Language Settings
Select Website Language
newshunt
newshunt

Filters

Channels
Topics
Other Filters

IPL 2026: Top 3 Teams Taking Big Risks With Their Retention Strategies

The IPL 2026 Mini Auction is less than a month away and all 10 franchises have revealed their list of retained and released players. Some of them were no-brainers, with star players staying put, and on the other hand, certain franchises look to be going all out with a rather ambitious approach.  What's interesting is that all of them are former champions, but underperformers from the previous season. Whether things work out for them remains to be seen, but until then, here's a look at 3 IPL teams with questionable retention plans. Exploring CSK, RR, and KKR's IPL 2026 Retentions 1) Chennai Super Kings Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is the joint-most successful IPL franchise with 5 titles to their name. However, they finished 10th, right at the bottom of the table in 2025. This may have irked them to take drastic measures, as they have let go of Matheesha Pathirana, a fast bowler with a unique sling action, and the young New Zealand opener Rachin Ravindra, both of whom can be big money signings at the auction.  They might be hoping to get them back at a lower price, or for better alternatives, but it is worth noting that this is a Mini Auction, and there won't be as many top quality choices as one gets in a Mega Auction. CSK's retentions still boasts quality names, and so a few good additions has the potential to turn things around for them. 2) Rajasthan Royals Rajasthan Royals (RR), the inaugural IPL champions, have taken some interesting decisions ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. They have let go of Nitish Rana, who was a rock in their middle order, as well as their captain, Sanju Samson. Both of them have been traded, so there isn't even an option to get them back at the auction.  Now, RR have gotten Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from CSK, and Donovan Ferreira from Delhi Capitals (DC), which looks interesting on paper, but much depends on the auction, as they desperately need a pivotal figure to lead the side. 3) Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who finished third-last, have released core players like Quinton De Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Venkatesh Iyer, and most notably, Andre Russell. They enter the auction with the biggest purse by far - Rs 64.3 Crore, but once again, this is a Mini Auction. Getting back any of these released players at a cheaper price may not be an option either, as other franchises could look to acquire them as well, potentially resulting in a bidding war. With 13 vacant player slots despite a hefty purse, KKR have taken a very ambitious approach for IPL 2026.

IPL 2026 Auction: 3 Players Expected To Fetch ₹20 Crore, Open For All 10 Teams

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction promises to be a blockbuster, featuring some of the biggest names in cricket, including power hitters like Andre Russell and Glenn Maxwell. With 77 slots up for grabs and teams collectively holding around ₹237.55 crore (roughly $1.5 billion) in remaining funds, substantial spending is expected. In the previous IPL auction, three players, including Rishabh Pant, commanded bids over ₹20 crore (~$2.5 million). This year, several players could trigger similar bidding wars. 1. Andre Russell Andre Russell, who has played 12 seasons for Kolkata Knight Riders, has been released this time. With 2,651 runs and 123 wickets in his career, Russell is also an outstanding fielder and a renowned big-hitter. His entry into the auction is likely to ignite intense competition among franchises. 2. Cameron Green Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is expected to attract strong interest. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted that Green could be one of the top picks. Coming off a century against South Africa and maintaining a T20 strike rate above 160, Green offers versatility - he can bowl, bat in the middle order, or finish games in the lower order. With players like Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Moeen Ali released, KKR has a pressing need for an all-rounder and over ₹64 crore (~$1.2 billion) to spend. 3. David Miller Auctions can be unpredictable. Last time, Venkatesh Iyer fetched ₹23.75 crore, and young talents like Matheesha Pathirana could also see high bids. Finisher David Miller is another player likely to attract attention, particularly from CSK and KKR, both of whom have significant funds and need a reliable lower-order batter. KKR, in particular, could make Miller their top target, potentially triggering a bidding battle with CSK. Also on ABP Live | IPL 2026 Auction Set To Shock: This Player Could Bag ₹30 Crore Also on ABP Live | Shreyas Iyer Ruled Out Until IPL 2026, Likely To Miss Initial Matches: Report

What was the first vegetable to ever grow in space

The journey of growing food in space began with potatoes in the 1990s, proving tubers could form in microgravity. This foundational research paved the way for later successes, like red romaine lettuce harvested and eaten by astronauts on the ISS. These advancements highlight plant adaptation and the potential for self-sustaining food systems on future interplanetary missions.

WATCH: Woman Cooks Maggi In Train Kettle, Triggers Safety Row As Central Railway Steps In

A viral video from an AC coach of an Indian train has set off a heated conversation across social media after a woman was seen cooking Maggi inside the compartment using an electric kettle. What many initially found amusing quickly turned into a safety debate, prompting Central Railway to step in and issue a firm response. The clip, now widely circulated, has sparked questions around passenger behaviour, safety norms, and the increasing trend of travellers filming questionable acts for online attention. ALSO READ: Bengaluru Airport’s New Sleeping Pods Go Viral: Travellers Debate Comfort, Cost & Claustrophobia The Video That Triggered Action This is a major safety hazard and can cause fire endangering lives of all onboard. That's why we cannot have good things. Many will misuse the facilities and then be proud of it. Most lack civil sense. pic.twitter.com/JSRCpIXPW9 — Backpacking Daku (@outofofficedaku) November 20, 2025 The video shows a woman preparing instant noodles by plugging an electric kettle into the AC coach socket, casually posing for the camera while the food cooks. The light-hearted moment quickly became controversial, with internet users divided between humour and serious concern. Many argued that such acts put hundreds of passengers at risk by overloading the electrical system of the coach. The reaction online was swift and polarised. One user who shared the original clip wrote, "This is a major safety hazard and can cause fire, endangering the lives of all onboard. That's why we cannot have good things. Many will misuse the facilities and then be proud of it. Most lack civil sense." Some users recalled past incidents involving unsafe actions by passengers, while others expressed disbelief at the casual defiance of rules. Amid the rising chatter, Central Railway stepped in and confirmed that the woman is being acted against for violating onboard safety rules. Railways Responds And Issues A Warning Action is being initiated against the channel and the person concerned.Using electronic kettle inside trains is strictly prohibited. It is unsafe, illegal, and a punishable offence. It can lead to fire incidence and be disastrous for other passengers also.May also cause… https://t.co/di9vkxrDLv — Central Railway (@Central_Railway) November 21, 2025 Central Railway released a strong advisory soon after the clip gained momentum online. The official statement read: "Using an electronic kettle inside trains is strictly prohibited. It is unsafe, illegal, and a punishable offence. It can lead to fire incidents and be disastrous for other passengers also." Authorities further urged travellers to stay vigilant and report any behaviour that could jeopardise safety. They noted that prohibited devices can strain the electrical load and potentially trigger sparks or fires, issues the railways treat with zero tolerance. For many Indians, train journeys are inseparable from delicious home-cooked food, snacks packed with care, or meals picked up at stations. But cooking inside the compartment is far from normal practice, and the viral clip caught viewers off-guard. In the video, the woman appears cheerful as she enjoys her noodles. However, railway officials highlighted that even a small appliance like a kettle can become dangerous when plugged into coach sockets that aren’t designed for high-heat devices.

Beyond Snowfall: 5 Frozen Wonders Of India You Probably Didn’t Know Exist

Winter in India transforms the landscape into a quiet, magical world where nature slows down and familiar places take on a dreamlike charm. While snow-covered mountains and winter festivals often steal the spotlight, India also hides a breathtaking secret, its frozen lakes and waterfalls. These stunning waterbodies, which turn into glittering sheets of ice or towering icy sculptures, offer some of the most surreal winter sights in the country. From high-altitude lakes that freeze solid to waterfalls that turn into dramatic walls of ice, these frozen wonders deserve a spot on every traveller’s winter bucket list. ALSO READ: Magical Winter Nights: 5 Best Indian Destinations For Stargazing In December–January Nerak Frozen Waterfall, Ladakh (Image Source: Instagram/ devdutt09) A jewel of the famous Chadar Trek, the Nerak Frozen Waterfall stands as a towering wall of ice deep in Zanskar Valley. Reaching it involves trekking over the frozen Zanskar River, making the journey as unforgettable as the destination. The waterfall freezes into layers of blue and white, giving it an almost sculpted appearance.  Chandratal Lake, Himachal Pradesh (Image Source: x/ himachalkesari) Popularly known as the Moon Lake, Chandratal is famous for its crescent shape and ethereal charm. When winter arrives in Spiti Valley, the lake freezes completely, turning its shimmering waters into a white, icy canvas. The frozen lake, surrounded by snow-draped mountains, offers a sight that feels both peaceful and otherworldly. Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim (Image Source: x/ aadrisya) Situated at 3,753 m, Tsomgo Lake, or Changu Lake, turns into a breathtaking frozen sheet during peak winter months. The icy surface mirrors the surrounding mountains, giving the entire valley a pristine, frozen glow. Locals consider the lake sacred, and its winter form feels nothing short of divine. Visitors are often mesmerised by its quiet beauty and the sense of calm that envelops the area.  Drung Waterfall, Kashmir (Image Source: Instagram/ wheredoyouwannatravelsocial) Near Gulmarg lies one of India’s most iconic frozen waterfalls, the stunning Drung Waterfall. As temperatures drop, the cascading water turns into solid, shimmering formations that look like frozen curtains of glass. The entire valley around it gets covered in thick snow, adding to its fairytale-like aura. Tourists flock here every winter to witness this rare natural transformation.  Lingti Frozen Waterfall, Himachal Pradesh (Image Source: x/ SidHimachal) Hidden in the remote stretches of Spiti Valley, the Lingti Frozen Waterfall is a secret gem for adventure lovers. During winter, the waterfall turns into crystal-like ice formations hanging from towering cliffs. Its isolated setting adds a raw, untouched charm that few places can match. Lingti perfectly captures the rugged beauty of Spiti’s winters.

IPL 2026 Auction Set To Shock: This Player Could Bag ₹30 Crore

IPL 2026 Auction: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Stars like Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Glenn Maxwell, and David Miller are expected to feature in the auction pool. While only 77 slots are available, the auction will showcase a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. Last year saw record-breaking bids, including Rishabh Pant being acquired by LSG for ₹27 crore. This year, one player is tipped to potentially fetch a ₹30 crore bid. Could Andre Russell Become the Top Pick? The release of Andre Russell by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has surprised many, given his vast experience. Russell has played 574 T20 matches, scoring nearly 10,000 runs and claiming 497 wickets. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has appeared in 140 games, amassing 2,651 runs and taking 123 wickets. During IPL 2025, Russell contributed 167 runs and 8 wickets in 13 matches for KKR. Over recent seasons, Russell has primarily served as a match finisher, often batting at number six or lower. While his run tally has been modest, his strike rates of 185 and 164 in the last two seasons underline his explosive potential. The Complete All-Round Package Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are on the lookout for a hard-hitting all-rounder who can also bowl 3-4 overs regularly. While CSK has Shivam Dube, his bowling contributions have been limited. Andre Russell offers the perfect combination: finishing games, hitting big sixes, providing occasional wickets, and excelling in the field. With his experience and versatility, he is a prized asset, and a deep-pocketed franchise like CSK - or even KKR looking to buy him back - would likely make a strong bid. Also on ABP Live | Shreyas Iyer Ruled Out Until IPL 2026, Likely To Miss Initial Matches: Report Also on ABP Live | Watch: Mitchell Starc's Stunning Catch Marks 148-Year First In Ashes Cricket

Shreyas Iyer Ruled Out Until IPL 2026, Likely To Miss Initial Matches: Report

India’s star batsman Shreyas Iyer faces a lengthy recovery period following a serious abdominal injury, with doctors recommending a slow and carefully monitored rehabilitation plan, Dainik Jagran reported. This update comes as the Indian vice-captain continues to recuperate from the injury he sustained during the ODI series against Australia. Two to Three Months Out As per Dainik Jagran report, according to Shreyas Iyer's rehabilitation plan, he will undergo another USG scan after two months. Based on the results, he will then begin full rehabilitation at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Given the timeline, it is clear that Iyer will be sidelined for at least two to three months, causing him to miss the upcoming ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand. The priority remains a full and safe recovery for the 29-year-old, ensuring he returns to the field without any risk of aggravating the injury. Serious Injury in Australia Shreyas Iyer suffered the injury during the third ODI in Sydney on October 25 when he fell awkwardly while taking a catch. The team immediately raised concerns about his condition. The BCCI later confirmed that the impact caused internal bleeding and a spleen laceration. A minor procedure was performed to stop the bleeding, and he was kept under observation in the ICU before being discharged once his condition stabilized. Ongoing Recovery in India Since returning home, Shreyas Iyer has been under continuous medical supervision. He recently underwent a USG scan, the results of which were reviewed by renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. The scan showed satisfactory recovery, allowing him to resume light exercise and daily activities. However, doctors have advised against any activity that could increase intra-abdominal pressure for the next month. Also on ABP Live | Watch: Mitchell Starc's Stunning Catch Marks 148-Year First In Ashes Cricket

T20 World Cup 2026: India and Pakistan placed in same group again

India faces a smoother path in the T20 World Cup group stages, grouped with Pakistan and lower-ranked nations. Co-hosts Sri Lanka, however, are in a tougher pool with Australia and Zimbabwe. Other strong teams like England, West Indies, South Africa, and New Zealand also have challenging draws, promising an exciting tournament ahead.