The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Subhadeep Ghosh as the new fielding coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, replacing T Dilip, whose contract was not renewed following India’s tour of Zimbabwe.

Ghosh will officially begin his tenure during India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka later this month.

Replaces T Dilip in Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff

The appointment comes as part of changes to Gautam Gambhir’s coaching setup after India’s recent white-ball tours.

Earlier, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate also departed the support staff, making Ghosh the latest addition to the national team coaching group.

India’s current coaching staff now includes:

• Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir
• Batting Coach: Sitanshu Kotak
• Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel
• Fielding Coach: Subhadeep Ghosh

Vast Coaching Experience Across Indian Cricket

The 57-year-old brings extensive coaching experience to the role.

A former Assam and Railways cricketer, Ghosh played 17 first-class matches between 1994 and 2004 before moving into coaching.

Over the years, he has worked with several Indian teams, including:

• National Cricket Academy (NCA)
• India A team
• Indian women’s team
• Delhi Capitals (IPL)
• Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)

He also served as the head coach of the Assam senior men’s team, earning praise for his work in developing domestic talent.

ACA Hails Ghosh’s Appointment

The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) welcomed Ghosh’s appointment, calling it a proud moment for cricket in the state.

In an official statement, the ACA said Ghosh has built an impressive coaching career across multiple Indian teams and age-group sides through his dedication and expertise.

The association added that his elevation to the national team would inspire aspiring cricketers and coaches from Assam and across the Northeast.

Sri Lanka Test Series to Be His First Assignment

Ghosh’s first assignment with the senior national team will be India’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka.

The series begins on August 15 in Galle, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting on August 23.

The tour will mark the beginning of a new chapter for India’s fielding unit under Ghosh’s guidance.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Defending champions Central Zone have named Rajat Patidar as captain for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, with India batter Rinku Singh appointed as vice-captain for the prestigious inter-zonal red-ball tournament.

The squad also features recent India debutants Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, while Saransh Jain, who earned a place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, strengthens the spin department.

Star-Studded Squad for Defending Champions

Central Zone have assembled a balanced squad packed with domestic performers and international experience.

Patidar will lead a batting unit that includes Rinku Singh, Yash Rathod, Aman Mokhade, and Ayush Pandey, while wicketkeeping duties will primarily be handled by Aryan Juyal.

The bowling attack features an exciting blend of pace and spin, with Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, and Arshad Khan leading the seam department.

Saransh Jain and Harsh Dubey Head Spin Attack

The spin unit will be led by Saransh Jain, alongside left-arm all-rounder Harsh Dubey and Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.

Ansari recently returned to red-ball cricket after five years during India A’s tour of Sri Lanka, while Jain’s consistent domestic performances earned him a maiden call-up to India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka series.

Aman Mokhade Rewarded for Outstanding Season

Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade has been rewarded for a sensational 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign.

The right-hander amassed 760 runs in 11 innings at an outstanding average of 76, performances that also earned him an India A debut in Sri Lanka.

Another promising opener, Ayush Pandey of Chhattisgarh, has also retained his place after impressing during the India A tour.

Direct Entry Into Semi-Finals

As defending champions, Central Zone have received a bye into the semi-finals.

They will face the winner of the East Zone vs North East Zone clash on August 30, while the tournament begins on August 23 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 final is scheduled to begin on September 6.

Central Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Rajat Patidar (Captain)
• Rinku Singh (Vice-captain)
• Aryan Juyal (WK)
• Kunal Singh Rathod (WK)
• Saransh Jain
• Harsh Dubey
• Yash Thakur
• Aman Mokhade
• Ayush Pandey
• Yash Rathod
• Kunal Chandela
• Zeeshan Ansari
• Aryan Pandey
• Arshad Khan
• Nachiket Bhute

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

With Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement from all formats of cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have begun their search for a new captain ahead of the IPL 2027 season.

Unless the franchise acquires an experienced leader through the auction or a trade, Rinku Singh has emerged as the strongest candidate to take over the captaincy after serving as Rahane’s deputy over the past two seasons.

Rinku Singh Favoured for Leadership Role

KKR appointed Rinku Singh as vice-captain before the start of IPL 2026, signalling the franchise’s long-term leadership plans.

At the time, head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that Rinku had grown into a leader both on and off the field.

Nayar praised Rinku’s influence within the dressing room, saying the left-hander had earned the respect of teammates through his performances and calm presence. The additional responsibility was seen as the next step in his leadership journey while working alongside Ajinkya Rahane.

Strong Captaincy Record at Domestic Level

Although Rinku lacks IPL captaincy experience, his domestic leadership record is encouraging.

He captained Meerut Mavericks to the UPT20 League title in 2024 before guiding them to the runners-up finish in 2025. Across the two seasons, Rinku led the side to 13 wins in 18 matches.

He also took over as captain of Uttar Pradesh in List A cricket ahead of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, replacing veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Those experiences have strengthened his credentials to lead one of the IPL’s biggest franchises.

Sunil Narine Remains a Serious Option

Veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine is another name under consideration.

The 38-year-old has been associated with KKR since 2012 and remains one of the franchise’s most influential players. He is the highest wicket-taking overseas bowler in IPL history and has represented multiple Knight Riders franchises around the world, including:

• Trinbago Knight Riders
• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
• Los Angeles Knight Riders

While Narine has never captained KKR, his experience and leadership within the group make him a credible short-term option.

Rovman Powell Also in the Mix

West Indies batter Rovman Powell could also be considered.

Powell captained the West Indies in 37 T20 Internationals between 2022 and 2024 and brings valuable leadership experience. However, he has played only 13 IPL matches for KKR across the last two seasons, making him an outside contender compared to Rinku and Narine.

Auction Could Influence KKR’s Decision

KKR are also expected to evaluate leadership options during the IPL trade window and auction later this year.

The trade window will remain open until one week before the auction and reopen once the auction concludes. The BCCI is yet to announce the official retention and auction dates for IPL 2027.

With only one season remaining in the current IPL cycle (2025-27), the franchise could appoint a temporary captain before reviewing its long-term leadership strategy ahead of the next cycle.

At present, however, Rinku Singh appears to be the leading favourite to usher in KKR’s next era.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

The countdown to the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 officially began as the tournament venues were unveiled during a grand launch event in Johannesburg. Cricket’s biggest 50-over tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 11, 2027.

Fourteen teams will compete for the prestigious trophy across 12 venues, with matches spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

South Africa Set to Host Majority of Matches

South Africa will stage the bulk of the tournament, with matches scheduled at eight venues across the country. Zimbabwe will host games in Harare, Bulawayo, and the under-construction Victoria Falls Stadium, while Namibia’s newly built Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek will also feature as a World Cup venue.

The official launch was held at Johannesburg’s Inanda Club and attended by several former and current South African stars, including Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada, alongside officials from the three host nations.

Memories of the 2003 World Cup Still Fresh

The announcement inevitably brought back memories of the 2003 ODI World Cup, the last time South Africa hosted the tournament.

That edition remains one of the most unforgettable in cricket history for South African fans. The hosts began their campaign with a heartbreaking three-run defeat against the West Indies before suffering the infamous Duckworth-Lewis tie against Sri Lanka in Durban, which resulted in their shocking first-round elimination.

Former fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who carried South Africa’s flag during the opening ceremony in 2003, described the honour as one of the greatest moments of his career.

Meanwhile, Hashim Amla recalled how the tournament inspired a generation of young South Africans to dream of representing the national team.

Legends Recall Iconic Moments

Current Test captain Temba Bavuma admitted he was too young to fully appreciate the cricket but fondly remembered the tournament’s zebra mascot, Dazzler, whose distinctive striped branding became one of the event’s lasting symbols.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was only eight years old during the tournament, remembered iconic performances such as:

• Brian Lara’s century against South Africa
• Ricky Ponting’s match-winning hundred in the final
• Shoaib Akhtar’s blistering pace
• Brett Lee’s outstanding bowling throughout the tournament

One of the most talked-about moments from 2003 remains Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 km/h delivery to England’s Nick Knight at Newlands, one of the fastest balls ever recorded in international cricket.

Australia Dominated the 2003 Final

Although South Africa’s dramatic exit overshadowed much of the tournament for local supporters, the final saw Australia overpower India at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Captain Ricky Ponting produced one of the greatest World Cup innings, smashing an unbeaten 140 to guide Australia to another world title after Sachin Tendulkar fell early in India’s chase.

Africa Ready to Welcome the Cricket World Again

More than two decades later, cricket returns to southern Africa with a modern tournament expected to showcase the region’s passion for the game and world-class venues.

The launch featured African music, dance and cultural performances, highlighting the continent’s rich heritage as excitement begins to build for the 2027 World Cup.

With three host nations joining forces once again, fans can expect one of the biggest global sporting events to return to African soil in spectacular fashion.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Litton Das as the new ODI captain, replacing Mehidy Hasan Miraz in a move aimed at allowing the star all-rounder to focus entirely on his performances.

BCB president Tamim Iqbal confirmed the decision after a board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, stating that Bangladesh will now move forward with two captains across the three formats instead of having separate leaders for each format.

Under the new structure, Litton Das will lead Bangladesh in white-ball cricket, while Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue as captain of the Test side.

BCB Opts for Two-Captain Model

Explaining the decision, Tamim said the board believes having one captain for white-ball cricket and another for red-ball cricket will provide greater stability and better planning.

Along with Litton’s appointment, Towhid Hridoy has been named the white-ball vice-captain, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue as the vice-captain in Test cricket.

Tamim also revealed that discussions were held with all players before finalising the leadership changes.

According to him, the transition was made with everyone’s knowledge and support.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz to Focus on His Cricket

Despite replacing Mehidy as ODI captain, Tamim made it clear that the all-rounder continues to be one of Bangladesh’s most valuable players.

He praised Mehidy’s leadership, pointing out that Bangladesh won four of the last five ODI series under his captaincy.

However, the board believes Mehidy can contribute even more if he concentrates solely on his batting and bowling.

Tamim admitted that while Mehidy’s batting has remained strong, the team wants to see him regain his best form with the ball.

The BCB also feels that the additional pressure of captaincy and outside criticism may have affected his overall performances.

Litton Das Returns to Leadership

Litton is no stranger to leading Bangladesh in ODIs.

The wicketkeeper-batter previously captained the side in seven One-Day Internationals, including Bangladesh’s memorable 2-1 series victory over India in 2022 when Tamim Iqbal was unavailable through injury.

He also led the team in matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand during 2023.

The BCB believes Litton’s experience makes him well-suited to lead Bangladesh’s white-ball teams going forward.

Performance Reviews Every Six Months

Tamim also announced a change in the board’s approach towards evaluating players and coaching staff.

Instead of reacting after every series, Bangladesh will now conduct performance reviews every six months.

The board has also asked the coaching staff and players to prepare a structured six-month roadmap following the recent Zimbabwe tour.

According to Tamim, the objective is to improve communication between the board and players while creating a more stable environment for long-term planning.

Mehidy’s ODI Captaincy Record

Mehidy Hasan Miraz captained Bangladesh in 20 ODI matches, winning 10.

His tenure began with a difficult run as Bangladesh lost five of their first six matches and two consecutive ODI series.

However, the team bounced back strongly, winning four successive home series against West Indies, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia before suffering an away series defeat to Zimbabwe.

Although his captaincy has ended, Mehidy remains a key part of Bangladesh’s plans as one of the team’s leading all-rounders.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

There have been many great batters in Indian Test cricket who dominated scorecards and headlines. Ajinkya Rahane, however, built his legacy differently.

Rahane was rarely the centre of attention, yet he repeatedly produced innings that rescued India from difficult situations. Whether it was a fighting century at Lord’s, a captain’s knock in Melbourne, or countless middle-order rescues, the Mumbai batter earned a reputation as one of India’s most dependable Test cricketers.

As Rahane brings the curtain down on his Test career, he leaves behind not just numbers but memories of courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the team.

The Man India Turned To During Difficult Times

Rahane was never India’s biggest superstar, but he was often the player trusted when the team found itself under pressure.

One of his earliest defining moments came at Lord’s in 2014, where India were struggling at 145/7 before Rahane counter-attacked with a brilliant century.

That innings laid the foundation for one of India’s most memorable overseas Test victories, later completed by Ishant Sharma’s famous spell of short-pitched bowling.

It became a recurring theme throughout Rahane’s career—delivering when the team needed someone to absorb pressure.

Melbourne 2020: The Innings That Changed Everything

If Lord’s announced Rahane’s arrival, Melbourne in 2020 cemented his legacy.

India entered the Boxing Day Test after the nightmare of being bowled out for 36 in Adelaide, their lowest Test score.

With regular captain Virat Kohli unavailable, Rahane stepped in as skipper and responded with a magnificent century under immense pressure.

His composed leadership and match-winning hundred helped India level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and completely change the direction of the series.

That remarkable comeback eventually ended with India’s historic victory at The Gabba, one of the greatest overseas triumphs in Indian cricket history.

More Than Just Overseas Success

Although Rahane earned a reputation as India’s overseas specialist, he also produced several memorable performances at home.

Against South Africa in Delhi in 2015, he scored a vital century to wrest back control of the match.

A year later, he registered his highest Test score of 188 against New Zealand in Indore.

After that innings, Rahane summed up his philosophy perfectly by saying that overcoming difficult phases often made scoring hundreds even more satisfying than batting freely.

That mindset reflected the player he was throughout his career.

Difficult Final Years

Like many great cricketers, Rahane’s career also witnessed a challenging phase.

Technical issues outside the off stump and lapses in concentration began affecting his consistency.

In 2021, he managed only two half-centuries in 23 Test innings, leading to his omission from the Indian side in early 2022.

Rather than giving up, Rahane returned to domestic cricket and enjoyed a superb 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, scoring 634 runs at an average of 57.64.

His performances earned him a recall for the World Test Championship Final, where he once again top-scored for India in the first innings.

However, modest returns during the subsequent West Indies tour meant that his international comeback proved to be short-lived.

Reinventing Himself in T20 Cricket

Even when many believed his white-ball career was over, Rahane found another way to stay relevant.

He reinvented his batting style with Chennai Super Kings during the IPL 2023, playing fearless cricket at an impressive strike rate and helping CSK win another IPL title.

His domestic performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later earned him a return to Kolkata Knight Riders, where he also took over captaincy duties in 2025 and 2026.

The transformation showcased Rahane’s willingness to evolve with the modern game.

A Career Defined by Selflessness

Rahane finishes his Test journey with:

• Matches: 95
• Runs: 5,077
• Centuries: 12
• Half-centuries: 26
• Batting Average: 38.46

While those numbers may not place him among India’s highest run-scorers, they tell only part of the story.

Rahane’s true contribution lies in the moments when he quietly stepped forward, rescued India from difficult situations and allowed others to shine.

His farewell message perhaps captured his career better than any statistic.

“I lived by one simple rule: always put my country and my team ahead of myself.”

For Ajinkya Rahane, those words were never just a slogan—they defined an entire Test career built on sacrifice, resilience and unwavering commitment to Team India.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received another major boost in his rapidly rising career after being named vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026.

The 15-member squad will be captained by Ishan Kishan, while veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami also features in the team for the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament.

The Duleep Trophy 2026 is scheduled to begin on August 23 in Bengaluru, with the inter-zonal competition bringing together some of India’s top domestic cricketers.

Another Leadership Role for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The vice-captaincy is another significant milestone for Sooryavanshi, who has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past few months.

The young batter recently made his India debut on the UK tour before continuing his impressive form during the T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he was named the Player of the Series.

His appointment as vice-captain reflects the confidence selectors have in both his leadership qualities and cricketing ability despite his young age.

Ishan Kishan to Captain East Zone

Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been entrusted with leading the East Zone side.

Fresh from an outstanding Zimbabwe tour, where he played several match-winning knocks, Kishan will now guide a squad that blends experienced campaigners with exciting young talent.

His leadership will be crucial as East Zone aim for a strong campaign in the domestic tournament.

Mohammed Shami Continues Domestic Journey

Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami has also been included in the squad.

The 35-year-old has not represented India since the 2025 Champions Trophy final, but he remains active in domestic cricket.

Shami featured for Bengal during the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 of Lucknow Super Giants’ 14 matches in IPL 2026, showing that he continues to be an important performer.

His experience will significantly strengthen East Zone’s pace attack.

Strong East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy

Apart from Kishan, Sooryavanshi and Shami, the squad includes several established domestic performers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed and Kumar Kushagra.

The combination of experienced internationals and promising youngsters makes East Zone one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament.

East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

• Ishan Kishan (Captain)
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Vice-Captain)
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Sudip Kumar Gharami
• Shahbaz Ahmed
• Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal
• Mohammed Shami
• Mukesh Kumar
• Kumar Kushagra
• Shikhar Mohan
• Anukul Roy
• Virat Singh
• Subhranshu Senapati
• Denish Das
• Abhijit Sarkar

Standby Players:

• Ayush Loharuka
• Sridam Paul
• Sambit S. Baral
• Sharandeep Singh
• Swastik Samal

With several international stars and emerging talents in the lineup, East Zone will head into the Duleep Trophy as one of the favourites to challenge for the title.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained their position as the most valuable franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first cricket team to cross the $300 million brand value milestone.

According to the latest report by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, RCB’s brand value has reached $312 million, while the IPL’s overall business value has grown to $20.6 billion, reflecting another year of strong commercial growth.

RCB Cross Historic $300 Million Mark

RCB recorded a 16% increase in brand value over the past year, rising from $269 million in 2025 to $312 million in 2026.

The Bengaluru-based franchise also created history by becoming the first cricket team to surpass the $300 million brand value mark.

Earlier this year, RCB also witnessed a change in ownership after a consortium comprising Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group acquired the franchise at a valuation of $1.78 billion.

IPL Business Value Crosses $20 Billion

The Houlihan Lokey report estimates that the IPL’s overall business value has increased from $18.5 billion to $20.6 billion over the past 12 months.

The 11.4% growth marks the league’s second consecutive year of double-digit growth, highlighting the IPL’s continued expansion as one of the world’s biggest sporting properties.

According to Harsh Talikoti, Director at Houlihan Lokey’s Financial and Valuation Advisory business, institutional investment and global ownership continue to accelerate cricket’s growth.

Mumbai Indians, KKR and CSK Follow RCB

While RCB lead the rankings, Mumbai Indians remain second with a brand value of $264 million, reflecting a 9.1% increase from last year.

Kolkata Knight Riders occupy third position with a brand value of $245 million, followed closely by Chennai Super Kings at $244 million.

CSK’s valuation grew by 3.8% over the previous year.

RCB Owners Highlight Fan Base Strength

RCB chairman and Times Internet chairman Satyan Gajwani credited the franchise’s passionate supporters for its continued commercial success.

According to him, RCB’s fan engagement and emotional connection with supporters make the franchise unique within the IPL ecosystem.

He also expressed confidence in cricket’s long-term global growth, describing franchise ownership as an attractive long-term investment.

Punjab Kings Co-Owner Explains IPL’s Rising Value

Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia believes IPL franchises are no longer viewed simply as cricket teams.

Instead, he said they are increasingly being recognised as long-term sports and entertainment businesses capable of generating enormous audiences, sponsorship revenue and fan engagement.

Wadia also pointed out that, on a per-match basis, IPL media rights now compare favourably with some of the biggest sporting leagues in the world despite the tournament being only 18 years old.

Full IPL Franchise Brand Value Rankings

Rajasthan Royals and Other Franchises Continue to Grow

Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to fifth with a brand value of $168 million, while Rajasthan Royals ranked sixth at $161 million after their reported acquisition by the Mittal family and Adar Poonawalla at a valuation of $1.65 billion.

Punjab Kings followed closely at $158 million, ahead of Gujarat Titans ($157 million) and Delhi Capitals ($156 million).

Lucknow Super Giants completed the rankings in tenth place with a brand value of $122 million, unchanged from last year.

The latest report underlines the IPL’s growing commercial strength, with franchise values and league revenues continuing to rise year after year.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has revealed how senior players are helping teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remain focused on cricket and avoid distractions from social media and outside noise.

The 15-year-old couldn’t repeat his half-century heroics from the opening T20I against Zimbabwe in the second match of the series, scoring a quick 20 off nine balls.

However, Ishan believes there is little reason to worry about the youngster and explained how the Indian dressing room is helping him navigate the early stages of his international career.

Ishan Kishan Backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Speaking at the post-match press conference following India’s victory in the second T20I, Ishan described Sooryavanshi as a smart youngster who already understands his responsibilities on and off the field.

According to Ishan, however, the challenge for a young player isn’t restricted to performing with the bat.

Social media attention, outside opinions and distractions within a player’s social circle can potentially affect their development.

Ishan, who says he comes from a similar background, believes experienced players can help Sooryavanshi avoid some of those problems.

Team India Wants Vaibhav Focused Only on Cricket

Ishan revealed that several Indian players, including Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, regularly interact with Sooryavanshi and encourage him to concentrate on cricket.

The idea is to prevent the teenager from becoming overly concerned with social media reactions or outside criticism, particularly when he doesn’t score runs.

“Right now, he thinks as much as possible about cricket, rather than what’s happening on social media, what the outside noise is, or letting his body language drop if he isn’t scoring runs,” Ishan said.

The Indian players are also careful about how they communicate with the youngster, given his age and the enormous attention surrounding his career.

Ishan Calls Sooryavanshi a Special Talent

Sooryavanshi has already demonstrated his ability to completely change a game during the powerplay.

Ishan highlighted the enormous impact the youngster could have if he remains at the crease for the opening six overs.

According to him, a batter with Sooryavanshi’s attacking ability could potentially help India reach 80 to 90 runs in the powerplay.

That explosive potential is one of the reasons India’s players are particularly keen to ensure he remains focused on his development rather than getting distracted by the attention surrounding him.

Senior Players Taking a ‘Brother-Like’ Role

Ishan also explained that his relationship with Sooryavanshi goes beyond regular advice between teammates.

He wants the youngster to avoid mistakes that more experienced players made during the early stages of their own careers.

Those lessons include maintaining the right mindset, taking care of physical fitness and handling the pressures that accompany international cricket.

“Our job as teammates, especially since we are like brothers, is to keep him happy, make him focus on the important things, and ensure he doesn’t repeat the mistakes we made in our early days,” Ishan said.

Sooryavanshi’s Explosive Start to International Cricket

After scoring a half-century in the opening T20I, Sooryavanshi once again demonstrated his attacking intent in the second game.

Although his innings ended at 20 from nine deliveries, his aggressive approach helped India maintain early momentum.

Ishan then took responsibility after Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, producing a match-winning 81 off 44 balls as India registered a dominant victory.

For Team India, the priority now appears to be allowing Sooryavanshi to continue playing his natural game while shielding the teenager from unnecessary pressure during the formative stages of his international career.

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India vice-captain Tilak Varma admitted that the T20I series victory over Zimbabwe has come as a welcome relief following disappointing results against Ireland and England.

India secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after registering a dominant 90-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Tilak played a major role in the victory, smashing an unbeaten 60 off just 29 deliveries before contributing with the ball with figures of 1 for 9 from two overs.

Tilak Varma Relieved After Back-to-Back Series Defeats

India entered the Zimbabwe tour under pressure after losing their previous two T20I series.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat against Ireland before being comprehensively beaten by England. According to Tilak, India’s performances in the opening two matches against Zimbabwe showed the team’s determination to respond strongly.

“It’s quite a bit of a relief for us. If you see, the last two series didn’t go our way. But especially the way we have played the last two games was really good,” Tilak said in a BCCI video.

Tilak and Ishan Kishan Turn Up the Heat

Tilak walked out to bat following captain Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal and joined an in-form Ishan Kishan in the middle.

The pair added a crucial 94 runs, putting India firmly in control.

Kishan was the leading scorer with a blistering 81 off 44 balls, while Tilak provided the acceleration with his unbeaten 60.

Tilak credited Kishan’s aggressive approach for helping him settle into his innings.

“I just held my shape, and I was backing myself. I got those few good boundaries, and from there I just kept going,” Tilak said.

He also praised Kishan’s intent from the beginning, saying the left-hander’s attacking batting was “tremendous to watch.”

Shreyas Iyer’s Cameo Also Crucial

Tilak also highlighted the importance of Shreyas Iyer’s 25-run contribution.

Although the Indian captain couldn’t convert his start into a bigger innings, Tilak believes his cameo helped maintain the momentum before Kishan and Tilak launched their assault.

“Small cameo from Iyer was also important for the team. From there, I just wanted to maintain that momentum throughout the overs,” Tilak explained.

India eventually posted a massive total before their bowlers completely overwhelmed the Zimbabwe batting line-up.

Tilak Varma Working Hard on His Bowling

Tilak’s contribution wasn’t restricted to batting.

The 23-year-old dismissed Ryan Burl and conceded only nine runs from his two overs.

More importantly, Tilak revealed that he is putting significant effort into developing his bowling and wants to regularly contribute two or three overs for India.

“I’m working really hard on my bowling. If you give two overs or three overs for the team, it really helps,” he said.

Tilak believes becoming a reliable bowling option could provide India with greater flexibility in their team combination.

“Going forward, my aim is to give the team at least two or three overs because it really helps the combination,” he added.

India Seal Series With Dominant Victory

India completed an emphatic victory by bowling Zimbabwe out for 129, sealing the match by 90 runs.

Abhishek Sharma starred with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 17 as Zimbabwe’s chase collapsed.

The result gave India an unbeatable 2-0 advantage with one match remaining and, importantly, ended their recent run of disappointing T20I series results.

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• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role