A few months ago, reports claimed that the Rajasthan Royals’ captain, Sanju Samson, asked the franchise to release him ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League as he aims to enter the mini auction. It has been known that Samson made the decision immediately after the end of the previous season, when he couldn’t be part of the whole edition due to injury.

Now another report has arrived from Revsportz, which reckoned that Samson has been approached by the Delhi Capitals with the responsibility of leading the franchise for the new season. This discussion is known to have been made during the recent 2025 season of the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Last year, Axar Patel led Delhi, who missed out on the playoffs due to their poor second half of the tournament.

See Also: [WATCH] “Never come across…”- Suryakumar Yadav roasts Pakistan on overall IND vs PAK record

If RR decides to release him, then they could still either trade him to another franchise or send him into the auction. According to the IPL contract, the final decision in this case will stay with the franchise, as it could be a player swap or an all-cash deal.

Watch: Sanju Samson offered Delhi Capitals’ captaincy for IPL 2026: Reports

The 30-year-old batter first played for the Royals in the three seasons from 2013 to 2015 before rejoining them in 2018. In between those, he was part of the Delhi side, which brings the old connection in the possible trade. He became the captain of the Rajasthan side in 2021 and led them to their first final since the maiden season in 2022.

🚨DELHI CAPITALS LOOKING SANJU SAMSON AS THEIR CAPTAIN IN IPL2026🚨
[ROHIT JUGLAN]
He Has Been One Of The Most Prominent Reporter In Recent Times. pic.twitter.com/HeVIcvNkKF

— Klassy¹ (@sinha7605) October 9, 2025

Samson was one of the six players to be retained by the franchise ahead of last year’s mega auction when his price was INR 18 crore ($2.14 million approx.). In case of the Kerala batter’s absence in the side for the new season, they can continue to be led by Riyan Parag, while Yashasvi Jaiswal can also come into the equation.

Samson had a decent season in the Asia Cup 2025 for India, where he had the new responsibility of batting in the middle order. He got one fifty in the event against Oman in Abu Dhabi.

Prithvi Shaw made a strong start after moving to Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, scoring a century on his debut for his new state team in a one-man show during their Buchi Babu Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. Maharashtra could only score 217 in response to Chhattisgarh’s 242, with Shaw contributing 111 of those runs—an early performance of significance.

He recently obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to leave his former state, Mumbai, after being dropped from the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy squad. It was a tough period for him, as he also went unsold during the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Shaw last played in the league in 2024, scoring 198 runs in eight games for Delhi Capitals (DC) at an average of 24.75 and a strike rate of 163.63. He made his IPL debut in 2018 with DC and spent seven seasons with them before being released and going unsold. So far, he has played 79 IPL matches, scoring 1,892 runs at an average of 23.94 with a strike rate of over 147. In T20s overall, he has scored 2,902 runs in 117 games at a strike rate of 151.54, including one century and 20 fifties.

As he returns to form, an IPL comeback could be possible if he continues scoring consistently. Here are three teams that should look to rope in Prithvi Shaw for IPL 2026.

Also Read -WATCH: Prasidh Krishna gets among wicket after Asia Cup snub in Maharaja Trophy T20 2025

3. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Prithvi Shaw’s former and only IPL team so far, Delhi Capitals (DC), could look to bring the opener back. DC failed to make the playoffs despite playing well for most of the season. They used four different players as openers: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel, and KL Rahul. Fraser-McGurk struggled at the top, scoring only 55 runs in six matches. Du Plessis made 202 runs in nine innings but was not consistent. KL Rahul (539 runs) and Porel (301 runs) were the successful openers. Overall, their top order averaged only 19.23 runs throughout the season. Delhi could look to add firepower at the top and bring back Prithvi Shaw for IPL 2026.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had a disappointing IPL 2025. They finished last in the league stage, winning only four out of 14 matches. CSK struggled with batting throughout the season and improved only towards the end. Their opening combinations failed to give solid starts. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad missed several games, which hurt the team. Players like Rahul Tripathi, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway could not perform well at the top. CSK then tried young players such as Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre as openers. The former champions need someone who can attack the bowlers and bat aggressively in the powerplay, which was their weak point last season. Prithvi Shaw could fit the bill as an opener, while Gaikwad could move to number three for more stability.

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Three-time IPL winners and 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could not defend their title in 2025. They faced problems with their top order and opening combinations and need a solid opener for the next season. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane had a decent season, scoring 390 runs at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 147.72 with three fifties. However, the other openers struggled. Quinton de Kock made 152 runs in eight innings at an average of 21.71 and a strike rate of 129.91, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored only 74 runs in five games. KKR needs a young and explosive Indian opener, as their top order could not give solid starts consistently last season. This could be a great opportunity for Prithvi Shaw to join the team.

Shaw Shows Signs of a Comeback

Shaw’s struggles with discipline and fitness in recent years have been widely discussed, as one of India’s most promising talents faded from the spotlight. However, this innings shows that the 25-year-old can still build a career to be proud of. “I don’t mind starting from scratch again because I’ve seen many ups and downs in my life. I’m a very confident guy—confident in myself and my work ethics. I hope this season goes really well for me as well as for my team,” said Shaw after the close of day’s play.

It's a day of honor and pride for the citizens of India as the nation takes the moment to celebrate its 79th Independence Day. It was on this very day, on August 15, 1947, that the struggles and the sacrifices of our beloved freedom fighters paid dividends. For the first time in history, India was freed from the British occupation. A new chapter unfolded as the country looked to brush aside the dominance of their colonial masters in an effort to cater to a bright future for its suffering citizens at that time.

From freedom fighters at the front line to people working behind the scenes, the fight for independence had everyone involved, highlighting the importance of everyone's role. As the nation gears up to hoist the tricolor all around, several cricketing personalities took the opportunity to extend their wishes on this auspicious day. 

Most notable of whom was the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir. With a past background in politics, Gambhir's deep patriotism for the country didn't go unnoticed as he took to his Twitter account to post the following:

“My country, my identity, my life! Jai Hind."

My country, my identity, my life! Jai Hind!🇮🇳#IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/seiUpwc8so

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 15, 2025

Gambhir's former teammate, Irfan Pathan, also took the opportunity to send his heartfelt wishes, urging everyone to stay united for a common cause.

Wishing every Indian a Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳
Our freedom was hard-earned; our duty is to keep it alive — in spirit, in action, and in unity.
Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/3tporvuzZ0

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 14, 2025

In addition, several IPL franchises also followed suit and came up with creative posts in a bid to wish every Indian on this special occasion of Independence Day. 

देश के नाम, दिल से सलाम 💙❤

जय हिन्द।🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2QFRscNkBk

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 15, 2025

A united nation rose in the spirit of the tricolour! 🇮🇳💛🥳

Happy 7⃣9⃣th Independence Day, India!#IndependenceDay #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/EYjTSrQhjE

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 15, 2025

Proud hearts. Soaring flags. 🧡🤍💚

Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/H2BZPmf9iO

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) August 14, 2025

See also: Asia Cup: Lok Sabha Member Says India Should Avoid Playing Cricket Against Pakistan

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also unveiled the national flag during a recent visit to the Red Fort, from where he addressed the nation. Although the mood was quite celebratory for the most part, Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan and reminded them about the might of the Indian forces.

The relation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has significantly deteriorated after the Pahalgam terror attacks. What followed was a highly sophisticated military campaign from the Indian government dubbed "Operation Sindoor." The operation was an immediate success, as the Indian armed forces were able to swiftly dismantle key military installations deep inside Pakistan. But a timely intervention from US president Donald Trump prevented the situation from escalating any further, and a ceasefire was brokered, which still remains in effect to this day. 

Virat Kohli has been an inspiration to many players around the world, whether it is the state cricket or the national side, or even in world cricket. Many young bowlers have a dream of bowling at the Delhi-born and acquire lessons from him regarding various tactics. The Delhi Capitals’ all-rounder, Vipraj Nigam, was seen to have a conversation with Kohli during the IPL 2025.

In a recent podcast with CricXtasy, he revealed the fanboy moment with the veteran. Nigam shed light on how he didn’t even think of taking the India batter's wicket while bowling at him. He even shared the fact of how happy he was when Kohli smashed him into the stands for a huge six.

See Also: No Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for ODI World Cup 2027? BCCI to have honest conversation

‘It can be that you keep Virat bhai away. Give him one run and let me go off the strike somehow. But there is another wish of taking a chance, and if he gets dismissed. To bowl Virat Kohli is a huge dream, and you don’t think of taking his wicket. So, on the first ball, he nailed me for a six. Now, generally, when you get hit for a six on a good delivery, you don’t get happy.’ Vipraj Nigam expressed in the conversation.

[WATCH] Vipraj Nigam shares fanboy moment with Virat Kohli during IPL 2025

‘But for me, it was different in that game that at least he was smacked for a six from Virat Kohli. So no issues. No one will say anything. This was like that. Virat bhai has nailed it. If someone says something, I will say, ‘Virat bhai has hit; nothing happens!!’ On the next ball, I kept it a little away and he didn’t get the full timing.’ He addressed.

Vipraj Nigam is a proper fanboy of Virat Kohli ❤️🥹. The Smile on his face while talking about Virat kohli.

🎥:@CricXtasy pic.twitter.com/kVMKG3Ugpl

— CHIKU JI❤️💫 (@MaticKohli251) August 5, 2025

The 21-year-old leg-spinner, during his first season of the league in 2025, featured in 14 clashes and smashed 142 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of nearly 180, besides picking 11 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 32.36 and an economy rate of just over nine.

During the game in Bengaluru, Nigam picked up his dream wicket of Kohli, who looked to slog the ball outside the off stump. On 22 runs in 14 deliveries, he was caught in the hands of Mitchell Starc at a strike rate of 157.14.

Rishabh Pant showed real courage in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. On Day 1, he was batting well on 37 when he hurt his foot and had to walk off the field. Many thought he wouldn’t come back, but on Day 2, after Shardul Thakur got out, Pant returned to bat again despite the pain.

Even though he wasn’t fully fit, Pant came back just to help his team. He looked uncomfortable, but stood tall and added important runs. Fans and experts praised his fearless attitude. It wasn’t just about runs it was about heart.

He’ll rise again and again for 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YvShAr0c34

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) July 24, 2025

During the match, Pant also created history. He became the first non-English wicketkeeper to score 1000 Test runs in England . This shows how strong his record is in tough English conditions. Because of the foot injury, Pant won’t keep wickets for the rest of the match. The BCCI confirmed this and said Dhruv Jurel will take over behind the stumps. This also happened in the third Test when Pant had a finger injury. Still, the board added that Pant will be available to bat again if needed.

ALSO READ: BAN vs PAK 3rd T20I: Full Highlights and Scoreboard

After the heroic performance against England in Manchester, Delhi Capitals edited a special video for Rishab Pant. Pant keeps proving how much he loves playing for India. Even when he’s hurt, he gives his all. His fighting knock in Manchester is one more example of his big heart and strong mind.

The Delhi Capitals (DC) narrowly missed out on a playoff spot in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) competition, securing a commendable fifth position. The franchise finished their campaign on a high, on the back of an impressive six-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Jaipur. The Capitals emerged victorious in a high-voltage run-chase as Sameer Rizvi played a fighting quickfire cameo of 58 off 25 balls and remained unbeaten till the end to steer the team to a stiff target of 207 runs.

But despite kicking off their campaign with four wins on the trot, the team experienced a downward trend during the middle of the season and faced defeats in crucial fixtures, which significantly hampered their playoff chances. In a bid to revive their fortunes ahead of the upcoming season, the Capitals plan to implement a slew of changes. As many as seven players are set to be released from next year's auction as the franchise prepares to rope in some fresh faces to push their case for a maiden IPL title win. 

See also: MLC 2025, Match 6: San Francisco Unicorns vs MI New York Full Match Highlights

Harry Brook and Jake Fraser McGurk are some of the big names set to be released

It is estimated that DC will enter the auction with a pursue value of INR 30 crore. Moreover, they are willing to let go of some of the big names who haven't quite performed up to their expectations. England's Harry Brook and Australia's Jake Fraser McGurk are some of the big names that the franchise is considering to axe. Furthermore, Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal and India's Border Gavaskar Trophy warrior from the 2021-22 series, T Natarajan, are also likely to be released. 

Delhi Capitals to release :

JFM
Harry brook
Sediqullah atal
T Natrajan
Mustafizur Rahman
Dushmantha Chameera.

Faf du plessis case is still pending,
They might release faf as well , a lot will depend on his performance around the world.

Delhi Will enter into auction with 30+cr. pic.twitter.com/5aCCHh9od3

— Cricket Hustle (@CricketHustle7) June 13, 2025

Other players that are set to be released are Mustafizur Rahman, Dushmantha Chameera, and South Africa's T20 batting icon, Faf du Plessis. While the sources say that FAF's case is still pending, the other six players are on DC's wishlist to be released prior to the next auction. The franchise will be assessing FAF's overall performance in other leagues around the world before making that call. 

Looking back at DC's recent IPL campaign, the team finished with 15 points from 14 matches, with seven wins, six losses, and one match abandoned due to rain. Despite a disappointing exit from the IPL 2025, the team demonstrated resilience and potential throughout the season. The team's ability to compete against top-tier opponents and the emergence of young talents like Sameer Rizvi offer hope for future seasons.

Another IPL 2025 game is under threat of rain. Delhi Capitals (DC) is set to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in a highly intense and important match to make their stance relevant for the race to the playoffs. At present, MI is slightly in an advanced position compared to Capitals.

So for DC, they have no option but to win the match and overtake MI in the points table. If the team led by Axar Patel does not get all points in their account from today's match, they can find themselves out of the playoff contention.

According to the latest weather forecast, from today, Mumbai will get constant rain. Chances of rain accompanied by thunderstorms are much higher from 6 pm onwards, and the match, MI vs. DC, is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm at the Wankhede Stadium. If the weather forecast accurately portrays real life, then the match may not commence to the conclusion. In that case, Delhi Capitals will be the team to suffer the most.

Read More: Major Update on Team India selection and captain for England series

Currently, Mumbai Indians is standing at the 4th spot with 14 points and a +1.156 net run rate in 12 games. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals, with 13 points and a +0.260 net run rate, is at the 5th spot after participating in 12 contests.

DC co-owner requested IPL officials to shift the match from Mumbai

Mumbai and Delhi have two more games to play in the league stage. Along with the points table, the weather forecast has made the scenario more complex for DC. The team's co-owner, Partha Jindal, has written a letter to the IPL governing body with the request to shift the match from Wankhede, where weather will not interrupt. 

Jindal said in the mail to the IPL officials, "The forecast in Mumbai is for heavy rains, and there is a strong likelihood that the game will be washed out. Just as the game between RCB and SRH has been moved out of Bengaluru in the quest for consistency and in the interest of the league, it is my request that tomorrow’s (May 21) game also be moved to a different location."

Delhi Capitals (DC) are dealing with a big blow as star Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has pulled out of the rest of the IPL 2025 season after the tournament was rescheduled following geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. 

After being paused on May 9 due to air raid alerts in Dharamsala, the IPL 2025 is all set to resume on May 17, with the final now locked in for June 3. But Delhi Capitals have taken a hit, as Mitchell Starc has decided to skip the remainder of the tournament to gear up for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, starting June 11 at Lord’s. Currently sitting fifth on the points table with 13 points from 11 matches, DC’s path to the playoffs just became more uncertain without one of their key overseas stars.

Starc, who was signed for a whopping AUD 2.1 million, could miss out on roughly $450,000 in earnings if DC fails to qualify for the playoffs, thanks to the IPL’s pay-per-match structure. If DC had reached all three playoff games, his financial loss would have been even steeper. The setback is even worse with Jake Fraser-McGurk also unavailable. Add to that the recent fan outrage over the choice to bring in Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement, and Delhi Capitals are left scrambling with their overseas player balance hanging by a thread.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs KKR Match 58 - A Head to Head breakdown

DC's Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Starc pulling out couldn’t have come at a worse time for Delhi Capitals. They’re set to face Mumbai Indians on May 21 at the Wankhede — a must-win clash in their push for a top-four spot. The legendary Australian bowler's absence removes a vital edge from DC’s bowling setup. Starc has picked up 49 wickets in just 27 matches that he has played in the IPL so far. Not only that his experience will be a crucial miss for DC especially in the fag end of the tournament. Now, the pressure entirely falls on the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma to deliver for DC in the remaining fixtures.

Mitch Starc has decided against returning to the IPL after the tournament's postponement: https://t.co/5p3zdSkD4E pic.twitter.com/cp6VPn7eVJ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) May 16, 2025

The move was prompted by the disturbing scenes during the suspension of the IPL, including air raid warnings during DC's match against Punjab Kings on May 8, an ordeal his wife Alyssa Healy described as "terrifying" on the Willow Talk podcast. As DC deals with this loss and potential future auction penalties for players who opt out, their mission will be to galvanize the team to get past these obstacles and keep their hopes of playoffs in IPL 2025 alive.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to restart its second half on May 17 after a week-long hiatus following India-Pakistan tensions, Delhi Capitals (DC) has been at the eye of a social media storm. The team's hiring of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is not available for the rest of the season, has invited widespread outrage. The decision, announced on May 14, 2025, has precipitated the #BoycottDelhiCapitals hashtag trend on all platforms, with followers airing their opposition to the action.

The reason for the backlash lies in geopolitical hostilities between Bangladesh and India, with some followers declaring perceived abuses of Hindus by Bangladesh and perceived anti-India leanings on the part of the nation as their justification. One X user, presenting herself as a Delhiite, remarked, "I can no longer support @DelhiCapitals." The franchise taking support of the players of a nation infamous for its anti-India policy, such as supporting Pakistan, is not acceptable to me." This has sparked demands for boycotting, with supporters calling on the IPL authorities to step in and DC to withdraw their decision, particularly in the current political environment.

DC's action is in accordance with a new IPL regulation of temporary substitutes for missing players, a requirement after a number of overseas players departed during the suspension. Fraser-McGurk's departure led DC to sign Rahman, who had played for the franchise in 2022 and 2023. The timing of the action has, however, attracted criticism, with fans calling it "insensitive" in light of strained India-Bangladesh relations, further complicated by Bangladesh's political landscape after Sheikh Hasina's rule.

Mustafizur's IPL Credentials During Controversy

Irrespective of the controversy, the cricketing credentials of Rahman cannot be denied. The 29-year-old left-arm fast bowler has a strong IPL record, having bowled 14 wickets in 9 matches for Chennai Super Kings in 2024, with an economy of 8.34. His experience and development of 48 wickets at 48 IPL matches should help DC’s bowling attack, especially since there is a question on whether or not they have Mitchell Starc in the mix for match availabilities.

As a Delhiite, I can no longer support @DelhiCapitals. The franchise's support for players from a country known for its anti-India stance, including backing Pakistan, is unacceptable to me. #BoycottDelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/M3qMGcshWk

— Abhinav (@AbhinavStarx) May 14, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans rope in Sri Lanka star as replacement for Jos Buttler

Delhi Capitals are currently sitting 5th on the points table with 13 points from 11 matches and have yet to respond to the call for boycott. The franchise seems to be focused on Rahman’s gamesmanship as they chase down a playoff bid with their next match scheduled against Mumbai Indians on May 21 at Wankhede Stadium. Yet the story continues to twist as executives make cricketing decisions against potential geopolitical sensitivities.

Delhi Capitals (DC), led by captain Axar Patel, will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), captained by Rajat Patidar, in Match 46 of the IPL 2025 season. The clash is scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, on April 27, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM IST. This evening's encounter promises an intense battle between two teams vying for crucial points in the playoff race.

Arun Jaitley Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 92
• Batting 1st Won: 45
• Batting 2nd Won: 46
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 266/7 by Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest Total: 44/2 Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals (DLS method)
• Highest Run-chase: 219/6 by Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings in 2021
• Lowest Total Defended: 143/8 by Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in 2018
• Average 1st Innings Score: 169
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 153

Also Read: IPL 2025: DC vs RCB Match 46 - A Head to Head breakdown

DC vs MI: Weather and Pitch Report

Delhi anticipates warm weather on April 27, 2025, with temperatures forecasted from 28 to 33°C and humidity levels expected to be 40-50%. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with dew likely in the second half of the match, which will help the second team batting. The pitch is likely to support batting, as the base wicket should recover much wider, which will provide consistent bounce and carry. Fast bowlers such as Mitchell Starc (DC) and Josh Hazlewood (RCB) should benefit from early seam movement, while spinners such as Kuldeep Yadav and Suyash Sharma may find turn in the middle overs.

DC vs MI: Match Preview

As the Delhi Capitals go into a massive contest against a tenacious RCB, Delhi is riding high, winning six of their last seven matches. Delhi has also recently beaten RCB by six wickets in the recent face-off, driven by KL Rahul, who scored an unbeaten 93 (avg 54.67, SR 153.99). Additionally, DC has Jake Fraser-McGurk (205 SR in the powerplay), Tristan Stubbs, and an improvement with Axar Patel's captaincy. Importantly, DC has ended their stiff competition with Kuldip Yadav (14 wickets, 6.00 econ.) with Mitchell Starc (9 wickets) combining for a dangerous attack, but add prodigy Vipraj Nigam, who should be on film soon.

Also Read: "Top 3 Auction blunders that led to CSK's struggles in IPL 2025"

RCB will put up a fight, however, with the advantage of being on the road (10.5 RPO), prompting the use of big hitters front and back. K.L. Rahul (392 runs, 144.11 SR) is likely to set the tone from the start of the innings (162 SR during the first 10 balls) while adding some explosive hitters (Phil Salt, Tim David, and Captain Rajat Patidar) around him. The death should also be exciting with Jitesh Sharma and Dinesh Karthik. On the bowling side, Josh Hazlewood (8 wickets, 53 dots) commands a solid pace but should receive some support with the experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and some much-needed stabilization from Yash Dayal. Overall, a match made in heaven!