East England cricketer Kevin Pietersen predicted the top four teams for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Pietersen ignored defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) while selecting his top four teams after the first six matches of the tournament.
IPL 2026 started with many high scoring matches. Riyan Parag-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) currently top the 10-team points table with four points and a net run rate (NRR) of +4.171. Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Rajat Patidar, is at second place in the points table with two points.
Kevin Pietersen Shared his predictions after watching the first round matches of the Indian Premier League. Pietersen named Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) but added that unexpected player injuries could change these standings.
Kevin Pietersen wrote on
After watching the first round of IPL matches this season, as it stands, just by observation, this could be a top 4.
MI, DC, RR, Punjab
That can all change with injuries etc., but that’s how I look at it.
– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) 3 April 2026
High scoring matches in the opening week of IPL 2026
opening week of indian premier league 2026 Delivered an incredible batting performance. Sunrisers Hyderabad scored a mammoth score of 226 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders, while Mumbai Indians achieved the target of 220 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Many players showed excellent individual performances at the beginning of the tournament. Ryan Rickelton scored 81 runs for Mumbai Indians, while Ishan Kishan scored 80 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Devdutt Padikkal also impressed for RCB, scoring 61 off just 26 balls to seal the win against SRH.
Young players also continuously proved their usefulness in the initial matches. Angkrish Raghuvanshi showed a lot of maturity while batting for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi put in an explosive performance for Rajasthan Royals. Suryavanshi scored a half-century in 15 balls against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. Players have entertained fans across the country with exciting performances in the IPL.
RR dominates early standings while KKR, CSK face early setbacks in IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bangalore currently tops the points table. Rajasthan Royals is at number one position due to its huge net run rate. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians also have two points after winning their opening matches.
Kolkata Knight Riders have made a poor start to the tournament and have lost their first two matches. They are placed ninth, while Chennai Super Kings are at the bottom after a heavy defeat against Rajasthan Royals.
Young fast bowler Jacob Duffy made a great start for Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking three wickets for 22 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Jaydev Unadkat and Blessing Muzarabani also performed well and took important wickets for their respective teams.
Also read: Lalit Modi criticizes Sanjiv Goenka after Rishabh Pant episode, calls out IPL owners for “chasing publicity”
