DRS May 24: Virat Kohli fight, Rohit Sharma is fit for MI vs RR, and bad news for RCB

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have put one foot ahead in the IPL playoff qualification race. They beat the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with Shreyas Iyer scoring a century. Now, pressure is on the Rajasthan Royals (RR). They need to win in order to qualify with game against Mumbai Indians (MI) coming up. Rohit Sharma is deemed fit for the game.

DRS 1

Virat Kohli fight vs SRH

Virat Kohli and Travis Head stole the spotlight during SRH’s dominant 55-run win over RCB in IPL 2026. The tension began during RCB’s chase when Kohli appeared frustrated and gestured aggressively at Head, seemingly asking him to bowl or leave the field as an impact substitute. Head responded with a smirk, which only added to the drama. Kohli struggled with the bat, scoring just 15 off 11 balls before getting out. But the real talking point came after the match when Kohli shook hands with every SRH player except Head, pointedly ignoring him during the post-match greetings.

DRS 2

Rohit Sharma fitness update

Rohit Sharma’s fitness has become a major talking point despite Mumbai Indians insisting he is fully fit. Since returning from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss five IPL 2026 matches, Rohit has only been used as an Impact Player, avoiding fielding duties completely. MI coach Mahela Jayawardene said the move is purely tactical and not fitness-related, claiming Rohit is “100% fit.” However, doubts remain after reports suggested the BCCI still wants him to clear a fitness test before the Afghanistan ODI series. The board is reportedly concerned about whether Rohit’s body can handle the demands of 50-over cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup, especially with him nearing 40.

DRS 3

Bad news for RCB

RCB have suffered a huge setback ahead of the IPL 2026 playoffs, with Jacob Bethell ruled out due to a finger injury sustained while fielding against Punjab Kings. The 22-year-old had been serving as Phil Salt’s backup opener and had played seven matches this season. His absence now leaves RCB short on opening options ahead of Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans. Salt has rejoined the squad after recovering from his own finger injury, but his availability is still uncertain. RCB may now have to rely on choices like Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, or uncapped Jordan Cox at the top. Bethell’s injury could also affect his chances of playing England’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s next month.

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DRS 4

Rishabh Pant’s struggles at LSG

Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2026 season has been a complete disappointment for Lucknow Super Giants. His batting form has fallen, especially against spin and pace, with poor strike rates and too many dot balls hurting the team in the middle overs. But the bigger concern has been his captaincy. Pant constantly shuffled the batting order, batted in four different positions across 13 matches, demoted Nicholas Pooran, and made several questionable selection calls. LSG also struggled for consistency under him. Considering the franchise spent INR 27 crore largely for his leadership and star value, Pant has failed to justify the massive investment this season.

DRS 5

ICC to make changes in Tests?

The ICC is set to discuss several major rule changes during its meetings around the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, with the new rules likely to come into effect from October 1. One of the biggest proposals is allowing teams to switch from a red ball to a pink ball mid-Test if bad weather forces play under lights, though both teams must agree beforehand. Another proposal involves using HawkEye technology to help umpires identify illegal bowling actions in real time. The ICC is also considering reducing the T20I innings break from 20 minutes to 15 and allowing head coaches onto the field during drinks breaks in ODIs, similar to current T20I rules.

DRS 6

Gautam Gambhir to decide India captain?

Suryakumar Yadav’s future as India’s T20I captain is reportedly under serious doubt despite India winning the T20 World Cup 2026. According to reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir could play a major role in deciding whether Surya continues as skipper, especially with selectors unhappy about his batting form. Surya has struggled badly over the last two years, managing just 210 runs in IPL 2026 at an average of 17, while his international numbers have also dipped sharply since 2023. Sources claim selectors no longer see him as an automatic pick purely as a batter, raising questions over his leadership role too. If a captaincy change happens, names like Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and Tilak Varma are being discussed as possible successors.

The post DRS May 24: Virat Kohli fight, Rohit Sharma is fit for MI vs RR, and bad news for RCB appeared first on Inside Sport India.



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