IPL 2026: Suryakumar Yadav to Ruturaj Gaikwad - Five Players Who Need to Step Up This Season

As IPL 2026 reaches the business end in early May, with playoffs approaching, several star players have underperformed relative to expectations, captaincy roles, or past standards.

A number of big names and big-money signings have failed to live up to the expectations, often failing to provide the proper impetus for their teams this season.

Suryakumar Yadav (MI)

India’s T20I captain and MI’s marquee batter has been far from his explosive best. In 8 matches, SKY has scored just 162 runs at an average of 20.25 and strike rate of 140.87 (HS 51, one fifty). Coming off a record-breaking 2025 season (717 runs), his recent scores show inconsistency (e.g., low contributions like 5 off 5). For a player known for 360-degree innovation in the middle overs, this dip has hurt MI’s batting depth. Suryakumar needs to regain his match-defining form urgently.

Rishabh Pant (LSG)

Retained as the most expensive player ever, Pant has managed 189 runs in 8 matches (average 27.00, SR 126.85, HS 68*). His strike rate is uncharacteristically muted for a dynamic finisher, exposing LSG’s middle order. As captain, his leadership shows, but the bat must dominate if LSG is to push higher up the table.

Nicholas Pooran (LSG)

The West Indian finisher, explosive in 2025, is in freefall. Across 8 matches, he has only 82 runs at a dismal average of 10.25 and SR of 81.19 (HS 22, no fifties). With minimal impact, Pooran’s slump has left LSG’s death overs vulnerable. He must rediscover his power-hitting to justify the retention.

Riyan Parag (RR)

Appointed captain after strong prior seasons, Parag has 207 runs in 10 matches (average 23.00, SR 143.75, HS 90, one fifty). While offering occasional bowling (2 wickets), the output falls short of anchoring expectations for RR. Consistency in the middle order is essential for playoff hopes.

Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK)

The CSK opener and skipper has 178 runs in 8 matches (average 25.43, SR 121.09, HS 74*, one fifty). His strike rate is too conservative for modern powerplays, contributing to CSK’s challenges. Gaikwad must accelerate starts and ease middle-order pressure to revive his side.