Two Indian cricketers, Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, are in the news during IPL 2026 for an off-field update. Both players have been added to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Registered Testing Pool (RTP). This is part of routine monitoring rules and not related to their performance in the tournament.
This update has come at a time when IPL 2026 is ongoing, and it adds extra responsibility for these players along with their match commitments.
Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel Added to NADA RTP
As per the latest update, Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel have been included in NADA’s Registered Testing Pool for the second quarter of the year.
Being part of the RTP means players must follow strict anti-doping rules. They need to share their daily location details and must be available for surprise testing at any time during a fixed time window.
If a player fails to update their location or misses tests three times, it can be treated as a doping violation, which may lead to serious action.
Key RTP Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Location updates | Players must share daily whereabouts |
| Surprise tests | Can happen anytime in a fixed window |
| Missed tests | 3 misses = doping violation |
| Monitoring level | High for top athletes |
At present, 14 Indian cricketers are part of the RTP for this quarter, while the total number of athletes in the pool across sports is 348.
Other Indian Players in the RTP List
The RTP includes several top Indian players who are regularly monitored.
Some of the key names are:
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Hardik Pandya
- Rishabh Pant
- Jasprit Bumrah
- KL Rahul
- Arshdeep Singh
- Tilak Varma
This shows that NADA continues to monitor top-level players from India’s national setup.
Players Not Included in the Latest RTP
Some well-known names are not part of the current RTP list.
- Shreyas Iyer
- Smriti Mandhana
Meanwhile, players like Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, and Renuka Singh Thakur remain in the pool.
These changes are normal, as the RTP list is updated regularly based on different factors.
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Abhishek Sharma’s IPL 2026 Form
Abhishek Sharma has had a mixed season so far in IPL 2026. He has shown aggressive batting but has struggled with consistency.
Abhishek Sharma IPL 2026 Stats
| Matches | Runs | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 129 | 215.00 |
His strike rate shows strong attacking intent, but the total runs are lower than expected.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are currently in fourth place with two wins and three losses. The team is being led by Ishan Kishan as Pat Cummins is recovering from injury.
Axar Patel’s Performance in IPL 2026
Axar Patel is leading Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 and is in his second year as captain.
Axar Patel IPL 2026 Stats
| Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3 |
Delhi Capitals have won two matches and lost two so far, staying competitive in the points table.
Even though his numbers are modest, Axar continues to play an important role as an all-rounder.
Axar Patel’s Importance for India
Axar Patel is one of India’s most reliable all-rounders across formats. He has been part of major ICC tournament wins in recent years and has contributed in key moments.
His experience makes him a valuable player for both his IPL team and the national side.
Final Summary
Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel entering the NADA testing pool is a routine step under anti-doping rules, not a sign of any wrongdoing.
Both players now have added off-field responsibilities while continuing their IPL 2026 campaigns. Their focus will be on maintaining performance on the field while following strict testing protocols.
Fans will closely watch how they manage both aspects in the coming matches.
