IPL 2026: RCB, CSK, MI in Focus - 3 Favourites and 3 Dark Horses This Season

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to ignite cricket fever once again, kicking off on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) aiming to etch their name in history as back-to-back winners.

With squads finalized after the December 2025 mini-auction, the tournament promises high-octane action across 84 matches until May.

IPL 2026 RCB CSK MI in Focus - 3 Favourites and 3 Dark Horses This Season

The Favorites

1. Mumbai Indians (MI)

No team boasts more IPL titles than MI's five, and they're primed for a sixth after a five-year drought. Led by Hardik Pandya, their knockout specialist, MI's strength lies in Jasprit Bumrah—the world's premier T20 bowler—and Suryakumar Yadav, the ICC No. 1 batter. Rohit Sharma's experience adds firepower to the top order. Despite injury concerns for Bumrah and Pandya, their balanced attack and batting depth make them pre-season favorites. If fitness holds, expect MI to dominate the playoffs, leveraging their proven big-match temperament.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

As defending champions, RCB enter with momentum from their 2025 triumph. Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat, supported by Rajat Patidar's consistency and Phil Salt's explosive opening. Additions like Venkatesh Iyer bolster the middle order, while Josh Hazlewood leads a potent pace unit alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Weaknesses include Hazlewood's fitness and a potential middle-order gap after Liam Livingstone's release, but their core's IPL pedigree shines through.

3. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Tipped as one of the most complete squads, GT feature Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler forming a world-class opening pair. Rashid Khan's spin wizardry, combined with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj's pace, creates an unplayable attack. All-rounders like Washington Sundar add flexibility. Their home ground in Ahmedabad suits their style, though away spin challenges loom. GT's depth positions them as likely champions, hungry after recent near-misses.

The Dark Horses

1. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Last year's runners-up, PBKS could surprise many. Retaining their core under Shreyas Iyer, they boast Arshdeep Singh's death bowling and Yuzvendra Chahal's leg-spin menace. Priyansh Arya's batting emergence and Cooper Connolly replacing Glenn Maxwell maintain balance. A heartbreaking six-run final loss in 2025 fuels their fire, and they would be aiming to continue their upsurge this season.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK enter IPL 2026 with a refreshed outlook, blending experience and youth under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy, with MS Dhoni providing leadership and finishing nous. Key additions include Sanju Samson, Dewald Brevis, and big-money uncapped talents like Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma.

The bowling features Noor Ahmad's spin and a solid pace attack. The addition of uncapped youngsters such as Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma have further fueled the CSK team this season. After a couple of underwhelming seasons, the Super Kings may roar back amongst the title race this season.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

In a rebuilding phase, RR's hope centers on Yashasvi Jaiswal, predicted for a big season. Their young core shows promise, but consistency is key. As an under-the-radar option, RR could upset favorites with bold cricket, especially if Jaiswal fires. Also, the addition of Ravindra Jadeja has been a big boost as they are set to play under the leadership of Riyan Parag.

Story first published: Monday, March 16, 2026, 17:42 [IST]

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