Shanaka, a seam-bowling all-rounder with a reputation for match-winning cameos, was unsold in last year’s IPL auction but secured a PSL contract with Lahore Qalandars for PKR 75 lakh. His decision to prioritize IPL echoes Blessing Muzarabani’s path this season and Corbin Bosch’s controversial switch last year, which earned him a PSL ban after joining Mumbai Indians.

The 32-year-old has IPL experience, having played for Gujarat Titans in 2023 and rejoining as a replacement in 2025 without featuring. Sunday’s revelation from a franchise insider indicates momentum: ‘Discussions with Shanaka for RR are progressing well. Formalities are pending, but it’s heading towards confirmation.’

RR’s coaching staff brings instant chemistry. Kumar Sangakkara’s deep understanding of Shanaka’s skills, combined with Vikram Rathour’s recent collaboration during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Super 8 run—highlighted by Shanaka’s twin half-centuries—positions this as a smart tactical ploy. Seen as Curran’s perfect substitute, Shanaka offers pace bowling bite and lower-order firepower.

This development underscores IPL’s dominance in T20 cricket, drawing top players away from rival leagues. As Royals gear up for a title push, Shanaka’s integration could redefine their middle-order dynamics and bowling attack. Will he deliver the Curran-like impact? The IPL 2026 narrative just got spicier.

Rabada’s journey with Gujarat has been patchy. In IPL 2025, personal commitments limited him to four games, where he snared two wickets but leaked runs at 11.57 economy. His T20 World Cup 2026 form was equally underwhelming – five wickets from seven outings at 8.13 economy – yet his pedigree suggests he could turn it around in the high-pressure IPL environment.

GT’s fast bowling unit looks stacked. Mohammed Siraj brings express pace, Prasidh Krishna’s swing terrorized opponents last year with 25 wickets in 15 games, and Ishant Sharma offers wily experience. Jason Holder’s all-round skills add depth, promising balance to the side.

Shubman Gill’s captaincy guided GT to the eliminator in 2025, despite a loss to MI. Gill’s 650 runs came at a blistering 155 strike rate, but it was Sai Sudharsan’s 759 runs at 156 SR that stole the show, making him the season’s top scorer. As Rabada settles in, Gujarat eyes a deep playoff run and possibly the elusive IPL trophy.

Pricing caters to all: standard tickets from ₹1,500, premium hospitality from ₹7,500. Offline options open March 23 at key locations like the Mullanpur stadium, Mohali’s IS Bindra PCA (Gates 2/2A), and P4 parking for match-day collections.

The BCCI’s first-phase schedule spans March 28 to April 12, featuring 20 matches on 10 iconic grounds. It begins with RCB vs SRH, includes four double-headers, and follows a 3:30 PM/7:30 PM format. PBKS, still stinging from last year’s final defeat to RCB by six runs, is determined to claim their first IPL trophy.

Upcoming PBKS games in phase one: March 31 (GT, evening), April 3 (at CSK, evening), April 6 (at KKR, evening), April 11 (SRH, afternoon, home). With a revamped squad and home advantage, Punjab is poised for a strong campaign. Don’t miss out—book now!

Phillips, celebrated for his aggressive strokeplay, cunning leg-spin, and highlight-reel catches, is now chasing a commercial pilot’s license. He visited Ardmore Flying School recently, engaging with aspiring pilots and instructors about his aerial ambitions.

The star opened up: “This is my massive passion. Without cricket, I’d be flying planes full-time if I could afford it. The thrill of soaring above the mountains is unbeatable—it’s always been high on my list.”

His ability to adapt—batting ambidextrously and keeping wickets—mirrors his cockpit prowess, painting a picture of an athlete unbound by limits.

IPL watchers note Phillips’ upcoming stint with Gujarat Titans in 2026. Past seasons haven’t fully tapped his potential, sparking curiosity about his role ahead.

Statistically, in 97 T20Is, the right-hander has amassed 2,286 runs at 142.69 strike rate across 85 innings, with 2 tons, 12 fifties, and 9 wickets. Phillips continues to redefine what’s possible for a modern cricketer.

The schedule’s first leg includes two home and two away matches, allowing the team to fine-tune strategies early. Gujarat’s track record speaks volumes: playoffs in three of four seasons and a championship win in 2022. To build on this, they’ve appointed Matthew Hayden, the explosive opener and World Cup hero, as batting coach, alongside Vijay Dahiya as assistant.

Hayden’s mastery of modern T20 batting will be invaluable, strengthening the support staff as the Titans aim high. Reflecting on IPL 2025, Gill’s captaincy guided them to the eliminator, despite a loss to Mumbai Indians. Gill scored 650 runs at 155 SR, while Sai Sudharsan dominated with 759 runs at 156 SR across 15 matches. With renewed vigor, Gujarat eyes glory.

In preparation for the auction, the franchise has made some key overseas decisions. Sherfane Rutherford has been traded to the Mumbai Indians, while Gerald Coetzee and Karim Janat have been released. This clears up valuable overseas slots, with the Titans currently having five remaining spots, four of which are for international players. This allows for targeted acquisitions to fill specific team needs, such as a middle-order overseas batter, pace bowling reinforcements, and an all-rounder. Washington Sundar is expected to see an expanded role with the bat following Rutherford’s departure.

The retained squad boasts a mix of established stars and promising youngsters. Alongside Gill, Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, the Titans also kept hold of experienced campaigners like Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada. Several players who did not feature last season, including Kumar Kushagra, Nishant Sindhu, and Anuj Rawat, have also been retained, signaling faith in their potential. Glenn Phillips, despite an injury ruling him out of the previous season without playing, remains part of the plans.

With a remaining purse of INR 12.9 crore and five slots to fill, the Gujarat Titans are poised for a calculated approach in the upcoming auction, aiming to fine-tune an already formidable squad for continued success in the IPL.

How Gill and Avinash Met
Shubman Gill, along with his father Lakhwinder Gill, used to visit the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali for practice. Ramvilas Shah, a resident of Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh, ran a juice stall at Gate No. 1 of the stadium. Gill and his father would regularly visit for fresh juice. Ramvilas’s son, Avinash Kumar, was a fast bowler who practiced in the ground behind the Mohali stadium.

In 2014, Lakhwinder Gill noticed Avinash selling juice. During an interview, Avinash mentioned that Shubman Gill’s father asked him why he was selling juice. Avinash replied, “I have quit cricket. I am working in a photo studio. I am here today because my father is not well.” Lakhwinder Gill expressed disapproval, stating that cricket could change his family’s life. A week later, he showed Avinash a video of a side-arm thrower and asked him to start practicing.

Avinash’s Life Transformed
Avinash shared that he started practicing side-arm throwing on Shubman Gill’s father’s advice. During this time, his friendship with Shubman Gill blossomed. Avinash proudly says, “I knew him from the academy, but now I have become his personal side-arm thrower. That was the day, and this is the day. We are together.”

Avinash says that he used to earn around 150 to 200 rupees daily, but he never took a single penny from Shubman or his father because they were his mentors. They would give him gifts on festivals like Holi and Diwali, and they also helped his family in times of need. He will always be grateful to them.

Avinash Became a Side-Arm Thrower for the Punjab Team in 2019
In 2019, Avinash became a side-arm thrower for the Punjab Ranji team, and senior players like Mandeep Singh and Gurkeerat Mann immediately liked him. Furthermore, he developed good relationships with young players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Anmolpreet Singh. In 2024, Shubman Gill became the captain of Gujarat Super Titans.

Avinash said, “Yaar, now you have become captain, take me to IPL too.” Shubman’s assuring words gave him hope. He told him that he need not worry.

Gill Kept His Promise
Avinash said during an interview that earlier this year, he was playing with his son in Chandigarh. That’s when he received a call from Shubman. Shubman told him to pack his bags because he would soon receive a call from the Gujarat Titans management. He gifted him spikes, clothes, and a mobile, but it was something else, it was priceless.

Before IPL 2025, Shubman’s focus was on the five-match Test series against England. Along with his guru and childhood friend Khushpreet Singh Aulakh, he also needed someone who could challenge him with the red ball.

Shubman Gill Found a True Friend
Avinash said that it was KP Paji’s idea. He asked Shubman to start practicing with the red ball during the IPL. When he joined the Gujarat Titans, Shubman asked him to bowl in the nets with the red ball. He started doing so. This helped Shubman Gill a lot in England.

Meeting Shubman at his father’s stall was a blessing for Avinash. He now considers Gill his family. At that stall, Shubman not only found juice but also a true friend and confidant.

In a format frequently defined by powerful batting displays, bowlers play a crucial role. A single match-altering spell can drastically change a team’s season, making retention decisions critical for all ten franchises. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of the expected best retained bowlers list heading into IPL 2026.

Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans are projected to retain approximately 12 bowlers, aiming to keep most of their key players. Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj will lead the attack, supported by Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, and Washington Sundar to balance pace and spin. Promising talents such as Arshad Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, and Gerald Coetzee are also likely to remain.

The main consideration, however, is Kagiso Rabada. Considering his high price tag and inconsistent performance in 2025, GT might release him, providing more financial flexibility for a younger or more reliable option during the Trade Window.

Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians are expected to prioritize their bowling depth, potentially retaining 14 bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah continues to be the backbone of MI’s bowling unit, with Trent Boult, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, and Deepak Chahar forming a core of experience.

The team is also likely to support emerging players like Allah Ghazanfar, Arjun Tendulkar, and Raj Bawa. MI’s strategy indicates they will be seeking specific additions rather than a complete overhaul during the Trade Window.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Despite a mixed season in 2025, KKR is planning to maintain its core bowling lineup. Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell are almost certain to be retained.

Moeen Ali, Umran Malik, and Mayank Markande offer all-round abilities and spin options. KKR is anticipated to search for death-bowling specialists during the Trade Window to strengthen their late-over attack.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Fresh from winning their first IPL title in 2025, RCB is unlikely to disrupt a successful team composition. Their retained core will include Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, and Romario Shepherd.

Krunal Pandya and Yash Dayal bring balance to an already well-rounded unit. With few areas needing improvement, RCB may use the Trade Window only for backup players or injury replacements.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK may have finished poorly in the previous season, but their bowling core remains strong. Matheesha Pathirana, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran will lead the attack, with Nathan Ellis and Shivam Dube providing support.

CSK is expected to explore the Trade Window for young Indian pacers to add more variety to their Powerplay and death-bowling strategies.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG is expected to retain 11 bowlers, with Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur as the core Indian group. Overseas pacer Will O’Rourke performed well in 2025 and is likely to be retained, along with Mitchell Marsh for his all-round value.

With a strong bench, LSG may utilize the Trade Window to acquire an experienced death-bowling specialist.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH is set to retain around 10 bowlers, with Pat Cummins leading the attack. Ehsan Malinga, Simarjeet Singh, Harshal Patel, and Jaydev Unadkat are also expected to stay.

However, Mohammed Shami and Rahul Chahar’s future remains uncertain due to inconsistent performances. SRH may explore the Trade Window to find replacements or negotiate budget-friendly deals.

Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC could undertake a mini-overhaul in their bowling department, retaining a smaller core of only five bowlers – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar.

The Capitals are expected to release several high-cost players and focus on young Indian talent during the Trade Window, potentially targeting uncapped pacers who can offer depth at a lower price.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR heavily relies on overseas bowlers, and Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nandre Burger are expected to be at the top of their retained list. Indian players like Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande provide balance.

The franchise may look to bring in additional Indian spinners through the Trade Window, ensuring a deeper spin attack for turning pitches.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS, the 2025 runners-up, are likely to retain most of their bowling unit. Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, and Harpreet Brar are key names, while Yuzvendra Chahal, despite his price tag, is likely to stay given his wicket-taking record.

The Kings may look to strengthen their bench via the Trade Window, particularly with Indian fast-bowling talent.

As the Trade Window nears, franchises face difficult decisions balancing budget, player form, and long-term strategies. Retaining core bowlers is essential, but the upcoming trades could significantly shape the competitiveness of each team when IPL 2026 begins.

RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, explained that RCB aimed to create a balanced and robust bowling lineup that could be effective in different conditions. He mentioned the desire to include Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the team, considering his experience and skill in swing bowling, which were crucial for RCB’s strategy. Bobat clarified that retaining Siraj would have made it difficult to acquire Bhuvneshwar, as balancing the budget and player priorities was essential during the auction.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Bobat stated, ‘Siraj was perhaps the player we thought about the most. Indian international bowlers are not easily found. We discussed every possible scenario with Siraj, whether to retain him, release him, or use the right-to-match. It was not a straightforward decision. We were trying to bring in Bhui at both ends of the innings. Keeping Siraj in the team would have made this difficult. There isn’t one single reason, many factors played a role.’

Additionally, Bobat also revealed that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was not retained solely due to injury. He said, ‘If he was fit, we would have almost certainly retained him.’