The evidence from the three IPL matches played in Dharamsala this season suggests that it has evolved into a high-scoring venue where fast bowlers still remain relevant, a combination that could shape Tuesday's Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans.
Punjab Kings face Mumbai Indians in a crucial match in Dharamsala, but the weather forecast threatens to disrupt their playoff hopes.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and senior batter Rohit Sharma have been cleared by the Sports Science team of BCCI's Centre of Excellence to participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, starting in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Pacer Gurnoor Brar impressed on his international debut before captain Shubman Gill played a regal knock to set up India's seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the rain-hit series opener.
Shubman Gill praised pacer Gurnoor Brar and left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey for their impressive debuts in India's one-sided victory over Afghanistan in the rain-curtailed first ODI.
Afghanistan relying on seasoned spin trio to script first ever win over India
India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided an update on the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, who are awaiting clearance for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining injuries during the IPL.
Teams like India do not offer too many chances and Afghanistan must learn to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his technical inputs after smashing a 51-ball 102 in the rain-hit first One-Day International.
India begin their 2027 ODI World Cup preparations against Afghanistan with Rohit Sharma's fitness and Nitish Kumar Reddy's all-round abilities under scrutiny, while Shubman Gill continues to shape his leadership credentials.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan discusses India's ODI series against Afghanistan as a crucial opportunity to assess squad depth for the upcoming ICC World Cup, highlighting key players and their roles, especially for South African conditions.
Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar was more excited than under pressure on his India debut against Afghanistan and his first wicket settled the semblance of nerves, helping him walk away with a memorable outing in the rain-shortened first One-day International in Dharamsala.
Ishan Kishan's wicket-keeping drills ahead of the series opener suggested India could be considering a revised role for KL Rahul in the ODI setup.
Adding another feather to his illustrious cap, Rohit Sharma on Saturday became only the second Indian opener after Virender Sehwag to score 16,000 international runs while opening the batting.
India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has stressed the importance of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav reinventing his game to stay competitive amidst burgeoning talent. Despite decent overall numbers, Kuldeep's recent lean patch in the IPL and a solitary Test match has led to him losing his spot in the T20I squad for upcoming tours, prompting the coach's call for evolution.
Sunil Gavaskar praised India's team-first approach and clinical chase against Afghanistan in the opening ODI, highlighting KL Rahul's selfless batting and the contributions of Nitish Kumar Reddy and debutant Gurnoor Brar. Former England spinner Graeme Swann warned of a tougher challenge in the second ODI in Lucknow due to Afghanistan's strong spin attack.
Rajat Patidar's explosive T20 form has sparked debate about his inclusion in India's T20 squad, with calls for his selection growing louder after a blistering innings in the IPL.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to exploit Punjab Kings' bowling vulnerabilities to secure a playoff berth in the Indian Premier League. Virat Kohli's presence is a major draw for fans in Dharamsala.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was on Wednesday ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after picking up a fresh quadriceps strain.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's pursuit of back-to-back Indian Premier League titles will run into the season's most disciplined bowling attack when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala on Tuesday, with a direct place in the final at stake.
Arshdeep and Rana snared two wickets apiece in tight spells during a clinical performance.
India will look to seal the ODI series against Afghanistan while continuing to test combinations for the 2027 World Cup, with Kuldeep Yadav and Yashasvi Jaiswal among those pushing for opportunities in the second match.
Patidar highlights bowlers' plight in high-scoring IPL, stays guarded on Ahmedabad final shift
Ishan Kishan's recent good form makes him the ideal candidate to take over the crucial No 3 slot in Virat Kohli's absence.
A tense conversation between Preity Zinta and Ricky Ponting after Punjab Kings' defeat to Mumbai Indians has sparked concern, highlighting the team's fading momentum and mounting pressure after five consecutive losses.
Gujarat Titans batter Glenn Phillips admitted that scoreboard pressure and sloppy fielding hurt his side badly in the crushing 92-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL Qualifier 1.
Shubman Gill discusses Gujarat Titans' strategy for the IPL final, emphasising the importance of home advantage and mental fortitude.
Rajat Patidar's unbeaten 93 off 33 balls propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the IPL final with a 92-run win over Gujarat Titans. RCB chairman Aryaman Birla shared an emotional tribute for Patidar after the skipper's stunning match-winning knock.
The Gujarat Titans team and support staff were evacuated from their bus after a short circuit caused a breakdown following their IPL final loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel has been fined Rs 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over rate in their win against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Rajat Patidar blasted an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, before the bowlers ripped through Gujarat Titans' batting as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won Qualifier 1 to reach their second consecutive IPL final.
IPL final moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; Dharamsala will host Qualifier 1, as announced by the BCCI.
This desperate struggle by PBKS after riding high will be recorded as one of the most shocking turnarounds of the IPL 2026 season.
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, a rare occurrence for the exceptionally fit batsman. The news comes amidst uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's full availability for the series, also due to a hamstring issue, sparking discussions about the future of both senior players in the ODI format.
Gujarat Titans' Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki admitted that they "miscalculated" an appropriate score on the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch, leading to a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final.
Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi Dar, whose non-selection in the Indian Test squad caused controversy, has been summoned to bowl in the nets ahead of the Test against Afghanistan, along with six others.
Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta said the IPL Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans could be decided early in the Powerplay, when GT's top order faces RCB'' new-ball attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
IPL final moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad; Dharamsala will host Qualifier 1, as announced by the BCCI.
Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan in the upcoming Test and ODI tour of India, while IPL star Allah Ghazanfar earns a call-up after his impressive season with Mumbai Indians.
Punjab Kings will hold a meeting with their players after Saturday's practice session in Dharamsala to brief them on the BCCI's new IPL guidelines and obtain signatures confirming compliance with the directives.
