Cricket
Kohli's Warning, Ashwin's Masterplan, and a PSL Defector: IPL 2026's Mind Games Have Already Begun
IPL 2026 mind games intensify as Kohli urges RCB to outwork rivals, Ashwin suggests new role for Rinku Singh, and PSL defector Shanaka stirs controversy.
DE
Dumtika Editorial
March 22, 2026 · 2 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Forget the injuries. The real battle for IPL 2026 is being fought in team meetings, podcast studios, and boardrooms — and the opening salvo has been fired.
While franchises scramble to replace injured stars, a quieter, more fascinating war is unfolding behind the scenes. IPL 2026 is shaping up to be a season defined not by who is missing, but by who is thinking three steps ahead.
The Champion Speaks: At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Virat Kohli stood before his RCB teammates and delivered what might be the most important team talk of the pre-season. The message was unmistakable — the defending champions are not here to celebrate last year. Kohli reportedly told his squad that every franchise has spent the off-season studying how RCB won their maiden title in 2025, and the only way to stay ahead is to outwork everyone from day one. For SRH fans watching new captain Ishan Kishan lead the side into this cauldron on March 28, the opener just got even more daunting.
Ashwin Plays Chess: Meanwhile, R. Ashwin has publicly urged KKR to reinvent how they use Rinku Singh. The former India spinner argues that slotting Rinku at number four — rather than hiding him at six or seven as a designated finisher — could unlock an entirely different dimension. The logic is compelling — give a player of Rinku's talent 35 balls instead of 12, and the damage multiplies exponentially. Whether coach Abhishek Nayar and captain Ajinkya Rahane bite remains one of the most intriguing tactical questions of the tournament.
A Move That Could Spark a Crisis: Perhaps the most politically charged development involves Dasun Shanaka. The Sri Lankan all-rounder, who went unsold at the IPL auction, had signed with Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. But when Rajasthan Royals came calling as Sam Curran's replacement, Shanaka chose the IPL without hesitation. This is not just a squad transaction — it is a statement about cricket's economic hierarchy. The PSL is reportedly considering legal action, and if more players follow this path, it could trigger a full-blown dispute between the two leagues.
Final Word: RCB is channelling champion's fury. KKR is debating batting orders. Rajasthan is making cross-league signings. SRH is rebuilding under fresh leadership. The mind games are already won or lost before the first ball. March 28 cannot come soon enough.
