Familiar rivalries return as IPL 2026 kicks off; RCB launch title defence in opener

The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on Saturday with a mix of anticipation, uncertainty and emotional undertones as the tournament enters its 19th edition. Over the next two months, the league promises compelling narratives with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) attempting to regroup after a tragedy, traditional heavyweights Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings seeking redemption after disappointing campaigns, and several teams chasing either long-awaited success or renewed relevance.

The season opens at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where defending champions RCB host Sunrisers Hyderabad. Normally, the start of a title defence would be accompanied by celebration and fanfare. This time, however, the atmosphere surrounding the opening match is far more sombre.

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The memory of the tragic stampede outside the stadium on June 4 last year, which claimed the lives of 11 fans during RCB’s title celebration, still lingers. In tribute to the victims, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has decided to leave 11 seats permanently empty in the stadium as a mark of remembrance. RCB players will also wear jerseys bearing the number 11 during their first practice session on match day.

Beyond the humane angle, both RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad head into the tournament with concerns in their bowling departments.

RCB will miss two key members of last season’s title-winning attack. Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who played a pivotal role in their successful campaign, is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Australia and could join the squad later in the tournament. Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, another important figure in the 2025 triumph, will miss the entire season as he faces sexual abuse allegations.

In their absence, RCB’s bowling responsibilities will largely fall on experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with spinner Krunal Pandya, leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and young left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav.

The Sunrisers face similar challenges. Regular captain Pat Cummins will miss the initial phase of the tournament, forcing the franchise to appoint wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as stand-in skipper. Their bowling attack, comprising Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel and Harsh Dubey, may find it difficult to contain opposition batters, particularly on batting-friendly surfaces.

Given these limitations, both teams will rely heavily on their batting strength. RCB possess an explosive line-up featuring Virat Kohli, Tim David, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, captain Rajat Patidar and Romario Shepherd. Sunrisers, meanwhile, will look towards Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen to provide the firepower.
MI, CSK look to regain dominance

Beyond the opening clash, much of the intrigue surrounding this season lies with some of the IPL’s most decorated franchises attempting to rediscover their dominance.

Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders together boast 13 IPL titles between them, but last season was far from memorable. Mumbai Indians did reach the playoffs, albeit finishing fourth, but their campaign suggested a side struggling to maintain its usual intensity. The five-time champions will aim to mount a stronger challenge this time around.

For Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, the 2025 season was even more disappointing. CSK finished at the bottom of the standings while KKR ended up eighth.

Chennai have responded by strengthening their squad during the transfer window. The franchise acquired Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals and added international bowlers Matt Henry and Noor Ahmad to bolster their attack. Much of the attention, however, remains on veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The legendary captain has continued to keep fans guessing about his IPL future, raising the possibility that the coming season could represent one final chapter in his illustrious career.

Kolkata Knight Riders have also revamped their squad with a focus on strengthening their batting depth. The additions of Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra and Cameron Green, the latter becoming the highest-paid overseas player in IPL history, significantly enhance their firepower.
Captain Ajinkya Rahane will anchor the top order while vice-captain Rinku Singh is expected to step into the finishing role once held by Andre Russell, who retired from the IPL last year after more than a decade with the franchise.

KKR’s bowling attack will once again revolve around their experienced spin duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of their pace unit over the course of a long tournament

Elsewhere, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans will aim to add another title to their collections, while Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Lucknow SuperGiants continue their pursuit of a maiden IPL trophy.

Another storyline likely to capture attention throughout the season is the continued presence of two of Indian cricket’s modern greats — Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both players have already secured their legacies with numerous achievements for India and their respective franchises. Kohli finally realised his long-standing ambition when RCB won their maiden IPL title last year, adding another major honour to his decorated career.

The question now is whether the former India captain can maintain the same intensity and motivation after achieving that dream. Having been well rested since India’s home ODI series against New Zealand in January, Kohli enters the new season fresh and eager to contribute once again.

For Rohit Sharma too, the challenge will be to guide Mumbai Indians back to their dominant best while continuing to prove that experience can still match youthful energy in the ever-evolving T20 format.

With multiple storylines unfolding across teams and players, the 2026 IPL season promises a compelling mix of competition, redemption and ambition!