Click it and Unblock the Notifications
IPL 2026 Hits and Flops: The Best and Worst from Indian Premier League Week 2
The second full week of IPL 2026 delivered rain interruptions, last-over thrillers, and explosive batting as 10 teams battled in the early league phase. Seven matches unfolded, with one washed out.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) emerged as the undisputed story, storming to four straight wins and topping the points table with dominant chases and power-hitting. High-scoring games were the norm—multiple 200+ totals—while death bowling and young talent shone.
Gujarat Titans (GT) edged a nail-biter, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pulled off a miracle heist, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) posted statement victories on April 11. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remained winless, and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) suffered a heavy defeat. Overall, the week showcased T20 cricket at its chaotic best, with 1,800+ runs scored across completed games and several individual masterclasses.
IPL 2026 Week 2: The Hit Trio
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR)
The 15-year-old sensation continued his fairytale start, smashing 78 off just 26 balls against RCB on April 10. His blistering knock, including a 15-ball fifty, powered RR to a comfortable six-wicket chase of 202 and helped him seize the Orange Cap with 200 runs at a strike rate over 260. Fearless, clean-hitting, and already a crowd favourite, Sooryavanshi is the breakout star of the season.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
Jaiswal’s explosive 77* off 32 in the rain-reduced win over MI (April 7) took him to 170+ runs early, briefly leading the Orange Cap before his young partner overtook him. Consistent, elegant, and destructive at the top, he formed a terrifying opening partnership with Sooryavanshi that dismantled attacks in the powerplay.
Team Hit: Rajasthan Royals
Unbeaten in four matches this week (and the season), RR looked unstoppable. They chased big totals with ease, posted commanding scores, and blended youth with experience. Top of the table and playing fearless cricket, the Royals are the talk of the IPL 2026 for now.
IPL 2026 Week 2: The Flop Trio
Sameer Rizvi (DC)
After such a star-studded start to his IPL 2026, Sameer Rizvi has lost his touch this week. The Delhi Capitals batter could only manage 6 runs in two matches for his team, as DC lost both of their matches against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings respectively. Capitals also gave away their match against GT after a lack of judgement from David Miller, further compouding their problems.
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)
Arshdeep Singh struggled significantly with the ball throughout the week. The left-arm pacer, known as a reliable death-over specialist, leaked crucial runs in multiple matches and failed to pick up wickets at decisive stages. His poor form placed extra pressure on Punjab Kings' bowling attack despite their winning run so far. The pacer has picked up only 2 wickets so far, while conceding at 10.64 runs per over.
Team Flop: Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR endured a miserable week, winless after three outings. The April 6 washout against PBKS offered no momentum, and they suffered a heartbreaking last-ball defeat to LSG on April 9 despite having the game in their control. Death bowling leaked badly, and the side looks disjointed despite flashes of individual brilliance. Early alarm bells for the three-time champions’ consistency.
Story first published: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 21:35 [IST]
Other articles published on Apr 12, 2026
Continue with Google