India’s cricket system has taken another step toward clean sport as Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel have been added to the Registered Testing Pool managed by National Anti-Doping Agency during IPL 2026.
This move is part of regular anti-doping checks to ensure fair play in cricket.
IPL 2026 Quick Update
The IPL 2026 season has started with strong competition among teams.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | 5 | 4 | +0.889 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 5 | 0 | -1.383 |
While Rajasthan Royals are leading the table, Kolkata Knight Riders are still looking for their first win.
What is NADA?
The National Anti-Doping Agency is responsible for conducting doping tests for athletes in India.
It works under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and ensures that players do not use banned substances.
Since 2019, Indian cricket has also come under NADA’s rules, meaning cricketers can be tested anytime.
What is the Registered Testing Pool (RTP)?
The Registered Testing Pool is a group of top players who are regularly monitored for anti-doping checks.
Players included in this pool must:
- Share their location details every quarter
- Provide a daily one-hour time slot for testing
- Be available for random checks anytime
This system allows officials to conduct surprise testing without prior notice.
Latest RTP List Update
Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel have replaced Smriti Mandhana and Shreyas Iyer in the updated list.
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Here are some of the key players currently in the RTP:
Men’s Players
| Players |
|---|
| Shubman Gill |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Hardik Pandya |
| Rishabh Pant |
| Jasprit Bumrah |
| Arshdeep Singh |
| Tilak Varma |
| KL Rahul |
| Abhishek Sharma |
| Axar Patel |
Women’s Players
| Players |
|---|
| Deepti Sharma |
| Shafali Verma |
| Renuka Singh |
In total, 14 players are currently part of the RTP list.
Why RTP is Important
Being part of the RTP means players are under strict monitoring.
- Helps maintain fair competition
- Ensures no use of banned substances
- Supports transparency in cricket
- Builds trust among fans
Players must always be ready for testing and follow all rules strictly.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel in the testing pool shows that Indian cricket continues to focus on clean and fair play.
With strong rules and regular testing, the system ensures that the game remains honest and competitive at all levels.
As IPL 2026 continues, such steps highlight the importance of discipline and professionalism in modern cricket.
