The two sides, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, are stuck in the middle-half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as they keep their hopes alive to get qualified for the playoffs of the competition. Their meeting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was the do-or-die contest for the top four-spot.

See Also: DC vs CSK Dream11 Team IPL 2026: Best Budget Picks Under 100 Credits

The Delhi Capitals’ captain, Axar Patel, won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface that had a few cracks on it and was expected to get slow in the second innings. Moreover, Chennai’s struggles in chases in the last several years have also pushed them to make the decision.

Mukesh Choudhary removes Pathum Nissanka in IPL 2026

Pathum Nissanka, who played a fabulous knock in their previous game against the Rajasthan Royals, got the backing from their coaching management to be part of the contest. He opened the account with a fine sweep on the very first ball for a boundary into the backward square leg region.

Watch the video here: 

Glorious shot 👌
Rapid response 🔥

🎥 Mukesh Choudhary has the last laugh in the mini-battle with Pathum Nissanka 💛

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/f1bRZthndy#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #DCvCSK | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/yl5X8CZOXD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 5, 2026

Nissanka ended the over against the left-arm spinner, Akeal Hosein, with an edgy boundary behind the stumps. It wasn’t an easy strip to play the free-flowing shots, given the slowness, but the Sri Lankan batter was playing the field.

CSK introduced their left-arm pacer, Mukesh Choudhary, from the other end. Nissanka picked the short delivery away from his body and powered it over the cover for a boundary before playing the funky shot behind the stumps by padding it over the fine leg region for a six.

See Also: IPL 2026: When will Phil Salt return to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru? Latest fitness update revealed

But the Maharashtra pacer had the last laugh on the very last delivery of the over. He cut the pace as the batter went for the cross-batted shot over the mid-on region, but couldn’t get the timing right and hit it in the air towards the mid-on region.

DC loses track inside powerplay vs CSK

After Nissanka’s dismissal, his opening partner, KL Rahul, also went back to the pavilion. He tried to hoist Hosein’s first ball of the last over inside the power play for a six. But he didn’t get the timing as the ball ballooned in the air before finishing in the hands of the cover fielder.

See Also: DC vs CSK Head-to-Head IPL 2026 Stats: Who Has Dominated This Rivalry So Far?

Delhi finished the power play with 37 runs for the loss of two wickets. It would be important for the batters to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard moving. Chennai won’t love to chase a score of more than 170 on this slow surface.

Brief Scores (at the time of writing): DC- 56/3 (Pathum Nissanka 19, Noor Ahmed 1/7) vs CSK. 

Fans react to CSK’s strong start inside powerplay of IPL 2026

Here is how the fans have reacted to the clinical bowling start of the Super Kings in IPL 2026-

Early wicket = instant pressure 👀
Great start by the new ball attack, led by Mukesh Kumar 🔥”

— BatnBallHQ (@BatnballHQ) May 5, 2026

Crucial early breakthrough! Mukesh is proving his worth with the new ball again.

— Shantun Singh Parmar (@ParmarShantun) May 5, 2026

Pitch seems to be slower, 160-180 will be a great target considering ngidi is fit and kuldeep and axar bowls

— Vanthiya Thevan Iyer (@Vanthiyahere) May 5, 2026

DC managed to keep RR to just 38/1 in the first five overs. On a pitch that usually favors batters in the Powerplay, that is an elite defensive effort.

— sportified (@adi25611) May 5, 2026

pic.twitter.com/AvgKONh8t1

— Rajat Tiwari (@RajatTiwarivs) May 5, 2026

Rohit Sharma (84) made a strong return after recovering from injury, while Ryan Rickelton (83) once again showed his powerful batting as the Mumbai Indians defeated the Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in their Indian Premier League 2026 match on Monday. After the loss, Lucknow remained at the bottom of the table with seven defeats in nine matches, while Mumbai stayed in ninth place with six points from 10 games.

Following the match, Nita Ambani presented a special award to Ryan Rickelton for his match-winning performance. The award was given on the field after the game, recognising his important contribution with the bat in a crucial win for the Mumbai Indians.

See also -IPL 2026, Match 48 - DC vs CSK: Toss Update and Playing XI

The gesture was appreciated by fans, as it highlighted the value of individual performances in team success. Rickelton’s innings received praise across social media, further strengthening his position as a key player for the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

Watch the special video here:

A pleasure to watch 😍

The Maverick Award finds another home with Ryan 👏 #MIvLSG pic.twitter.com/dGblHM4WOP

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 5, 2026

Nita Ambani honours Ryan Rickelton with Maverick Award after MI’s dominant win

Facing Lucknow Super Giants, openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton built a strong foundation with a 143-run partnership, their third century stand in the Indian Premier League. Their efforts helped the Mumbai Indians chase down a challenging target of 228, finishing at 229/4 in just 18.4 overs to secure an important win.

After the match, MI owner Nita Ambani came forward to motivate the players and congratulate the team for their impressive performance. She appreciated the efforts of the players and support staff, acknowledging their contribution to the strong victory. As part of the celebrations, Nita Ambani presented Ryan Rickelton with the “Maverick Award” for his outstanding innings. The award included a pair of Tom Ford optical sunglasses worth ₹63,000. After receiving the award, Rickelton thanked her and also congratulated his teammates for their collective effort in achieving the win.

See also -Watch: Ryan Rickelton brings up 44-ball century during MI vs SRH clash in IPL 2026

Ryan Rickelton shines with match-winning knock for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026

Ryan Rickelton has enjoyed a strong IPL 2026 season so far. While he has not been fully consistent, with a few low scores, his impact has been significant whenever he has found rhythm. In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, he delivered one of his best performances, smashing 83 runs off just 32 balls. His innings helped the Mumbai Indians chase down the target comfortably and pushed his season tally to 380 runs, placing him sixth among the top run-scorers. Notably, no other batter from either team features in the top 20 at this stage.

See also -DC vs CSK Dream11 Team IPL 2026: Best Budget Picks Under 100 Credits

Playing at the Wankhede Stadium, Rickelton gave the Mumbai Indians a flying start in their chase of 229. Opening alongside Rohit Sharma, he stitched a massive 143-run partnership for the first wicket. His innings was filled with aggressive stroke play, including six fours and eight sixes, marking his fifth IPL half-century. He also has a century to his name this season, highlighting his ability to play big innings.

In terms of overall numbers, Rickelton has now scored 768 runs from 22 IPL matches at an average of 38.40 and a strike rate of 168.42. In the current season alone, he has scored 380 runs in eight matches at an average of 54.28 and an impressive strike rate of 190.95, including three scores of 50 or more. Across all T20 matches, he has crossed 4,600 runs, reaching 4,630 runs from 163 games at an average of 32.37. He has registered 28 fifties and four centuries in the format, with a strong strike rate of 148.11, underlining his value as a powerful top-order batter.

On Tuesday night (May 5), the Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings (DC vs CSK) has been scheduled for the 48th match of the IPL 2026. Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is ready to host this fixture, as it is the fifth game at this venue in the ongoing IPL season. While both teams are playing the 10th game of the season, it is their second meeting in the IPL 2026. 

IPL 2020 runners-up Delhi Capitals are in sixth position with eight points after nine games. DC have recorded four wins and five losses this season, while they have recorded two wins in their last five games, including three straight losses before winning their last fixture. 

The five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings also have eight points after nine games, as they are standing in the seventh position. CSK have also recorded four victories and five defeats this season. In their last five games, CSK won three times and lost two times. 

See Also: DC vs CSK Player Battle to Watch IPL 2026 – Can Kuldeep stop Sanju in the middle overs?

It is their second meeting in the ongoing IPL 2026. Chennai hosted their first face-off of the season during the 18th game of the tournament on April 11, and CSK claimed a 23-run win in that game. Sanju Samson's century guided CSK to score 212/2 in 20 overs, while DC were all out for 189 runs in 20 overs. In their last five meetings, CSK won three times, and DC won the other two fixtures.  

IPL 2026, Match 48 - DC vs CSK: Toss Update

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bat first. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad is fine with the bowl first. 

IPL 2026, Match 48 - DC vs CSK: Playing XIs

DC playing XI

DC Impact sub(s): Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Abhishek Porel, Sameer Rizvi, David Miller

CSK playing XI

CSK Impact subs: Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Matt Short, Akash Madhwal, Sarfaraz Khan

Kevin Pietersen, England's star batter, partners with the Google Gemini to redefine how cricket is experienced. However, his playing of gully cricket with fans went viral on social media. The fans loved his interaction with the fans who were playing cricket. They had fun, pulled each other's legs, and the entire moment went viral. 

Pietersen is the host of a podcast, The Switch, and he speaks to cricketers about their journeys. The English batter also played in the IPL for many teams, like Delhi Daredevils and others, before transitioning into his commentary career. 

Also Read: DC vs CSK Playing 11 Prediction IPL 2026 – Will MS Dhoni play?

Kevin Pietersen has face-off with gully cricket umpires

Kevin Pietersen has partnered with Google Gemini and uploaded a post on social media. He was seen playing with the kids in the video, which was also an advertisement for The Switch and Gemini's partnership. 

“Today, The Switch is partnering with Google Gemini to redefine how cricket is experienced by fans around the world. YouTube is the epicentre of cricket fandom - it’s where the game lives, breathes and connects people globally - and The Switch sits right at the heart of that. Gemini has become a real creative teammate for me - it allows us to move faster, think bigger, and give fans something they haven’t seen before. For me, this is about pushing the boundaries of how cricket is shared and experienced.”

Watch the video here:

Kevin Pietersen VS Gully Cricket Umpire 😂🍿

This Is HILARIOUS! 😭 pic.twitter.com/a3iGfr4QJd

— The Switch | Kevin Pietersen (@kptheswitch) May 4, 2026

Also Read: DC vs CSK Player Battle to Watch IPL 2026 – Can Kuldeep stop Sanju in the middle overs?

Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Punjab Kings in a reverse fixture on May 6 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the Indian Premier League 2026. Both teams have already met earlier this season, where Punjab Kings secured a comfortable six-wicket win in Mullanpur, with Shreyas Iyer leading the side.

Ahead of this high-voltage encounter, Arshdeep Singh was recently seen on the Punjab Kings team bus during their preparations for the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The moment gained attention on social media after he was reportedly spotted alongside Samreen Kaur. The sighting quickly became a talking point among fans as the team travelled for an important fixture.

The visuals from the team bus showed a calm and relaxed atmosphere within the squad. Arshdeep, who plays a key role in the Punjab Kings' bowling attack, appeared focused ahead of the crucial match. However, the buzz around his personal life also added extra attention to the team’s pre-match preparations.

See also -DC vs CSK Playing 11 Today IPL 2026 – Who will win Toss?

As the discussion spread online, fans reacted widely to the viral moment. While the main focus remains on the upcoming SRH vs PBKS clash, the off-field attention has added curiosity around the player. Arshdeep continues to be an important part of Punjab Kings as they aim for a strong performance in the IPL 2026 season.

Watch the special moment here: 

For the first time, Arshdeep Singh was seen with his girlfriend Samreen on the PBKS team bus. 👀

Both were holding hands tightly at Hyderabad airport. Later, Arshdeep Singh asked his girlfriend to come with him on the PBKS team bus.

These days, no one seems to listen to the… pic.twitter.com/zPCKW2sz6l

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) May 5, 2026

Airport visuals of Arshdeep Singh and Samreen Kaur go viral ahead of PBKS match

The viral video shows Arshdeep Singh arriving at Hyderabad airport along with Samreen Kaur. In the clip, he is seen walking hand-in-hand with her before later joining the Punjab Kings team bus ahead of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2026.

The video quickly spread on social media and drew strong reactions from users. The caption circulating online claimed that Arshdeep travelled with his girlfriend on the team bus after arriving at the airport. This led to discussions among fans about player conduct and team travel protocols.

However, the incident did not go down well with some internet users, who started trolling the PBKS pacer. A section of users also questioned whether such travel arrangements are appropriate, tagging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in their reactions and asking for clarity on team rules. The discussion further expanded online, with some users bringing up other cricketers, including Hardik Pandya, who has also faced similar social media scrutiny in recent times. While the match focus remains on SRH vs PBKS, the viral video has shifted attention off the field.

See also -DC vs CSK Match Prediction IPL 2026 – Who Will Win Today’s High-Voltage Clash?

PBKS look to regain winning momentum in Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Punjab Kings in Match No. 49 of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday, May 6. Both teams will be looking to secure important points in the league stage.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have shown strong form after a slow start to the season. They registered five straight wins before losing their last match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. With six wins and four losses from 10 matches, they currently sit at third place on the points table and remain strong contenders for the playoffs.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings began the season in excellent form, winning six of their first seven matches. However, their momentum slowed down in the later stages of the tournament as results became inconsistent. Despite that, they remain a dangerous side with match-winners in both the batting and bowling departments.

Both teams have already met earlier in the season, where Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered a six-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. However, past results will have little impact as both sides prepare for another crucial and high-pressure encounter in IPL 2026.

See also -DC vs CSK Dream11 Prediction IPL 2026- Best Captain & Vice-Captain picks for today

Fans slam Arshdeep Singh as video sparks BCCI action demand over team travel

The internet users are asking the BCCI to take action against cricketers seen travelling with their girlfriends instead of strictly following team protocols. The discussion gained attention after a viral clip involving Arshdeep Singh during the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

Some users also brought up other players, including Hardik Pandya, claiming that similar situations have been seen earlier as well. The debate quickly spread across social media, with fans questioning team discipline and travel rules during the tournament. Here is how the fans reacted:

Jyda ho rha h 😭

— Arjun Day (@day_arjun88750) May 5, 2026

What is wrong with that ?! This is his personal matter . She is his future wife aka family and families can accompany players . I don’t understand why ppl make such a big deal about girl friends etc . Focus on the cricket talk if you want credibility

— Solitude62 (@ambarsaria62) May 5, 2026

Who knew the PBKS bus was actually the new 'Love Express'? 🚌💕

— Cricket Wisdom (@Cricketadd75277) May 5, 2026

BCCI couldn't do anything during T20WC itself even though there was rules in place

— V!JJU. (@WithOnlyOption) May 5, 2026

@sachin_rt @GautamGambhir also had beautiful wives but they never showed off outside the ground nor in the cricket stadium. @BCCI guidelines for GFs is a must, Players distractions are happening with Social media. They are taking crores then behave as Gentleman

— libinTmathews🦚 (@m_libin) May 5, 2026

Paaji ka off field wala pura kaam dikh rha hai

— Rahul naam toh yaad hoga! (@KKRaaje) May 5, 2026

Brother, he is a human being and he also has the right to have a girlfriend. Everyone has the right to live their personal life. Why do we try to take so much interest in the personal life of others? We should not do this at all. We shouldn't be too concerned with these news.

— Ankit Gupta (@AnkitGu75649580) May 5, 2026

Feels like a stretch tbh. Just being with his girlfriend doesn’t mean he’s breaking BCCI rules. As long as it’s within team guidelines, it’s completely normal.

— Xavi (@Xavika99) May 5, 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) received a massive blow in between the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as their wicket-keeper opening batter, Phil Salt, picked up an injury and return home to see the scans of the finger injury that has kept him out of the last three games for the side. 

See Also: DC vs CSK Dream11 Team IPL 2026: Best Budget Picks Under 100 Credits

The Rajat Patidar-led side is currently at the second position of the points table with six victories in nine encounters at a net run rate of +1.420. They sill have five games left in the remainder of the league stage of the competition and will be needed to get around two more games to qualify for the playoffs.

RCB to take on LSG in next match

RCB hasn’t disclosed the nature of Phil Salt’s injury publicly, but the reports have claimed that he damaged a finger on his left hand while diving to save the boundary at the deep backward square leg in the sixth over of the second innings during the game against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at home.

The right-handed batter has started the campaign strongly with 202 runs in just six innings at an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of 168.33, thanks to two half-centuries at the best score of 78 runs. He has overall smashed 16 boundaries and 11 sixes so far in the event.

See Also: IPL 2026: Massive blow for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as M. Chinnaswamy Stadium could lose final hosting rights

The T20 World Cup winner of the England side, who is centrally contracted by the ECB, has gone back home to be with his family and has undergone scans on his finger. Both the player and the franchises remain hopeful of getting together at some point in the near future.

The reports claimed that the opener could miss their next four clashes and return for the away fixture against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. 

Salt’s absence has given the chance to open with Jacob Bethell along side Virat Kohli after starting the season on the bench. He hasn’t made a significant impact yet, having managed only 39 runs in three innings but looks set four more chances at the top of the order with Jordan Cox being available as a spare batter.

See Also: DC vs CSK Head-to-Head IPL 2026 Stats: Who Has Dominated This Rivalry So Far?

The timing of the injury of Salt has been frustrating for the franchise as they just rediscovered the best opening pair with more success at the top in the campaign.

They got a great six-day gap between the games, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's defeat to the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Several players had traveled to Maldives after the defeat for a mid-season break ahead of the next game against the Lucknow Super Giants. 

The high-voltage clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026 produced not just on-field drama but also a moment that quickly went viral. During the game, tensions flared between Jamie Overton and Tilak Varma, leading to a heated exchange that caught the attention of fans and commentators alike. 

As things escalated, players from both sides, including the umpires, had to step in to calm the situation before it could get out of control. During an event, Jamie Overton was asked about the incident, and he smartly passed on the mic to Ruturaj Gaikwad. 

Also Read: DC vs CSK Playing 11 Prediction IPL 2026 – Will MS Dhoni play?

Heated moment unfolds between Jamie Overton and Tilak Varma during high-intensity encounter

Interestingly, the story behind the flashpoint later added a humorous twist. Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed that his own remarks played a role in triggering the exchange. After Overton was hit for a boundary, Gaikwad jokingly told him he was “bowling very badly” and should “go home,” which seemingly fired up the English all-rounder. This led to Overton responding aggressively in the next moments, ultimately sparking the verbal clash with Tilak Varma.

“No, no, no. Maybe you should ask Rutu because he was the one causing it. On the previous ball...” said Overton.

"Tilak hit him for four, so I told him, ‘You are bowling very badly. You shouldn’t be here, you should go home.’ That made him angry, and he said a few good words to Tilak, and then they started fighting. As he is from England, he says a lot of good words," said Ruturaj.

Watch the video here:

Ruturaj Gaikwad saving Jamie Overton from a journalist like a true leader

Q🎙️: "What happened between you and Tilak Varma in the CSK vs MI game? What did you say to him?"

Jamie Overton: "No, no, no. Maybe you should ask Rutu because he was the one causing it. On the previous… pic.twitter.com/tGBIxg8sYZ

— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) May 4, 2026

Also Read: DC vs CSK Player Battle to Watch IPL 2026 – Can Kuldeep stop Sanju in the middle overs?

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have seen fierce rivalry

Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League match the intensity of Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians. From last-ball thrillers to high-stakes finals, their clashes have defined the league’s legacy, with both teams boasting multiple titles and a history of nail-biting encounters.

Icons like Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga have played pivotal roles for MI, often stepping up against CSK in crunch moments. Their match-winning performances, especially in finals, have added extra edge and unforgettable drama to this blockbuster rivalry.

See Also: DC vs CSK Playing 11 Today IPL 2026 – Who will win Toss?

As per the normal trend of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the defending champions generally host the final of the tournament in the very next edition. And the same is going to happen in 2026, when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will get the chance to host the final of the ongoing edition.

See Also: DC vs CSK Match Prediction IPL 2026 – Who Will Win Today’s High-Voltage Clash?

The Rajat Patidar-led side has been fabulous for the last two seasons, with a superb performance in both the batting and bowling departments. They are in a strong position to reach another playoff of the event and can even qualify for the final of the competition.

Uncertainty grows over IPL 2026 final venue as Chinnaswamy faces potential setback

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to finalize and announce the dates and venues for the ongoing IPL 2026. The reports claimed that four matches of the competition will be divided between Bengaluru and Punjab. But the former is in danger of losing the final due to the MLA ticket problems.

The IPL 2026 final is expected to be hosted at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the title holders take part in the encounters. The reports have claimed that if the MLA ticketing issue is not resolved, the board may need to shift it to a different city.

See Also: IPL 2026: New twist in Rajasthan Royals ownership after Somani Group’s ‘never withdrew bid’ claim

“IPL 2026 playoffs and final venue will be announced soon. Matches likely to be divided into Punjab and Karnataka, the last time winner should host the final, but MLA ticket issue is creating problems in Bengaluru, and if there is no solution, then BCCI will move the final to another city.” The reports have been expressed.

Reasons behind possible venue change and what it means for tournament planning

Before the IPL 2026 curtain raiser between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar stated that every MLA should get at least five IPL tickets, claiming that the representatives are ‘VIPs’ who should not wait in line.

Following this incident, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, said that three tickets for the RCB games will be given to the MLAs and MPs in the ongoing IPL. After this, the state’s home minister, G. Parameshwara, dismissed allegations of the misuse of IPL tickets.

See Also: DC vs CSK Playing 11 Today IPL 2026 – Who will win Toss?

He added that only MLAs themselves or their family members can attend the IPL matches at the venue, explaining that tickets are marked as ‘non-transferable.’

BCCI yet to take final call amid ongoing developments

The BCCI will make the final call on the venues. If they don’t mark the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as the venue to host the final, then New Chandigarh could get the chance to be the host venue of the runners-up, the Punjab Kings.

Bengaluru will meet the Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS only once in the league stage. The game will take place on May 17 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. That will be a massive clash, given their strength in all bases.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 47th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in Mumbai. The home team chased down a target of 229 runs, thanks to special knocks by Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. Both players slammed half-centuries and helped MI get those two valuable points. This win has kept them mathematically alive in the competition. 

Meanwhile, fans noticed Hardik Pandya's absence during the match, which has led to a lot of speculation about his return to the playing XI. Reports suggest that Panyda is likely to miss the rest of the season as well, with Suryakumar Yadav taking on the captaincy. Meanwhile, MI management has not yet opened up on this issue. However, opener Ryan Rickelton revealed Pandya's return during the press conference. 

See Also: MI vs LSG Head-to-Head IPL 2026 Stats: Who Has Dominated This Rivalry So Far?

Ryan Rickelton reveals Hardik Pandya's return to MI team

MI's opener Ryan Rickelton revealed that Hardik Pandya is likely to travel with the team to Raipur this week for their upcoming fixtures. He also opened up about Pandya's injury and how he was unaware of his injury. Pandya suffered a back spasm and had to miss the match against LSG in the IPL 2026. If everything goes well, he will be a part of the next match.  

"I don't know when he is expected to be back. I found out myself this afternoon that he had back spasms. I don't know the extent of the injury or how bad it is. I am not sure how he is feeling, but I am sure that he will be with us again as we head to Raipur this week," said Ryan Rickelton in the press conference. 

See Also: Watch: ‘Not captaincy material…’- Dale Steyn drops bombshell on Hardik Pandya amid struggling IPL 2026

On May 03, it was approved that the Rajasthan Royals’ lion’s share of the ownership would be transferred to Lakshmi N Mittal and Aditya Mittal, in a partnership with Adar Poonawalla, as a strong agreement to acquire the franchise from the previous ownership of Manoj Badale and his group.

The Riyan Parag-led side is currently in fourth position of the points table in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, earning six victories in 10 encounters at a net run rate of +0.510. They have a strong chance to qualify for the playoffs, but the recent form of just two wins in the last six clashes has affected them a lot.

What led to the dispute and how the ownership situation has evolved so far

The Mittal and Poonawala group acquired the inaugural champions of the league for US $1.65 billion (INR 15660 crore). The deal includes the ownership of Paarl Royals and the Barbados Royals, two other sides of the franchise in SA20 and CPL.

See Also: DC vs CSK Playing 11 Today IPL 2026 – Who will win Toss?

But a development has come after Kal Somani, comprising owners of two NFL franchises- Rob Walton and Michael Hamp, son of Sheila Ford Hamp, owner of Detroit Lions- claimed that they were wronged in the bidding process, via a statement.

“We are deeply disappointed not to be part of the Rajasthan Royals ownership group, following a long six-month process in which we were the lead bid from start to finish. Our consortium worked tirelessly to assemble a distinguished group of investors, with ownership experience across the NFL, MLB, EPL, La Liga, and TGL.” The statement expressed as reported by RevSportz.

See Also: Watch: Sanjay Bangar explains how Rishabh Pant’s poor form hurts LSG in struggling IPL 2026

“Included in the group were select global superstars from the top tiers of professional sport. We were all motivated by the opportunity to help take the IPL to new international heights. Throughout the process, we were the strongest group at every stage, competing against some of the most prominent investors across the sports investing landscape.” It addressed.

Possible implications for Rajasthan Royals amid ongoing IPL 2026 season

The consortium has claimed that it was fully funded. Mittal, who was born in Sadulpur, reckoned that he was elated to have the chance to take over the RR, whose primary home base has been in Jaipur. 

“Contrary to stories that have been planted in the press, our group was and has always been fully funded, prepared to close with certainty, and never withdrew our bid. We had executed documentation in place and were told that the franchise’s board meeting on Saturday was being held to approve our consortium. In the end, this was not the case.” The statement added.

See Also: DC vs CSK Match Prediction IPL 2026 – Who Will Win Today’s High-Voltage Clash?

“We do not believe the outcome ultimately reflected a level playing field, and it is difficult to reconcile the strength of our bid and preparedness to close with the final decision. While this outcome is both surprising and disappointing, we view this experience as part of a broader journey.” It concluded.

What happens next? Key developments to watch in Rajasthan Royals ownership case

The acquisition has been carried out in partnership with the Serum Institute of India CEO, with it purchasing the franchise from Badale and the other investors. The deal would get completed in the third quarter of 2026, in which the Mittal Family will gets 75% stake while Poonawalla will earn 18%.

The remaining 7% will stay with the existing shareholders, including Badale. Now, post this claim of the Somani group, it would be interesting to see where the process reaches regarding the RR ownership.