The 2026 IPL season is almost upon us. Cricket fans are jumping for joy that they will soon be able to watch their favorite cricketers battle each other.
Elsewhere in the sports world, the MLB is starting its regular season. Additionally, the NFL offseason drags on, while the NBA and NHL march through the last legs of their respective schedules.
For the IPL, there has been some recent movement. Here is the latest update on Saurabh Dubey, Swastik Chikara, Jasprit Bumrah, Eshan Malinga, and an update on phase 2 of the IPL schedule.
Saurabh Dubey to Replace Akash Deep?
There are merely days until the start date of the IPL 2026 season. On March 28th, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the opening match of the season.
There has been some turnover recently, with different IPL teams ahead of the start date. One of the most recent injured players was Akash Deep of the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Because of a lower-back stress injury, KKR needs to act swiftly to find a suitable replacement. That’s where Saurabh Dubey comes in.
Cricbuzz reports that KKR has signed Dubey as their replacement for Deep. Dubey has yet to bowl for an IPL team in his career.
Swastik Chikara Nearly Scores Double-Ton
On Sunday, March 22nd, Swastik Chikara played a match in the Ayodhya Premier League. In that match, he scored an incredible 195-run knock off 69 deliveries. Chikara hit a jaw-dropping 21 sixes and 11 fours.
While he has not played an IPL match, he was on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad during their championship-winning 2025 season. He went unsold in the recent 2026 IPL auction.
Jasprit Bumrah’s 2026 IPL Start in Jeopardy?
The Player of the Match in India’s T20 World Cup Final, Jasprit Bumrah, might not start the IPL season on time.
The Times of India reports that Bumrah has not been present at the Mumbai Indians’ camp. Additionally, they report that the bowler has checked into the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE).
However, the Mumbai Indians head coach has recently spoken about giving the four World Cup winners they have on their squad an extended break before the season. This would include Surya Kumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, N. Tilak Varma, and Bumrah.
In 12 matches during the 2025 season, Bumrah took 18 wickets on 284 balls. His best figure posted was a 4/22, along with a 6.68 Economy.
Eshan Malinga Has Been Cleared to Play by Sri Lanka
The Sunrisers Hyderabad get a dose of good news ahead of their opening match against RCB. Eshan Malinga has received his NOC from Sri Lanka, allowing him to play in the upcoming IPL season. The Sunrisers Hyderabad retained him following the conclusion of last season.
In 2025, Malinga put together a tidy season for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In seven matches, he took seven wickets on 160 balls. Additionally, he finished with an Economy of 8.93, with his best figure coming in a 3/31 performance.
IPL Schedule Update Coming Soon?
Vijay Tagore has taken to social media to reveal that an update on the second phase of the IPL schedule is on the horizon.
On March 22nd, Tagore revealed that all IPL franchises have been informed that Phase two of the schedule will take three to four days to finalize. This report reveals that 54 matches for the 2026 IPL season remain unannounced.
IPL 2026 Injury News & Rumors: Saurabh Dubey to KKR? Jasprit Bumrah Injury Concern? Chikara an IPL Option?