allrounder Anukul Roy continued his impressive IPL 2026 campaign with another match-winning performance, this time against Delhi Capitals on Friday. While explosive batter Finn Allen grabbed the headlines with his batting, Roy quietly played a crucial role in KKR’s victory through his disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Roy opened the bowling for KKR and delivered a tidy spell in the powerplay, conceding just 18 runs in his first two overs. He later struck twice in the 11th over, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Tristan Stubbs, before finishing with figures of 2 for 31 in four overs. The 27-year-old also produced one of the standout moments in the field, taking a stunning catch at deep midwicket to remove DC captain Axar Patel late in the innings. Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes Roy’s rise this season has been driven by clarity in his role and the confidence shown in him by the KKR management. “He’s always been a good player, but this season he has clarity,” Dasgupta said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “He knows he will bowl in the powerplay, and he also contributes with the bat. Add his fielding to that, and he becomes a really good package.” Roy has been one of only seven KKR players to feature in all ten matches this season, and the continuity appears to have helped him settle into a consistent rhythm. His domestic performances in 2025-26 had already hinted at a breakthrough year. In the Ranji Trophy, Roy emerged as Jharkhand’s leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets at an average of 23.51. He then impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 245 runs at an average of 49. However, it was in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that Roy truly showcased his allround abilities. He scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 160.31 and claimed 18 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 7.41, helping Jharkhand lift the title. That form has now translated into the IPL. Roy has already produced a memorable unbeaten 29 off 16 balls against Rajasthan Royals earlier in the season, while his bowling remains a valuable asset for KKR. In IPL 2026 so far, he has picked up eight wickets in just over 20 overs at an economy rate of 8.87. Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan praised KKR for backing proven domestic performers like Roy instead of chasing more glamorous options. “Players like Anukul can easily get overlooked,” McClenaghan said. “But he has shown he can step in and do a job whenever needed.” KKR’s depth in allrounders has also provided tactical flexibility. Alongside Roy, the team boasts players such as Cameron Green and Sunil Narine, giving the side multiple bowling options through different phases of the innings. Green highlighted Roy’s value after the match, saying the left-arm spinner’s effectiveness has allowed others in the bowling group to operate with greater freedom. “Anu has been exceptional for us,” Green said. “Having allrounders like him gives us balance and flexibility. We can share the workload and adapt according to the situation.” With consistent performances and growing trust from the team management, Roy is rapidly becoming one of KKR’s most dependable players in IPL 2026.

The problems continue to pile up for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, and one of their biggest concerns remains the form of spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm wrist-spinner has endured a disappointing campaign so far, with his struggles becoming increasingly evident as the tournament progresses. Following DC’s defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, the team management openly acknowledged Kuldeep’s poor run. DC director of cricket Venugopal Rao admitted the side was feeling the impact of the spinner’s lack of form. “We are facing that failure,” Rao said after the loss. “A player like him, alongside Axar, is very important for our bowling unit. When one is doing well and the other is not, it hurts the bowling group.” Kuldeep’s numbers this season underline DC’s concerns. In 11 matches, he has managed only seven wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.66. His average has ballooned to 50.28, making it one of the toughest IPL seasons of his career. Against KKR, Kuldeep endured another difficult outing, returning figures of 0 for 41 in three overs. He was attacked consistently, conceding at least two boundaries in every over, including five sixes. Finn Allen took him apart with four maximums, while Cameron Green added another. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta criticised Kuldeep’s inability to control his lengths. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, Dasgupta said the spinner was allowing batters to dominate both off short deliveries and fuller balls. “You can get hit in this format, but ideally you want batters hitting you straight down the ground rather than square of the wicket,” Dasgupta explained. “When you see sixes over square leg off short balls, it means the lengths are not right.” Dasgupta also pointed out that when DC placed a slip fielder for Kuldeep during his later overs, it was a sign that the team wanted him to attack more with fuller deliveries in search of wickets. However, statistics reveal that fuller deliveries have been a major weakness for Kuldeep this season. According to ESPNcricinfo data, batters have scored 178 runs off his 70 full-length balls at a staggering strike rate of 254.28, smashing nine fours and 18 sixes. He has taken only two wickets with that length. Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan also highlighted Kuldeep’s inconsistent lines, noting that too many deliveries were drifting into the “hand-freeing arc” outside off stump. “You have to play the corners of the base,” McClenaghan said, suggesting Kuldeep was failing to target the stumps consistently enough. DC captain Axar Patel had earlier admitted after the loss to Chennai Super Kings that he was missing Kuldeep’s usual support in the middle overs. With DC now suffering seven defeats in 11 matches, Kuldeep’s form has become one of the defining concerns of their struggling IPL 2026 campaign.

England’s preparations for their ODI series against New Zealand women's national cricket team have suffered another setback, with young fast bowler Mahika Gaur ruled out through injury and allrounder Alice Capsey unavailable for the opening match due to illness. The three-match series, beginning in Durham, marks England’s first international assignment in more than six months and serves as an important part of their preparations for the upcoming home T20 World Cup in June. England were already without regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was ruled out after suffering a calf tear while playing domestic cricket last week. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will lead the side in her absence, while batter Maia Bouchier has been added to the squad as cover. Further complications emerged after 20-year-old left-arm seamer Gaur fractured her left foot during a training fielding session with England coaches earlier this week. The injury means she will miss the entire ODI series, adding to a frustrating run of interruptions in her promising international career. Gaur previously missed England’s 2024 home white-ball series against Pakistan while completing her A-Levels and was later sidelined from the T20 series against New Zealand because of a side strain. The same injury also forced her withdrawal from The Hundred after an impressive debut season in 2023. Her performances in that competition earned her a maiden England call-up after representing the United Arab Emirates women's national cricket team in 19 T20 Internationals. Gaur made her England debut in T20Is against Sri Lanka in 2023 before delivering a player-of-the-match display with figures of 3 for 26 on her ODI debut against the same opposition. The young pacer last featured for England in a T20I against Ireland in September 2024. She also travelled to Australia as an observer during England’s difficult Ashes tour in 2025 before joining the England A tour shortly afterwards. Meanwhile, Capsey is continuing her recovery from a recent illness and has been ruled out of Sunday’s series opener. However, the England camp expects her to return later in the series. In response, England have called up Charis Pavely as batting cover for the first ODI. The Warwickshire batter has enjoyed an outstanding start to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup season, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries in her first six matches. Pavely has accumulated 400 runs at an average of 100.00 and a strike rate of 113.96, making her the competition’s second-highest run-scorer, just four runs behind fellow England squad member Jodi Grewcock.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar insisted that his side is approaching the 2026 IPL season with a fresh mindset despite entering the tournament as defending champions. Speaking after RCB’s nine-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, Patidar dismissed suggestions that the team may be carrying pressure or complacency following their maiden IPL title triumph in 2025. “We are not playing as defending champions this season,” Patidar said after the match. “We have the opportunity to become champions once again. We have to play an attacking game. We are not playing with a defensive mindset. This is a new season. What we did was in 2025.” The defeat was RCB’s fourth loss of IPL 2026 — the same number of defeats they suffered throughout their title-winning campaign last year. However, the Bengaluru side still remains third on the points table with six wins from their campaign so far. Marsh’s Blitz Sets Up LSG Win RCB were chasing a challenging 210-run target in a rain-affected 19-over contest in Lucknow. Despite staying competitive for most of the chase, a slow start in the powerplay and a middle-order collapse proved costly. RCB managed only 45 for 2 during the powerplay before losing momentum further in the middle overs, where they added just 29 runs while losing three wickets. Patidar credited Mitchell Marsh for putting his bowlers under pressure early in the innings. Marsh smashed a brilliant 111 off 56 balls to anchor LSG’s total. “I will start with Mitchell Marsh. He batted really well on this wicket, which was a good batting track,” Patidar said. “The way he started in the powerplay, I think he put pressure on us.” The RCB skipper, however, praised his bowlers for regaining control after the early assault and making a comeback into the contest following a rain interruption. “After that, the way our bowlers controlled it — there was a break in between and it rained — so we got time to think,” he added. “Overall, the way they started and the way we finished, I think I am very satisfied with the way we bowled and controlled the game. We were just two shots behind in the end.” Patidar, Padikkal Shine in Chase RCB’s chase was revived by Patidar’s aggressive 61 off 31 balls and his 95-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal for the third wicket. The stand came off just 53 deliveries and briefly brought RCB back into contention. Late fireworks from Tim David, who hammered 40 off 17 balls, gave RCB hope in the final overs. However, they still required 20 runs from the last over, where Digvesh Rathi held his nerve and conceded only ten runs to seal the win for LSG. ‘RCB Fans Make Every Ground Feel Like Home’ Although RCB have enjoyed a strong 4-1 record in Bengaluru this season, the franchise is currently away from home and will play its final two home fixtures in Raipur. Patidar, though, believes RCB’s massive fan following ensures the team never truly feels like it is playing away. “We never feel that we are playing an away game,” he said. “I think this is the speciality of the RCB fans. They come and support us everywhere.”

Lucknow Super Giants pacer Prince Yadav emerged as one of the biggest talking points of Thursday night’s IPL 2026 clash after his match-winning spell against Royal Challengers Bengaluru propelled him to third place in the tournament’s Purple Cap standings. LSG defeated RCB by nine runs in a high-scoring encounter, and Prince played a decisive role with the ball. The young fast bowler struck early by dismissing star batter Virat Kohli for a second-ball duck with a superb delivery that immediately shifted momentum in Lucknow’s favour. Prince finished the night with figures of three wickets, taking his tally for the season to 16 wickets. He is now level with Kagiso Rabada of Gujarat Titans and Eshan Malinga of Sunrisers Hyderabad, but edges ahead of both on economy rate. Prince has maintained an economy of 8.08 this season, significantly better than Rabada’s 9.23 and Malinga’s 9.44, helping him secure third position on the leaderboard. At the top of the Purple Cap standings remain Bhuvneshwar Kumar of RCB and Anshul Kamboj of Chennai Super Kings, both with 17 wickets. Bhuvneshwar had an opportunity to take sole possession of the lead but went wicketless against LSG. Little Movement in Orange Cap Race The Orange Cap standings saw fewer changes despite the thrilling contest. Kohli remained ninth on the run-scoring charts after failing to add to his tally of 379 runs this season. However, Mitchell Marsh made a major leap in the rankings after smashing a sensational 111 off 56 balls against RCB. The explosive innings lifted the LSG all-rounder to 367 runs for the season and moved him up to 12th place. The batting charts continue to be dominated by the SRH duo of Heinrich Klaasen and Abhishek Sharma. Klaasen leads the race with 494 runs, while Abhishek follows closely with 475. KL Rahul of Delhi Capitals occupies third place with 445 runs, ahead of SRH wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan on 409 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals, who has scored 404 runs so far this season.

Former Australian opener David Warner has been charged with mid-range drink driving after allegedly recording a blood alcohol reading more than double the legal limit following an incident in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The 39-year-old was stopped by police on April 5 after allegedly failing to complete a roadside breath test. He was later taken to Maroubra Police Station, where officers claim he returned a reading of 0.104. Warner did not appear in Waverley Local Court on Thursday when the matter was briefly mentioned and adjourned until June 24. Although no formal plea has yet been entered, Warner’s lawyer Bobby Hill indicated that the former Australian vice-captain is expected to plead guilty at a later date. “He knows what he did was wrong,” Hill told reporters outside court. “He accepts that it was a reckless and foolish decision to get in his car instead of taking an Uber.” According to Hill, Warner had consumed three glasses of wine at a friend’s apartment on Easter Sunday before deciding to drive home. “It’s not a crime to have a glass of wine on the day of the Lord’s resurrection,” Hill said. “His crime was choosing a foolish plan A instead of a safer plan B.” Warner ‘Remorseful’ Over Incident Hill also stated that Warner’s final drink was consumed only minutes before he was stopped by police and claimed there was a lengthy delay before the secondary breath analysis was conducted at the station. The lawyer said Warner is remorseful and expects to be treated no differently from any other citizen facing similar charges. “This case is a reminder to the public about the dangers of self-assessment,” Hill said. Warner is reportedly hoping to move past the incident and continue contributing to the community through his cricket and public engagements. Captaincy Under Scrutiny The charge has raised questions over Warner’s future as captain of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon described the allegations as “concerning” and reiterated the organisation’s stance against drink driving. “At Cricket NSW, we are strong advocates for safe driving, not drink-driving,” Germon said after the incident became public. Return From Pakistan Super League Warner was reportedly returning home from the subcontinent at the time of the incident after captaining Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. Despite the charge, he later returned to Pakistan to continue the tournament, where he enjoyed a strong campaign, averaging 51.2 with the bat. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest opening batters, Warner retired from Test cricket in 2024 after a celebrated international career. Across 112 Test matches, he scored 8,786 runs at an average above 44, including a career-best unbeaten 335 against Pakistan. Career Marked by Success and Controversy Warner’s career was also overshadowed by the infamous 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, one of the biggest controversies in Australian cricket history. A Cricket Australia investigation found Warner, then vice-captain, played a central role in a plan to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper during a Test match against South Africa. Young batter Cameron Bancroft carried out the act on the field, while captain Steven Smith was also sanctioned. Warner received a 12-month suspension from all forms of cricket and was initially handed a lifetime leadership ban, which was later lifted to allow him to captain Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. The matter is scheduled to return to court on June 24.

While Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to dominate IPL 2026 with their explosive top order, allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has quietly become one of the team’s most valuable assets with his contributions in both departments. In a tournament increasingly shaped by the impact-player rule — a regulation many believed would reduce the need for genuine allrounders — Reddy has carved out a crucial role for Hyderabad as a dependable middle-order batter and effective seam-bowling option. SRH’s star-studded batting unit featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen has grabbed most of the attention this season, with the quartet collectively piling up 1,739 runs. Yet Reddy’s impact lower down the order has been equally significant. Batting at No. 5, the 22-year-old has scored 222 runs at a strike rate of 166.91, often finishing innings strongly or rescuing the side during difficult situations. His unbeaten 29 off 13 balls against Punjab Kings helped SRH finish strongly in a crucial win, while his 56 off 33 deliveries against Lucknow Super Giants played a major role in rebuilding the innings after Hyderabad slipped to 11 for 3. Valuable Contributions With the Ball Reddy’s value has extended beyond batting. The seam-bowling allrounder has claimed seven wickets this season at an economy rate of 10.39 in what has been another high-scoring IPL campaign. Several of those breakthroughs have come at critical moments. He dismissed Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre during the powerplay against Chennai Super Kings and also removed Will Jacks after a rapid partnership with Ryan Rickelton threatened to take the game away from SRH. SRH assistant coach James Franklin praised Reddy’s development after Hyderabad’s 33-run victory over Punjab Kings. “He’s confident. He’s playing really well with the bat and showing intent straight away. As a bowler, he’s managed to increase his pace this season, he’s swinging the new ball, and he’s creating opportunities,” Franklin said. ‘Project NKR’ Paying Off Behind the scenes, Hyderabad have invested heavily in Reddy’s development. The allrounder has reportedly worked closely with fast-bowling and performance coach Steffan Jones as part of a long-term plan to transform him into a world-class allrounder. A major focus has been improving his pace, with the aim of consistently touching 140 kph — an upgrade that appears to be showing results this season. Former India wicketkeeper and commentator Deep Dasgupta believes Reddy’s rise is especially important in an IPL environment where genuine allrounders have become increasingly rare. “What is heartening to see is that even with the impact-player option, he has found a niche for himself as an allrounder,” Dasgupta said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “I think Nitish is the only proper allrounder in this tournament — someone who bats in the middle order and regularly bowls three to four overs.” Key to SRH’s Team Balance Dasgupta also highlighted Reddy’s importance to Hyderabad’s overall balance, particularly in an era where teams rely heavily on aggressive batting and flexible substitutions. Modern T20 teams often seek additional batting depth while still maintaining enough bowling options, making multi-skilled players like Reddy invaluable. “If you begin with five bowling options, you can effectively play with nine batters,” Dasgupta explained. “That’s where someone like Nitish becomes so important because he allows you to strengthen both departments.” As IPL 2026 progresses, Reddy’s emergence could prove critical not only for SRH’s title ambitions but also for Indian cricket’s search for a dependable pace-bowling allrounder in white-ball cricket.

Australia are likely to travel to Pakistan later this month without several of their biggest names, with captains and frontline fast bowlers expected to miss the three-match ODI series because of scheduling conflicts with the closing stages of IPL 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday that the ODI series will begin on May 30 in Rawalpindi, followed by matches in Lahore on June 2 and June 4. The fixtures complete the white-ball tour that began earlier this year with a T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, the tour overlaps with the IPL playoffs, which run from May 26 to May 31, creating major availability issues for Australia. Test captain Pat Cummins, pace spearheads Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, along with explosive opener Travis Head, are all expected to remain with their IPL franchises if their teams qualify for the playoffs. Cummins, Head, Cooper Connolly and Xavier Bartlett are strongly placed to miss the tour, with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings occupying the top two spots on the IPL table. Hazlewood’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also firmly in playoff contention. Meanwhile, Starc’s Delhi Capitals and Cameron Green’s Kolkata Knight Riders still have outside chances of making the knockout stage. On the other hand, ODI vice-captain Mitchell Marsh and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis are likely to be available, with Lucknow Super Giants close to elimination. Matt Short could also feature despite Chennai Super Kings remaining in the playoff race. Australia Prioritising Workload Management Even if some players become available after the IPL, Cricket Australia is reportedly cautious about risking its premier fast bowlers ahead of a demanding Test calendar. Australia are scheduled to play up to 21 Tests over the next 12 months, beginning with a home series against Bangladesh in August, followed by major overseas tours including South Africa and India. As a result, Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc may be rested entirely to preserve fitness and manage workloads after recent injury concerns. Cummins has played only two ODI matches since Australia’s 2023 World Cup triumph, both during the 2024 home summer. If he skips the Pakistan and Bangladesh assignments, his next ODI appearance could come during Australia’s tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa in September. Head may also be rested as Australia manage the workload of their all-format opener ahead of a packed international schedule. Young Players Could Get Opportunity Australia may again field a relatively inexperienced squad, similar to the team sent for the earlier T20I leg of the Pakistan tour. Senior players such as Alex Carey, Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne are available, while Matt Renshaw has strengthened his case for regular white-ball selection through strong domestic form. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis has also reportedly resumed bowling after recovering from a hamstring tendon injury that ruled him out of the IPL. Australia’s selectors are also monitoring a group of emerging talents currently training in Brisbane, including leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, young batter Ollie Peake and uncapped spin-bowling all-rounders Joel Davies and Nikhil Chaudhary. The ODI series against Pakistan is expected to provide valuable opportunities for Australia’s next generation as the team balances preparation, player development and workload management ahead of a crucial international cycle.

Australia A will tour India in September and October 2026 for a multi-format series against India A, giving several fringe Australian Test players another opportunity to prepare for subcontinent conditions ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series, announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday, will feature two four-day matches and three one-day games in Puducherry. The tour is expected to play a key role in Australia’s planning for their five-Test tour of India beginning in January 2027 in Nagpur. Several players who impressed during Australia A’s previous India tour in 2025 could again be in contention. Young opener Sam Konstas scored a century during the earlier series, while Nathan McSweeney produced standout performances with scores of 74 and an unbeaten 85. Spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly and spinner Todd Murphy also gained valuable experience in Indian conditions. Australia’s selectors have increasingly tailored squads specifically for subcontinent tours. During recent Test series in India and Sri Lanka, Australia opted for spin-heavy combinations and used unconventional batting strategies, including promoting Travis Head to the opening slot. Specialist players such as Peter Handscomb and Josh Inglis were also brought into the middle order to strengthen the team against spin. However, scheduling could complicate player availability. Australia’s senior men’s team will be touring Zimbabwe and South Africa between September 15 and 27, with a three-Test series in South Africa beginning on October 9. Some Test specialists could feature in the opening Australia A fixture before joining the national squad. Australia A Women Return to India In addition to the men’s fixtures, Australia A women will undertake a multi-format tour of India for the first time since 2018. The series includes two T20 matches in Mohali, three one-day games in Dharamsala, and a four-day match later in the tour. The series overlaps with Australia women’s home fixtures against Bangladesh, but it is expected to provide emerging players with an opportunity to stake claims for future international selection ahead of Australia’s 2027–28 multi-format tour of India. Australia Under-19 Team to Face World Champions Australia’s Under-19 men’s team will also tour India during the same period for three one-day matches and two four-day games in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. The series will feature reigning Under-19 World Cup champions India and could once again spotlight teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old prodigy made headlines during Australia’s previous Under-19 tour of India in 2024 when he scored a blistering 62-ball century in Chennai at just 13 years of age. Australia A Men’s Tour of India 2026 September 22–25: First four-day match, Puducherry September 29–October 2: Second four-day match, Puducherry October 6: First one-day match, Puducherry October 9: Second one-day match, Puducherry October 11: Third one-day match, Puducherry Australia A Women’s Tour of India 2026 September 12: First T20, Mohali September 15: Second T20, Mohali September 17: First one-day match, Dharamsala September 20: Second one-day match, Dharamsala September 23: Third one-day match, Dharamsala September 29–October 2: Four-day match, Dharamsala Australia Under-19 Men’s Tour of India 2026 September 18: First one-day match, Rajkot September 21: Second one-day match, Rajkot September 23: Third one-day match, Rajkot September 27–30: First four-day match, Rajkot October 5–8: Second four-day match, Ahmedabad