NADA RTP Update 2026: Why Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel were added to NADA RTP list 2026

NADA RTP Update 2026: Major Changes You Didn’t Expect in Indian Sports

The NADA RTP Update 2026 has brought some surprising changes, especially for cricket fans. In the latest update, Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel have been added to the Registered Testing Pool (RTP), replacing Smriti Mandhana and Shreyas Iyer.

This development has sparked discussions across the sports community, as the RTP plays a critical role in maintaining fairness and transparency in Indian sports.

What is NADA and Why RTP Matters?

The NADA RTP Update 2026 highlights the importance of the National Anti-Doping Agency, which is responsible for keeping Indian sports clean.

NADA works under global anti-doping standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Its main goal is simple—ensure that every athlete competes fairly without the influence of banned substances.

The Registered Testing Pool (RTP) is one of the most important tools in this system. It includes top athletes who are regularly monitored through strict anti-doping protocols.

Why Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel Were Added

The inclusion of Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel in the NADA RTP Update 2026 is significant.

Both players have been key contributors to India’s recent success, including their involvement in the T20 World Cup-winning squad. Their growing importance in the team likely led to their inclusion in the RTP.

Being in the RTP means:

• Athletes must share their daily location
• They must be available for testing anytime
• They must provide a one-hour time slot daily

This step ensures that top-performing athletes remain under strict monitoring.

Big Names Replaced: A Surprising Move

One of the most talked-about aspects of the NADA RTP Update 2026 is the replacement of Smriti Mandhana and Shreyas Iyer.

Both are established names in Indian cricket, and their removal from the RTP has raised eyebrows.

However, such changes are not uncommon. RTP lists are dynamic and often updated based on:

• Recent performances
• Injury status
• Selection priorities
• Testing strategies

Still, fans are curious about the reasoning behind these changes.

Cricket Representation in RTP 2026

The NADA RTP Update 2026 includes a total of 14 cricketers, keeping the sport well represented.

Some of the key names in the list are:

• Shubman Gill
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Hardik Pandya
• Rishabh Pant
• Jasprit Bumrah
• KL Rahul
• Arshdeep Singh
• Tilak Varma

From the women’s team:

• Deepti Sharma
• Shafali Verma
• Renuka Singh Thakur

This balanced representation shows NADA’s commitment to monitoring both men’s and women’s cricket.

Athletics Dominates the RTP List

While cricket draws most of the public attention, athletics continues to dominate the NADA RTP Update 2026.

The number of athletes in the pool has increased from 118 to 134, making it the largest group.

Key names include:

• Avinash Sable
• Jyothi Yarraji
• Tejaswin Shankar
• Animesh Kujur
• Shaili Singh
• M Sreeshankar
• Tajinderpal Singh Toor

This reflects the growing importance of athletics in India’s global sporting ambitions.

Other Sports Also Get Strong Representation

The NADA RTP Update 2026 also highlights strong participation from multiple sports.

🏹 Archery

• Deepika Kumari
• Rakesh Kumar
• Sheetal Devi

🏑 Hockey

• Manpreet Singh
• Harmanpreet Singh
• Amit Rohidas
• Hardik Singh
• Salima Tete
• Savita Punia
• Navneet Kaur

Badminton

• PV Sindhu
• Lakshya Sen
• Gayatri Gopichand

Boxing

• Nikhat Zareen
• Nishant Dev
• Jaismine Lamboria
• Lovlina Borgohain

Wrestling

• Aman Sehrawat

This wide coverage shows how seriously India is taking anti-doping measures across all sports.

Strict Rules Athletes Must Follow

The NADA RTP Update 2026 is not just about names—it comes with strict responsibilities.

Athletes in the RTP must:

• Submit accurate whereabouts daily
• Be available for testing anytime
• Provide a fixed one-hour slot each day

If an athlete fails to comply three times, it can be treated as a doping violation.

This strict system ensures accountability and fairness in sports.

Why This Update Matters for Indian Sports

The NADA RTP Update 2026 is a clear signal that Indian sports authorities are serious about clean competition.

Key takeaways:

• Increased transparency
• Strong monitoring of elite athletes
• Focus on fair play across disciplines

It also reflects India’s commitment to global standards, especially as the country aims for greater success in international events like the Olympics.

The NADA RTP Update 2026 is more than just a routine update—it’s a statement.

By including rising stars like Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel and maintaining strict monitoring across sports, NADA is ensuring that Indian athletes compete with integrity.

While some decisions may surprise fans, the larger goal remains clear—clean and fair sport.

And in today’s competitive world, that matters more than ever.

💬 What do you think about the NADA RTP Update 2026? Do you agree with the changes? Comment your opinion below!