A US-led consortium headed by Kal Somani has acquired a majority stake in Rajasthan Royals for $1.63 billion (Rs 15,000 crore), setting a new valuation benchmark in the Indian Premier League. Backed by investors including Rob Walton, the deal marks a major private equity push into Indian sports. The sale, overseen by Raine Group, outbid rival consortiums. With this benchmark, Royal Challengers Bengaluru valuations are expected to exceed $2 billion amid intense bidding. Ownership transfer follows IPL 2026. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, remain focused on their upcoming season opener. (PC: X)

Rajasthan Royals have been sold to a US-led consortium for about Rs 15,000 crore, reports said. The deal values the franchise at $1.63 billion and sets a new benchmark in the IPL. The group is led by US entrepreneur Kal Somani and includes global investors. The sale followed weeks of bidding and was handled by an investment bank. Reports said the bid was preferred for its “strategic alignment and financial immediacy.” The ownership change will take effect after IPL 2026. Meanwhile, interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru has grown, with its valuation expected to cross $2 billion. (PC: India Today)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru said pacer Yash Dayal, who faces rape allegations, will not play in IPL 2026. He remains under contract with the team. Director of cricket Mo Bobat said, “Yash is going through a personal situation. He remains under contract, but he won't be with us this season.” Dayal has not joined training before the season. His absence is linked to ongoing legal cases. He took 13 wickets in RCB’s 2025 title-winning season. The team cannot sign a replacement as he is still contracted. RCB will depend on other bowlers to manage the season without him.

Hardik Pandya has revealed a deeply spiritual aspect of his life, saying he listens to the Hanuman Chalisa even while driving his luxury Ferrari. The India all-rounder stated that no song provides as much positive energy as the devotional hymn. The revelation came during a public interaction, surprising fans given his flamboyant lifestyle. Pandya emphasized faith as a source of strength ahead of upcoming cricket challenges, including leading Mumbai Indians, while balancing success, controversies, and expectations. (PC: X)

Virat Kohli has brushed aside viral rumours claiming he demanded chartered flights from Royal Challengers Bengaluru for frequent travel between India and London during IPL 2026. The speculation, triggered by a social media post, suggested Kohli wanted special travel access and family visits during match breaks. Responding in a light-hearted manner, Kohli posted laughing emojis on Instagram, effectively dismissing the claims. Fresh off RCB’s maiden IPL title, he has rejoined training and urged teammates to maintain intensity, as the franchise prepares to begin its new season campaign with renewed focus. (PC: Instagram)

Former cricketer Robin Uthappa said IPL 2026 could be MS Dhoni’s last season with Chennai Super Kings. He said, “It is likely to be his last year in the yellow jersey.” Uthappa added Dhoni may take a mentor role and bat lower in the order. “I see him playing more of a mentor-cum-player role,” he said. He backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue as captain and said he needs time to grow. Sanju Samson’s arrival may add strength but not change leadership. CSK will begin their season against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. (PC: PTI)

Five members of Iran women's national football team have returned to Iran after dropping asylum bids in Australia. The squad travelled via Malaysia and Oman, landing in Igdir, Turkey, before crossing by coach. Players had initially sought humanitarian visas over fears of repercussions for remaining silent during the national anthem. Activists allege pressure through threats to families. Named players include Zahra Soltan Meshkehkar, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and captain Zahra Ghanbari. Two teammates granted sanctuary remain in Australia. Authorities earlier confirmed players were moved to safety, while Iran dismissed the episode as foreign interference. (PC: BBC)

Sunrisers Hyderabad have suffered an early setback ahead of IPL 2026 as regular skipper Pat Cummins will miss the first few matches due to a lower back injury. The Australian pacer has been recovering from a lumbar stress issue that kept him out of recent international fixtures. In his absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the stand-in captain, marking a significant leadership opportunity. Abhishek Sharma has been named vice-captain to support him. Cummins is expected to join the squad later and resume captaincy once fully fit, though his exact return timeline remains uncertain. (PC: Reuters)

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reignited debate by hinting that head coach Gautam Gambhir may have influenced a transition phase affecting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. Speaking publicly, Ashwin suggested that team management may have encouraged senior players to move on for long-term planning. Though he stopped short of confirming forced retirements, he stressed prioritizing team needs over individual ambitions. His remarks have intensified speculation about whether the senior stars’ exits were fully personal decisions or partly shaped by strategic changes within the Indian team setup. (PC: X)

The sale of IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru is close to completion, with two bidders in the final stage, a report said. One bid has come from Swedish firm EQT. The other is a group led by Ranjan Pai, along with KKR and Temasek. Other interested parties have stepped back from the process. The deal value is expected to cross $2 billion. Earlier offers were lower, but bidding has increased in the final phase. Sources said owner Diageo has set a March 31 deadline to close the deal. The final decision is expected soon. (PC: NDTV Sports)