IPL 2026: Sunil Narine to Hardik Pandya - 5 All-Rounders who can Win MVP Award This Season

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The Player of the Tournament award, widely known as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, is the ultimate recognition of a cricketer's all-round impact in the Indian Premier League. The MVP system is mathematically designed to reward multi-dimensional players, giving high points for boundaries, dot balls, wickets, and catches.

As we approach IPL 2026, the landscape has shifted dramatically. With legendary all-rounder Andre Russell announcing his retirement from the league and stepping away as a player, a massive void has opened up at the top of the MVP predictions. Without the two-time MVP winner in the mix, data specialists and cricket analysts are looking at the next generation of dual-threat stars.

Based on historical data and recent performances, here are five all-rounders who are primed to win the MVP award in IPL 2026.

Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Sunil Narine is the undisputed king of the MVP award, holding the all-time record with three Player of the Tournament titles (2012, 2018, and 2024).

Narine's unique dual role allows him to score heavily across all metrics. By opening the batting and bowling four overs of highly economical spin, he maximizes his point-earning potential. If he maintains his aggressive top-order striking and restrictive bowling, a historic fourth MVP crown is highly likely.

Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

The dynamic captain of the Mumbai Indians is a complete all-rounder who significantly influences both innings of a T20 match.

Pandya has a history of dominating the MVP charts when fully fit. Operating as a middle-order finisher and a primary pace-bowling option, Hardik's ability to collect points through maximums, crucial wickets, and athletic fielding makes him a constant threat for the top spot.

Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)

Stepping up as a premier all-rounder, Axar Patel has become the backbone of the Delhi Capitals franchise.
Axar's value lies in his incredible consistency. He regularly bowls four overs at a very low economy rate, accumulating points through dot balls and wickets. Furthermore, his vastly improved lower-order power-hitting means he frequently cashes in on the high-value of points category, making him a dark horse for the award.

Ravindra Jadeja (Rajasthan Royals)

India's Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be one of the most highly sought-after and impactful players in the IPL 2026 landscape. After a historic trade from CSK, Jadeja returns to the franchise where his IPL journey began, now as the league's most decorated all-rounder.

As a spin-bowling all-rounder who comfortably bats in the middle order, he has the perfect statistical profile to exploit the MVP points system. His ability to score at a strike rate exceeding 140, combined with his knack for picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs and his elite fielding, gives him a massive mathematical advantage in the MVP race.

Shivam Dube (Chennai Super Kings)

Shivam Dube is expected to be one of the key and impactful players in the IPL 2026 who can dominate multiple phases of the game. He was retained and later saw his salary increase significantly to ₹12 crore by the 2025/2026 season. Dube has evolved into one of the most feared spin-basher in the country and a certified world champion.

As a power-hitting all-rounder who can comfortably bat in the middle order, has the ability to clear any boundary at will and with his knack for picking up wickets with his medium pace when called upon, gives him a high ceiling every time he steps onto the field.