Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar is set to take charge as the head coach of the three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in the 2026 season. On October 30, the franchise announced that the former Mumbai batter would replace Chandrakant Pandit, who completed his tenure after the IPL 2025 campaign.

Although this will be Nayar’s first stint as head coach of the franchise, he has been part of the KKR setup since 2018, working with players in the support staff and academy.

Now, as head coach, the 42-year-old faces a big challenge to revive the team after a poor IPL 2025 season, where KKR finished eighth on the points table with 12 points from 14 matches.

As the franchise begins a new chapter under Nayar’s leadership, here’s a look at three players KKR could sign based on his advice.

3 Players KKR Could Target on Abhishek Nayar’s Advice

1. Tanush Kotian

The first player on the list is Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian. The 27-year-old has made a name for himself in red-ball cricket, having played 42 first-class matches. He has scored 2,120 runs at an average of 42.40, including 17 fifties and two hundreds. With the ball, the off-spinner has taken 125 wickets at an average of 27.36 and a strike rate of 48.6, including three five-wicket hauls.

In T20s, Tanush has played 33 matches, taking 33 wickets at an average of 20.03, a strike rate of 18.7, and an economy rate of 6.39, with best figures of 4/16. With the bat, he has scored 87 runs in seven innings. In the IPL, he made a single appearance for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2024, scoring 24 runs.

In the 2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, during Mumbai’s title-winning campaign, Tanush picked up nine wickets in nine innings at an average of 20.00 and an economy rate of 7.44. His all-round skills and Mumbai connection could make him a good fit for Abhishek Nayar’s KKR setup.

2. Prithvi Shaw

Next is opening batter Prithvi Shaw, who went unsold in the 2025 IPL mega auction. The former Mumbai cricketer, now playing for Maharashtra, has faced ups and downs in his career and been part of a few controversies.

However, Shaw seems to be finding his form again. In the first two matches of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, he hit a fifty and a century for Maharashtra, including a brilliant 222 off 156 balls against Chandigarh.

Abhishek Nayar recently mentioned on a podcast that he would like to mentor Shaw and help him rebuild his career. With Nayar now KKR’s head coach, Shaw could be an ideal signing for the team.

3. Shivam Mavi

The last name is fast bowler Shivam Mavi from Uttar Pradesh. The 26-year-old went unsold in the 2025 IPL auction but was earlier part of KKR from 2018 to 2022. He played 32 matches for the franchise, taking 30 wickets at an average of 31.40 and an economy of 8.70.

In 2025, Mavi impressed in the UP T20 League while playing for Kashi Rudras, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 10 matches, including two four-wicket hauls.

Given his recent form and previous experience with the team, Abhishek Nayar may consider bringing Mavi back to KKR for IPL 2026.

2025 will forever be remembered as the “Year of Breakthroughs”, a time when underdogs rose, curses were broken, and long-suffering fans finally got their fairytale endings. From cricket pitches to football fields, teams that had lived in the shadows found their moment in the sun.

It all began in January when the Hobart Hurricanes stunned Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League final, chasing down a massive total with Mitchell Owen’s breathtaking 108 off 42 balls. From there, the floodgates of redemption opened, culminating in India Women’s historic World Cup triumph in November, their first-ever world title.

The Drought-Enders: A Table of Triumphs

ALSO SEE: 5 legends without whom India Women's could have not win World Cup 2025

Why 2025 Was Magical

Underdog Revolution: Hobart, Palace, and RCB, once symbols of heartbreak, finally became champions. Even PSG, long mocked for failing in Europe, delivered a flawless 5-0 rout in the Champions League final.

Personal Redemption: Harry Kane ended the “trophyless” jibes with a Bundesliga crown. Virat Kohli’s emotional “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” moment united Bengaluru like never before.

Records & Legacy: Deepti Sharma’s all-round heroics redefined the Women’s World Cup, while Aiden Markram’s hundred buried South Africa’s “chokers” tag.

From Geordie roars to Indian tears of joy, 2025 healed sporting hearts worldwide, proof that perseverance always pays off.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction may take place outside India again, with reports that the BCCI is evaluating several options in the Gulf region. While this hasn't been confirmed yet, all ten franchises were informally told they can plan for an auction overseas.

Cricbuzz has reported that Abu Dhabi is the front-runner to host the IPL 2026 auction, but Oman and Qatar are being evaluated as well. If this happens, the 2026 IPL auction will mark three consecutive years of IPL auctions outside India after Dubai in 2023 and Jeddah in 2024.

BCCI Made to Consider an Auction Outside of India

The BCCI once intended for the auction to take place in India this year, although any logistical challenges have led to a reevaluation. The mid-December window is potentially problematic since it falls in the middle of India’s festive and wedding season, which will make it difficult to find a suitable venue. Correspondingly, the Indian board is likely to issue an official announcement prior to November 15 - the date by which all franchises must submit their long-awaited retention and release lists for the 2026 season.

"There seems to be a shift in thinking about the city where the IPL auction will take place and it is now likely to be outside of India. Although the franchises have not been formally notified about the city, they have almost certainly been tipped off about it," the report said.

Proposed Timeline and Deadline for Retention

The auction will generally take place in the second or third week of December with December 13–15 appearing to be the most likely dates. Talks between franchise officials and BCCI representatives have taken place around those dates, but a finalized date will come from the IPL Governing Council soon.

For now, all we know is that November 15 is the deadline for franchises to declare their retained and released players. Most teams will not make too much change, but both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could have a big overhaul after not doing well at the bottom.

ALSO SEE: Shafali Verma records her highest WODI score in IND-W vs SA-W Final of Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Sanju Samson’s Future in Focus

Among the major storylines leading up to the retention deadline is the future of Sanju Samson. Reports suggest that the India wicketkeeper-batter has asked the Rajasthan Royals to either release or trade him before the auction. Although he remains contractually bound to the franchise until the end of next season, the Royals are reluctant to keep an unhappy player.

Team owner Manoj Badale has reportedly reached out to several franchises for a possible trade. Chennai Super Kings were said to be interested in acquiring Samson as a potential successor to MS Dhoni, but discussions stalled when CSK declined to part with any key player in return.

Likely Player Releases and Trade Talk

Several notable players could be released ahead of the mini-auction. Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Sam Curran, and Devon Conway are among the names reportedly on the list. CSK, who recently added INR 9.75 crore to their purse following R. Ashwin’s IPL retirement, are expected to make some big decisions.

Rajasthan Royals may also consider parting ways with a few overseas players, though the return of Kumar Sangakkara as head coach could influence those calls. Meanwhile, players like T. Natarajan, Mitchell Starc, Akash Deep, Mayank Yadav, David Miller, and Venkatesh Iyer could find themselves seeking new franchises.

Cameron Green Set to Attract Big Bids

One player expected to dominate the auction headlines is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Having missed the previous auction due to injury, Green’s return has already sparked interest among several teams. With his power-hitting and seam-bowling combination, the 26-year-old could trigger a fierce bidding war.

The Highway Forward

While BCCI is busy finalizing the dates and the venue, franchise think tanks are already in the thick of preparation. Teams are looking at purse balances, analyzing potential trade possibilities, and preparing targeted improvements rather than complete overhauls.

If it is finalized, another overseas IPL auction extends the recent trend of furthering the global reach of the league - and primes the stage for what would surely be another gripping player marketplace ahead of IPL 2026.

The IPL trade window has never been easy, a mixture of clever swaps, sentiment, and sometimes just some bad mistakes. If reports of Delhi Capitals (DC) potentially trading Tristan Stubbs to Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Sanju Samson are true, it seems like yet another risky move which could catch up with them at some stage.

A Times of India report has cited both franchises are nearing a deal and, according to reports, Samson is also very clear he will be leaving RR. The trade does indicate an excitement about the prospect of adding another brand-name player with leadership experience and elite opening-player capabilities, but sending Stubbs away would probably unravel much of the great work DC put in over the past two seasons.

The following outlines three reasons it would actually be a mistake for DC to trade Stubbs.

1. Samson's overall appeal shouldn't barb a generational talent

There is no doubt about Samson's appeal; he is a proven performer in the IPL, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, and an experienced leader--three things DC has not found consistency in. On the surface, Heath fits several of the franchise's needs at once.

The risk of that stability may be too high. Stubbs has been one of DC's most consistent performers since his arrival in the setup. In multiple formats, he has proven himself a worthy middle - order anchor, a death-hitting weapon and a reliable fielder. His adaptability, ability to accelerate, and balance make him a rare luxury in modern T20 cricket.

Stubbs is more than a finisher, he has now grown into a complete package. Trading him would leave DC open in areas they have been trying to strengthen for two full seasons.

2. DC would lose Stubbs’ prime after investing in his development

Delhi Capitals made a bold choice to pick up Tristan Stubbs from the 2024 auction for a mere ₹50 lakh. That enterprise paid paid dividends of ₹50 lakh for 378 runs at 54 average and nearly 191 strike rate in his first season. He followed it up with a brisk season in IPL 2025, with over 300 runs at a strike rate over 150.

Stubbs' consistent development shows DC's faith and development in him. He is 25 years old and at the start of the window where batters become consistent, powerful, and more mature in their game. To let him go just when he is primed for an explosion from your investments, is to let someone else reap the benefits of those long-term investments.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] Kolkata Knight Riders' players wish Shah Rukh Khan on his 60th birthday

In summary, Stubbs is the exact kind of player that every modern T20 franchise hopes to build their aspirations around, explosive, calm, and still growing.

3. DC's middle order could collapse without Stubbs

DC cannot afford to lose depth in the middle order – it’s been their most vulnerable area for two seasons now – but Stubbs has been the adhesive keeping that group together.

His partnerships with Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel in 2024 were bright spots in an otherwise up and down batting order. When Stubbs was pushed up the order in 2025, he transitioned seamlessly and showed his flexibility.

Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk are set at the top – and with KL Rahul likely back to opening, DC’s middle order is already looking shallow. If Stubbs isn't there, they are losing the only or most reliable bridge from the top order to finishers.

Sameer Rizvi and Karun Nair still haven’t proven they can play at that level, and it’s unlikely DC will find a like-for-like replacement for Stubbs at the mini auction.

Overall, should Sanju Samson be part of the deal, it would add greater depth to the top order and leadership group of Delhi Capitals, but it would cost them Tristan Stubbs, which could come back to jeopardize the whole batting order entirely. Stubbs is not just a guy who performs; he’s a guy who is on the verge of a breakthrough, he’s a player you want to build a franchise around, not trade away. 

If this trade goes through, DC may have just handed RR even more depth to their middle order, and that would be a mistake that DC may not live down for seasons.

In what could be the first major trade before the IPL auction later this year, Sanju Samson and Tristan Stubbs are at the centre of a potential blockbuster swap between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Both franchises are reportedly close to finalising the deal, with discussions having reached an advanced stage.

Sources suggest Samson is keen on leaving the Royals, leading to RR exploring multiple trade options. DC, eager to strengthen their middle order with an experienced Indian batter, have been in talks for several weeks but were hesitant to release any of their core players.

Interestingly, KL Rahul’s name was also floated during discussions for a possible swap, but the Capitals were reluctant to part ways with one of their most consistent performers, who also carries significant brand value.

RR eye Stubbs, DC push for Samson as KKR step up KL Rahul pursuit ahead of IPL auction

RR, on their part, are excited about bringing Stubbs into their setup, impressed by his finishing abilities and explosive batting down the order. However, it is understood that the Royals wanted another uncapped Indian player to be included in the trade. DC, though, were unwilling to add more players to the deal. Despite minor hurdles, the Samson-to-DC and Stubbs-to-RR exchange now appears the most probable outcome, barring any last-minute changes.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH]: Rohit Sharma's old video with Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana viral ahead of IND W vs SA W Women's World Cup Final

It’s also learned that Rajasthan Royals had earlier reached out to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for a potential trade involving Ravindra Jadeja, but those talks failed to progress beyond initial discussions.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are making headlines of their own as they continue to chase KL Rahul. With a new coach in Abhishek Nayar, known to share a strong rapport with Rahul, KKR are eager to secure a reliable captain and top-order batter. However, identifying a suitable trade piece remains a challenge.

While names like Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy have been discussed, DC are reportedly looking to invest in younger, long-term assets. Venkatesh Iyer’s poor 2024 season makes him an unlikely trade option, and he could be released back into the auction pool.

If the Samson–Stubbs trade goes through, KKR may intensify their pursuit of Rahul, setting up an intriguing pre-auction period in IPL’s ever-dynamic trade window.

The hat-trick of Romario Shepherd initiated the debate among the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans whether the franchise should retain the West Indies international for the IPL 2026. Romario was an instrumental figure behind RCB's maiden IPL trophy-winning campaign in the 2025 season. 

The Caribbean all-rounder played some brief but important knocks with the bat and did the same with his bowling work. The pace bowling all-rounder has the potential to wreak havoc, but his IPL 2025 may not have suggested that. In the third match against Bangladesh, he took a hat-trick in the first innings of the match and helped the West Indies to clean sweep the home team in the 3-match T20I series. 

Three reasons why RCB should retain Romario Shepherd for the IPL 2026 season:

1. Dual impact with both bat and ball:

Maintaining a balanced squad is a very important instrument to become successful in a highly competitive tournament like the Indian Premier League. The West Indian can bring stability into the squad. This balance allows RCB to experiment more freely with their top order and specialist bowlers. As a batter, he can contribute from the number 7 or number 8 position, and with the ball, Shepherd can deliver 2-3 crucial overs during the middle overs of a match. 

Read More: WATCH: Team India cricketers jam with Diljit Dosanjh amid AUS vs IND T20Is

2. Proven talent as a finisher:

With the immense muscle power and ability to hit the ball out of the park, he is undoubtedly a serious contender. With the hat-trick against Bangladesh, he proved his bowling skills yet again. But more than the bowling skills, Romario Shepherd is known for his batting firepower. 

3. Energy and match-winning mentality:

The mentality and body language RCB players showed during the IPL 2025 were truly threatening for the opposing teams. His performances for the West Indies and in various leagues show he’s not just a role player but a potential match winner on his day. That Caribbean flair can be what RCB needs to protect their hard-earned title. 

Tilak Varma has developed into one of the most talented young batters in Indian cricket, but he once felt butterflies in his stomach when he met his idol, Rohit Sharma. The left-handed batter from Hyderabad spoke about his first meeting with his idol and how exciting the experience was.

Speaking on Breakfast with Champions, Tilak took the fans back to the 2022 IPL season - his first year playing for Mumbai Indians. He recalled that during the COVID-hit season the team was staying at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai and he was excited to meet Rohit.

"It happened in 2022 during COVID. We were at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. I was sitting there waiting to meet him, and Rohit did not show up for the first two days. On the third day, I saw him everyday at the morning breakfast area with his family. I took some juice and just sat there in one corner to see him," shared Tilak with a laugh.

Tilak Varma remembers the first time he met Rohit Sharma

The young batter admitted he was way too shy to approach Rohit directly. "I wanted to speak to him but I was scared. Afterwards, one of the media guys told him about it, and he called me to his room. We just chatted for a long time,” he added.

Watch the video:

Tilak Varma talked about his first meeting with Rohit Sharma and how he developed a strong bond with Rohit and his family.🥹❤️

The bond between him and Sammy.🩵 pic.twitter.com/9sefVHqi0l

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: BBL 2025 gets green light for pakistani stars after PCB decision

That interaction held a special place in the young player’s mind, and he has since become a key member of MI’s middle order. He has played 54 IPL matches, in which he has scored 1,499 runs at an average of 37.47 and a strike rate of 144.41.

Tilak also reminisced about his very first game at Wankhede Stadium against the Chennai Super Kings where he witnessed a sea of yellow that once greeted MS Dhoni. “When Mahi bhai, comes, people remove their blue jerseys and wear yellow. When he is out, blue comes back again,” he stated with a smile.

From a starstruck boy waiting to finally meet his idol to an automatic selection in MI’s playing XI, Tilak Varma’s journey encapsulates the wishes and emotions of every young cricketer who dares to be brave and dream big.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have taken a clever and pragmatic step ahead of IPL 2026 by appointing New Zealand’s former captain, Kane Williamson, as the adviser for the team. Williamson, known for his calm mannerism and highly collected cricketing brain, is anticipated to help with the team's strategy, match preparation, and tactical decisions throughout the game. Williamson's experience in international cricket provides strong insight into how LSG can carve out advantages at crucial moments for LSG to gain an edge over its opponents.

With Rishabh Pant's captaincy, the team will be trying to create a mix of young talent and experience. Williamson will be another layer of guidance for the younger players to learn from, particularly in his batting style, leadership, and how to deal with pressure. Fans have expressed anticipation to see Williamson's impact on the tactical conversations, which may affect LSG's performance in a competitive environment that will be IPL 2026.

Williamson's support staff will also add to the team. Justin Langer operates as the head coach, Bharat Arun continues as bowling coach, and Lance Klusener operates as assistant coach. Collectively, they make for an extremely strong coaching panel, which should assist LSG with focused preparation, too, with in-game management decisions and team performance throughout the tournament. 

🚨 LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS 2026 🚨 [RevSportz]

Coach - Justin Langer
Strategic Adviser - Kane Williamson
Bowling Coach - Bharat Arun
Assistant Coach - Lance Klusener

Kane Williamson will bring lots of experience to the team led by Rishabh Pant. 👌 pic.twitter.com/2aPYJ8gzIc

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 16, 2025

See Also: ‘I Don't Even Know Who He Is…’- Ex-ICC umpire criticizes Mohsin Naqvi over Asia Cup trophy controversy

Williamson’s Role and Impact on LSG

Kane Williamson will be the adviser of the team, and his major contribution will come with regard to strategy and player development. He will work closely with Rishabh Pant with regard to game plans, opposition analytics, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, and providing real-time support during matches. Due to Williamson's experience in international cricket tournaments, he will help to influence the young players and the team regarding calmness under pressure and decision-making in case of close match situations.

Off the field, Williamson is expected to assist in player development by mentoring the younger players on technique, mental toughness, and consistency. His role will see benefits across the team, for the present and going forward, along with LSG being a genuine title threat for IPL 2026.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif recently shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s future in the Indian Premier League amid growing speculation. Reports have suggested that the 36-year-old has yet to sign a commercial deal with the franchise.

Kaif believes that Kohli could be taking a cautious approach, possibly waiting to see what direction the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take under their new ownership. According to him, Kohli’s decision might depend on how the new management plans to steer the team forward.

The former cricketer also mentioned that Kohli has been an integral part of RCB since the beginning, and any change in ownership or leadership could influence his long-term plans with the franchise. Fans are now eagerly waiting for clarity on Kohli’s next move.

See Also: ‘Didn't Have Proper Clothes…-’ Women's World Cup sensation Marufa Akter gets emotional recalling her struggle days

Mohammad Kaif Comments on Virat Kohli’s IPL Future:

As per reports, Diageo Plc — the British company managing Royal Challengers Bengaluru through United Spirits — is reportedly planning to sell part or all of its stake in the franchise. Bloomberg suggested that the move is aimed at streamlining its global business operations. Addressing the ongoing speculation in an Instagram video, Mohammad Kaif expressed confidence that Virat Kohli will never part ways with RCB. 

He reminded fans of Kohli’s long-standing commitment to the team and his emotional connection with the franchise, emphasizing that the star batter has often stated his intention to represent RCB until the very end of his IPL career.

He said, “ Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he will play his first and last match for Bengaluru only. He has promised this and since he has done it, he will not back out. But people are saying he hasn’t signed a commercial deal. There are two deals, players’ contract and commercial contract.”

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mohammad Kaif (@mohammadkaif87)

He further said, “ The reason he has not signed a commercial contract is because a new owner might come for RCB and they will control the franchise. That’s why he is waiting, if there’s a change, then there will be negotiation and all. These are all behind the scenes stuff and we don’t have a lot of information about these things. He is waiting for all that.”

Virat Kohli has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, achieving his first title this year with a six-run win over Punjab Kings. As captain, he also led RCB to the 2016 final, though they were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Kaif Confident RCB will Thrive While Kohli Stays With Team:

Reflecting on Virat Kohli’s recent performances in both the IPL and international cricket, Mohammad Kaif expressed confidence that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will continue to achieve success as long as Kohli remains part of the team. In the same Instagram video, Kaif shared his optimistic view about the franchise’s future under Kohli’s presence.

He added, “ Virat Kohli has started playing only now. RCB has began winning trophies now. Kohli scored 650+ runs and made them win the trophy. He made runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, he was the Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final and was the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup.”

He concluded, “ He has only started playing now. Now you have to wait for more. He is going nowhere. He will play only for RCB. He has promised it to the fans and he will not break it.”

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, amassing 8,661 runs across 267 matches. His consistency and dominance over the years have cemented his place as one of the league’s greatest batters, making him a key figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have dominated headlines recently after the Indian squads for the white-ball tour of Australia were announced. The selectors’ decision to hand over the ODI captaincy to Gill, replacing Rohit despite his remarkable leadership record, has sparked widespread debate among fans and cricket experts alike.

During his tenure as India’s ODI captain, Rohit led the team in 56 matches, winning 42 and losing only 12. One game ended in a tie, while another had no result, giving him an impressive win percentage of 75 — the highest among Indian captains in the format’s modern era.

Rohit’s most recent triumph came in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he guided India to glory with his trademark calmness and tactical acumen. His transition from leader to senior figure marks the beginning of a new phase for Indian cricket, as Shubman Gill steps into the spotlight.

See Also: Gautam Gambhir hosts Shubman Gill and team for pre-Test dinner in Delhi

Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: IPL Captaincy Records Compared:

Rohit Sharma guided Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles during his tenure as captain. Shubman Gill, meanwhile, has led Gujarat Titans in 27 matches so far. To understand their leadership impact, we compare the IPL captaincy records of Rohit and Gill after the same number of matches.

• Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: Who Holds the Edge in Wins After 27 IPL Matches?

In his first 27 IPL matches as captain, Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to 17 victories while suffering 10 defeats, giving him a win percentage of 62.97. Among these wins, Rohit’s team defeated Rajasthan Royals four times, Punjab Kings three times, and Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad twice each. His leadership quickly established MI as a dominant force in the league.

Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has captained Gujarat Titans in 27 IPL games, winning 14 and losing 13, resulting in a 51.87 win percentage. Gill’s 14 victories include four wins each over Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, along with three wins each against Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants, reflecting a promising start to his captaincy career.

• Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: Who Scored More Runs and Boasts a Higher Strike Rate?

In his first 27 matches as Mumbai Indians captain, Rohit Sharma scored 678 runs at an average of 30.81 with a strike rate of 125.09. He was particularly effective against Punjab Kings, scoring 161 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 136.44, and against Kolkata Knight Riders, amassing 124 runs in four innings at 123.07. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he contributed 71 runs in three innings with an impressive strike rate of 147.91.

Shubman Gill, leading Gujarat Titans in the same number of matches, has scored 1,076 runs at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 152.40. He excelled against Rajasthan Royals with 158 runs in three innings at 162.88, scored 157 against Punjab Kings at 172.52, and added 173 runs in three innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad at 158.71.

• Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: Who Has Registered More 50+ Scores in 27 IPL Matches?

In his first 27 matches as Mumbai Indians captain, Rohit Sharma recorded four half-centuries. His top score of 79* came off 39 balls against Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium in April 2013. He also scored 59* off 35 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014), 51 off 44 against Kolkata Knight Riders (2014), and 50 off 41 against Chennai Super Kings (2014), showcasing his ability to play match-defining innings.

Shubman Gill, leading Gujarat Titans in the same number of matches, has amassed nine scores of fifty or more, including one century. His best performance was 104 off 55 balls against CSK in Ahmedabad in May 2024. Among his eight fifties, he scored twice each against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, and once each against Delhi Capitals, KKR, Lucknow Super Giants, and PBKS.

• Rohit Sharma vs Shubman Gill: Who Scored More Runs in Victories After 27 IPL Matches?

In the first 27 matches Rohit Sharma captained Mumbai Indians, the team won 17 games. In those victories, Rohit accumulated 469 runs at an average of 39.08 and a strike rate of 137.94. He also notched up two half-centuries, contributing significantly to his team’s success and demonstrating his ability to perform in crucial moments.

Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, Gujarat Titans have won 14 of their 27 matches. In these wins, Gill has scored an impressive 702 runs at an average of 58.50 and a strike rate of 151.94. He has recorded one century and five half-centuries, highlighting his consistency and impact in matches where his team emerged victorious.