Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opening batsman Aakash Chopra has made several bold predictions ahead of the IPL 2026 season starting on March 28.
For the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, all the franchises have made some reinforcements to their respective squads. It is believed that the IPL 2026 season is going to be very competitive with many uncapped cricketers.
All the investments made by KKR may go in vain in the IPL 2026 season
Four-time IPL winners KKR is one of the few franchises that invested heavily in the mini auction. In the IPL 2025 season, they entered the league play as the defending champions, but failed to qualify for the playoffs. KKR finished third from bottom on the points table in the 2025 campaign.
After the setback, the franchise went for a complete makeover. Retaining only a limited number of players in the squad, KKR included several new names, including Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Aakash Chopra, who previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, predicted that his former team will not qualify for the top four in the IPL 2026 season.
Aakash Chopra predicts possible top 4 teams in IPL 2026 season
Speaking on CREX, Chopra predicted the top 4 teams for the upcoming season. According to the former cricketer turned cricket expert, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Mumbai Indians (MI) could be the top four teams in the 2026 Indian Premier League.
Chopra felt that the league could get a new champion this season. They have bet on Delhi Capitals, the team that started the last season brilliantly under Axar Patel but failed to qualify for the playoffs. Delhi stood fifthth The team is in the points table with 7 wins in 14 matches. They lost many important points in their last 5 group stage matches.
“Whoever plays well. I don’t know, the new winner I am thinking about could be Delhi (Capitals),” Chopra said.
Presenting Rapid Fire Round with Aakash Chopra. ipl 2026#sanjusamson #IPL2026 #RCBvsSRH #cricketmatlabcracks pic.twitter.com/6WqOisdUM1
– CREX (@Crex_live) 15 March 2026
Who will win the Orange Cap and Purple Cap? Chopra has already given his opinion
In the rapid-fire round, the former cricketer and commentator also predicted the top individual awards. According to him, Jasprit Bumrah can be the highest wicket-taker, while Sanju Samson can claim the Orange Cap as the highest run-scorer. Bumrah is all set to play for Mumbai Indians, and Samson will play for Chennai Super Kings after being traded from Rajasthan Royals.
Aakash Chopra predicted that Vaibhav Suryavanshi can continue his excellent batting and clinch the Best Emerging Player award.
For the opening match of the IPL 2026 season, RCB will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (RCB vs SRH) on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. For the first time in the history of the league, RCB will perform as the defending champion.
Read More: Mathisha Pathirana injury update: KKR get a huge boost ahead of IPL 2026
