Countdown to the 2026 edition of Indian Premier League Almost over, the tournament is set to start on March 28. Initial clash will be seen Royal Challengers Bangalore Take Sunrisers Hyderabad At the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As fans eagerly await the start of another high-octane season, the buzz has already heated up about potential title contenders.
As excitement builds, former India opener Aakash Chopra shared their predictions for the top four teams most likely to make the playoffs this year, providing insight based on team strength, balance and overall depth.
Former opening batsman chose his top 4 teams of IPL 2026
Chopra identified Mumbai Indians And Delhi Capitals As their strongest contender for the 2026 season. According to him, both the teams have well-prepared squads that are capable of dominating the league stage, if their key players remain fit and consistent.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the tournament but stressed that both of these sides look strong “on paper”. He added that if the circumstances remain in their favour, Mumbai and Delhi could also finish as the top two teams and potentially compete in the final. Chopra highlighted factors such as player fitness, form, pitch conditions and luck as important variables that can influence the standings, but said that both these teams have an edge heading into the season.
“It’s tough. No one knows because there are so many factors like form, fitness, what the pitches will be like, how much luck will favor you and all that. However, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are two teams that look very good to me on paper. If all their players remain fit and available, and the form remains good, they should ideally finish as No. 1 and No. 2, but no one knows where they will go. However, I think they should definitely qualify,” Chopra said.
For the remaining two playoff spots, Chopra supported punjab kings And defending champions RCB. Expressing confidence in the depth of the Punjab team, he admitted that there are some concerns about the Bengaluru camp. In particular, he pointed to recent setbacks, including injury concerns to key players, which could hamper RCB’s campaign. Despite these issues, Chopra believes that the team’s overall balance and bench strength will help them seal a top-four finish.
Also read: Know why there will be no opening ceremony of IPL 2026
However, he also issued a note of caution, stating that one of his projected teams could miss out, leaving room for a surprise entrant. The IPL has historically been unpredictable, with the underdogs often rising to the occasion.
“I think Punjab Kings is the third team that should qualify. I am thinking of Royal Challengers Bangalore as the fourth team, although good news is not coming from the RCB camp. Nuwan Thushara’s news has just come. So things are not really setting up very well for RCB. However, when I look at the other teams and the depth and strength of this team, I think RCB should be the fourth team. However, out of these four, One could miss, and the fifth team could come, it could be any team.” Chopra further said.
League phase will continue till May 24
meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India The complete schedule of the league stage of IPL 2026 has been officially released. The group stage will run from March 28 to May 24, featuring a packed calendar of matches across multiple venues.
The final league match is scheduled between? Kolkata Knight Riders And DC are setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the round-robin stage.
Also read: BCCI announces the schedule of the second phase of IPL 2026
