IPL 2026 News Digest May 11: MI & LSG Eliminated, Hardik Unfollows Mumbai, Urvil flexes Muscle

The IPL 2026 season is in full tilt, and on Sunday (May 10), we witnessed a number of key events. Teams got eliminated while speculations and controversy rose in a couple of cases.

Check out the top stories for Monday (May 11) in the IPL 2026 News Digest for the day.

1. MI, LSG eliminated from IPL 2026 playoff race

Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants became the first two teams to be knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race after crucial defeats on May 10. MI suffered a heartbreaking two-wicket loss to RCB in a last-ball thriller in Raipur, where they failed to defend 15 runs in the final over despite posting 166. LSG fell short against CSK by five wickets in Chennai, leaving them stuck with just six points from 11 matches. Both teams, languishing at the bottom of the table, can no longer reach the required points threshold even with wins in their remaining games. This marks a disappointing end to their campaigns.

2. Urvil Patel smashes joint fastest IPL Half Century

Young CSK batter Urvil Patel produced a sensational knock, smashing the joint-fastest fifty in IPL history during the match against LSG. Patel reached his half-century in just 13 balls, equalling Yashasvi Jaiswal's record. His explosive 65 off 23 balls, studded with big hits against Avesh Khan and others, powered CSK to victory and sent social media into a frenzy. Fans hailed him as "CSK's Verstappen" for his blistering start at number 3. This innings highlighted Patel's growing reputation as a power-hitter in T20 cricket.

3. Hardik Pandya briefly unfollows Mumbai Indians

Amid MI's elimination and a season of struggles, Hardik Pandya briefly unfollowed the official Mumbai Indians Instagram account, sparking rumours of a potential exit. The all-rounder, who has faced criticism for form and leadership, later refollowed but reportedly unfollowed some MI players. Pandya missed recent matches due to back spasms and was absent during team travel. While the franchise has backed him internally, this social media move has fuelled speculation about his future with the five-time champions as they head into a rebuild phase.

4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets 20+ IPL wickets four times, joins Bumrah and Malinga

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued his stellar IPL 2026 campaign for RCB, reaching 20+ wickets for the fourth time in an IPL season in his career. His match-winning 4/23 against MI in Raipur helped RCB secure a thrilling win and propelled him as one of the leading wicket-takers. Bhuvi joined the elite club with Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga as the only bowlers to achieve this feat multiple times. His swing bowling and death-over control have been pivotal in RCB's rise to the top of the table.

5. MS Dhoni continues to miss for CSK

CSK fans remain disappointed as MS Dhoni continues to miss matches in IPL 2026 due to a lingering calf strain. The legendary keeper-batter has been sidelined for several games, including the recent clash against LSG, with no confirmed return date. Despite rehabilitation and net sessions, the 44-year-old has not featured regularly. Ruturaj Gaikwad's side has managed without him, but his absence is keenly felt both on and off the field. Updates on Dhoni's fitness are eagerly awaited by the Yellow Army.

6. BCCI ACU summons IPL team manager after player's late-night guests in Hotel

The BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has summoned an IPL team manager after a player was found hosting unauthorised guests in his hotel room late into the night on multiple occasions. This breach violates strict protocols aimed at preventing honey-trapping and corruption risks. The manager's casual response during inquiry has raised concerns. BCCI has reiterated rules requiring written approval for visitors and warned franchises of potential misconduct. This incident comes amid broader crackdowns on protocol violations during IPL 2026.