IPL News Bulletin March 16 2026: Sooryavanshi Targets IPL Record, Pant Transformation, Kohli New Look

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With IPL 2026 drawing closer, the conversation around the league is heating up - from rising young stars setting ambitious targets to veterans reinventing themselves and analysts dissecting team combinations. Off the field, logistical decisions and player preparation continue to shape the narrative ahead of the new season.

Here are the top cricket headlines.

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi targets Chris Gayle's historic IPL record

Rajasthan Royals teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set his sights on breaking one of the most iconic records in IPL history.

The 14-year-old revealed that he wants to surpass Chris Gayle's record for the highest individual score in the IPL - the unbeaten 175 Gayle smashed for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors in 2013.

Sooryavanshi impressed in IPL 2025 with 252 runs in just seven matches at a strike rate above 200 and recently scored 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final. The youngster believes IPL 2026 could present an opportunity to chase the legendary mark.

2. IPL 2026 full schedule delayed due to upcoming state elections

The BCCI has confirmed that the full IPL 2026 schedule will only be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for upcoming Assembly elections.

According to BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, security arrangements required for elections in several states have delayed the announcement of the remaining fixtures.

The board has already released the first phase of the schedule, while the rest of the matches will be finalised once the election timeline becomes clear.

3. Rishabh Pant undergoes major fitness transformation ahead of IPL

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant has undergone a noticeable fitness transformation ahead of the new IPL season.

Pant has reportedly lost significant weight during an intense five-month training programme as he looks to revive his white-ball standing with the Indian team.

After a modest IPL 2025 season, the wicketkeeper-batter has been working closely with Yuvraj Singh on his batting fundamentals and shot selection in preparation for what could be a defining campaign.

4. Aakash Chopra warns Gujarat Titans over Jos Buttler's form

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has warned Gujarat Titans that Jos Buttler's current form could become a concern heading into IPL 2026.

Chopra noted that the franchise remains heavily dependent on its top-order trio of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Buttler. While that approach worked last season, he believes Buttler's recent struggles with the bat could expose weaknesses in the lineup.

The England batter endured a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, scoring just 87 runs in eight matches.

5. Virat Kohli unveils new look ahead of IPL 2026 season

Virat Kohli has sparked excitement among fans after debuting a new hairstyle ahead of IPL 2026.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star revealed a sharp razor-fade style with a textured top in a social media post shared by celebrity hairstylist Jordan Tabakman.

Kohli's style changes often trend among fans, and the new look has already gone viral as anticipation builds for the upcoming IPL season.

As IPL 2026 approaches, the buzz around the tournament continues to grow - driven not only by team strategies and player form but also by the emerging stars and evolving narratives that keep the league at the centre of the cricketing world.