DRS Aug 30: MS Dhoni’s final IPL confirmed, RCB better than CSK & Rohit Sharma-Gill to have fitness tests

So, history has been made in the Duleep Trophy. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who shone in last year’s Ranji Trophy, has now become the first-ever player to take a double hat-trick in the Duleep Trophy. He did it against the East Zone, led by Riyan Parag. Meanwhile, a stunning development has occurred regarding MS Dhoni, who is all set to retire after IPL 2026. Also, the BCCI’s CoE will be busy for near future as Shubman Gill is currently preparing for Asia Cup there, while Rohit Sharma will also have a fitness test soon.

DRS 1

RCB better than CSK, MI?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have emerged as the most valuable IPL brand in 2025, edging past long-time heavyweights Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Fresh off their maiden IPL title, RCB’s brand value jumped 18.5% from $227 million to $269 million, according to Houlihan Lokey. MI followed at $242 million after an 18.6% rise, while CSK slipped to third, recording just 1.7% growth. Punjab Kings stood out with the biggest leap—up nearly 40% to $141 million—while Lucknow Super Giants remained the least valuable team despite 34% growth. The report underlines RCB’s fan power and newfound credibility after finally winning the title.

DRS 2

IPL 2026 to be MS Dhoni’s last

MS Dhoni is set to retire from cricket after IPL 2026, and that will bring an end to a legendary career that has already spanned two decades. The 44-year-old, who quit international cricket in 2020, has been battling fitness issues and underwent knee surgery in 2023. Despite his diminishing returns and a slide down CSK’s batting order, Dhoni has decided on one final season before hanging up his boots. Known for his love for the game, he has been training hard to stay fit for a proper farewell. When the time comes, Chepauk will surely roar one last time for its beloved ‘Thala’.

DRS 3

Rohit Sharma fitness test

Rohit Sharma will now undergo his fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on September 13, instead of the earlier scheduled August 30–31. He is expected to spend a couple of days in Bengaluru, completing Yo-Yo and Bronco tests while also training for the upcoming Australia white-ball tour in November. Meanwhile, there is buzz that Virat Kohli and he could feature in the IND A vs AUS A ODI series next month in Kanpur. Both veterans, who last played during India’s Champions Trophy win in March, face questions over their 2027 World Cup availability.

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DRS 4

Shubman Gill prepares for Asia Cup

Shubman Gill will undergo a fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on August 29, just days before India leave for the Asia Cup. The India Test captain, who last played in the Oval Test in July, missed the Duleep Trophy with viral fever but has since resumed training in Mohali. Gill will be assessed alongside KL Rahul, while Rohit Sharma’s test is scheduled later in September. With India set to use Dubai as their base from September 4, Gill will fly directly from Bengaluru to join the squad, as preparations officially begin on September 5.

DRS 5

Slapgate controversy: Sreesanth’s wife questions

Seventeen years after the infamous “slapgate” incident, unseen footage of Harbhajan Singh striking S Sreesanth has been made public by Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke on their podcast. The 2008 IPL clash had ended with Sreesanth in tears and Harbhajan banned for the season, though the two players later reconciled. However, the video’s release has angered Sreesanth’s wife, Bhuvneshwari, who lashed out on Instagram at Modi and Clarke, accusing them of exploiting past trauma for publicity. She stressed that both players have moved on with dignity, and said resurfacing the clip only hurts their families and children. She even went on to say that Modi and Clarke should be sued.

DRS 6

J&K pacer makes history at Duleep Trophy

Auqib Nabi announced himself in style on his Duleep Trophy debut, becoming the first to claim a double hat-trick in the tournament’s history. The 28-year-old Jammu & Kashmir pacer, already the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Ranji Trophy with 44 scalps, ripped through East Zone’s batting with four wickets in four balls at Bengaluru’s CoE Ground. After dismissing Virat Singh, he ran through the lower order, turning 222/5 into 222/9 in a flash. Nabi eventually took 5 wickets in just 13 balls, finishing with all the last five scalps.

The post DRS Aug 30: MS Dhoni’s final IPL confirmed, RCB better than CSK & Rohit Sharma-Gill to have fitness tests appeared first on Inside Sport India.



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