Raina's absence a major concern for CSK, says Dean Jones

The overhaul follows recommendations from the Justice D'Cunha Committee, constituted after a tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025 celebrations claimed 11 lives.

The new jersey follows Punjab Kings' signature red and blue brand colours, a combination that has come to represent the energy, pride and fearless attitude of the franchise. The updated design introduces a distinctive pattern that begins with the lion motif at the centre, the symbol of Punjab Kings, and gradually transitions into diamond-shaped elements across the fabric

RCB have bought the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore in the IPL mini auction for the upcoming season. Last season, he played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).after being bought for a massive Rs 23.75 Crore bid in the 2025 season.

The 37-year-old Kohli played a vital role in RCB's title win last season, scoring 657 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. He finished among the top run-scorers in the tournament, contributing significantly with 66 fours and multiple fifty-plus scores.

The MOC also approved financial assistance worth Rs 27.51 lakh for Sumit Nagal to support his international training and competition programme from March to October 2026. Nagal's calendar includes participation in ATP Challenger events, ATP Tour events, ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, Grand Slams such as Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as the Davis Cup 2nd round tie and Asian Games 2026.

Since joining KKR in 2024, during which he was a part of the team that sealed their third IPL trophy, Ramandeep has contributed 172 runs at an impressive strike rate of 167.9, with 6 wickets already to his name. More recently, Ramandeep lit up the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 209 runs at a strike rate of 195 and 9 wickets across 10 matches, and he looks primed for his best season yet in Purple and Gold

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2026, in one of the biggest trades in the tournament's history, Samson was traded from RR to CSK and will don the yellow colours at the price of Rs 18 crores. In turn, Sam Curran and seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were traded to the inaugural champions. While Jadeja's price will go down from Rs 18 crores (at CSK) to Rs 14 crores, Curran will continue receiving his existing fee of Rs 2.4 crores.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the new season as defending champions, having defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 edition's summit clash held in Ahmedabad.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) authorities are closely monitoring the prevailing situation and have said that conditions remain under control so far, an IPL official told ANI on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Shukla clarified that the BCCI has already released the schedule for the initial phase of the tournament and will decide on the remaining fixtures once the poll schedule is announced for the states heading to elections.