Three IPL clashes analysed: RR vs MI, DC vs GT, KKR vs LSG

Read our big predictions for the next three matches in the Indian Premier League.

There are some interesting fixtures coming up in the 2026 IPL.

Find out more.

Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians

Key talking points

Rajasthan Royals

Under the leadership of Riyan Parag, RR has had a perfect start with two wins from two, including a recent 6-run victory over GT.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is in fine form with a rapid fifty in the last game, while Ravi Bishnoi (4/41) is the primary bowling threat.

Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya’s MI have one win and one loss thus far and head into Tuesday’s encounter sitting sixth in the table.

Suryakumar Yadav (51) and Rohit Sharma (35) are finding their touch, but the team needs more from their middle order after a humbling 6-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals last time out.

Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

Guwahati’s stadium has a limited but high-scoring IPL history, having hosted several Rajasthan Royals home games as a secondary venue.

There’s an even split between winning while batting first (3) and winning while chasing (3).

The average first innings score at the ground is a very high 180 due largely to the pure batting pitch and small dimensions.

Riyan Parag (the local hero) is the leading run scorer at the venue with 137 runs in five innings.

The bowlers with the most wickets at the venue is Yuzvendra Chahal with six scalps.

The highest individual score: at the ground is an undefeated 97 by Quinton de Kock (KKR) against RR in 2025.

The highest team total at the ground is 199/4 by Rajasthan Royals against DC in 2023.

The best bowling figures returned at the ground are 4/30 by Nathan Ellis (PBKS) in 2023.

Weather

Expect a warm and humid evening as the city prepares for a potential shift in weather.

While much of the day will be sunny or partly cloudy with highs around 30 degrees, a 35 percent chance of light rain or thunderstorms develops toward the night.

By the time Tuesday’s game is scheduled to start the temperature will have dropped to around 22 degrees, though it may feel more like 25 due to 85 percent humidity. Winds will be light, coming from the west.

Form

• RR: W, W, W, L, L.
• MI: L, W, L, W, L.

Predicted line-ups

RR

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande.

MI

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (c), Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.

Key players

Dhruv Jurel

Fresh off a stellar domestic season, Jurel has evolved into a vital middle-order anchor for Rajasthan. His ability to handle high-pressure chases and rotate strike against quality spin will be crucial at the Barsapara Stadium.

With RR’s top order occasionally prone to early collapses, Jurel’s composure provides the safety net needed to set or hunt down big totals.

His lightning-quick glovework also adds immense value, making him a dual-threat player capable of swinging the game’s momentum in the death overs.

Tilak Varma

Tilak remains Mumbai’s most consistent performer in the middle order, often acting as the glue between the explosive openers and the finishers.

His proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a nightmare for opposition captains to set fields to.

In a week where MI desperately needs a statement win, Varma’s knack for finding boundaries in the middle overs will be key to countering RR’s tactical spin duo.

His maturity under pressure ensures MI remains competitive even when the big guns fail.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan hold a distinct advantage playing at their secondary home in Guwahati, where they recently brushed aside CSK.

With Ravi Bishnoi leading the wicket charts and Yashasvi Jaiswal in explosive form, the Royals’ momentum outweighs MI’s current inconsistency following their loss to Delhi.

On paper the MI side is stacked, but they have yet to perform to their full potential, while RR have been excellent.

Also read: Five big IPL coaching moves that could shape the 2026 season

Delhi Capitals v Gujarat Titans

Key talking points

Delhi Capitals

DC sit in fourth place on the table, one of four teams who have yet to lose a game. Young sensation Sameer Rizvi is in scorching form, hitting 90 runs off 51 balls in the last outing.

The bowling unit is clicking, with Mukesh Kumar leading the wicket charts.

Gujarat Titans

GT are languishing at ninth on the table with two losses from two. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have shown flashes of brilliance, but the team lacks finishing power.

A statistical anomaly to note is their high net run rate despite being winless, suggesting they aren’t far off a breakthrough.

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Once known for its sluggish pitches, the Delhi stadium now features a fast outfield and short boundaries that favour power hitters.

Chasing is slightly more successful here, with 49 wins for chasing teams versus 47 for teams batting first.

Traditionally the average first innings score at the ground has been around 160-165, though the more batting friendly pitches of recent seasons have often seen scores above 180.

The highest individual score at the ground is 128, shared between Chris Gayle (RCB) and Rishabh Pant (DC).

Amit Mishra is the venues leading wicket taker with 58 scalps.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium features short square boundaries (approx. 65m), making it difficult for spinners to contain runs under lights.

Home team Delhi Capitals have a poor recent record at the venue with a 90 percent loss rate in their last 10 games when batting first.

The highest team total posted at the ground is a massive 278 runs.

Weather

The capital will enjoy a clear and relatively pleasant evening on Wednesday following a series of active western disturbances.

After daytime highs of 26 degrees, the temperature by game time is expected to be approximately 20 degrees. Humidity will be around 70 percent with gentle easterly winds at 8 mph.

There is no chance of rain at this hour, making it an ideal night for cricket.

Form

• DC: W, W, W, L, L.
• GT: L, L, L, L, L.

Predicted line-ups

DC

KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, Mohit Sharma.

GT

Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Jason Holder, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, T. Natarajan, Kagiso Rabada.

Key players

Axar Patel

As the captain and premier all-rounder, Axar is the heartbeat of the Delhi Capitals. On the relatively slow Arun Jaitley pitch, his stump-to-stump accuracy and subtle variations are expected to stifle the Gujarat Titans’ scoring rate.

Beyond his bowling, Axar has transformed into a reliable power-hitter, often promoted up the order to counter matchups.

His leadership and clutch play ability make him one of the most influential figures for DC as they look to maintain their unbeaten streak at home.

Sai Sudharsan

Sudharsan is the technical backbone of the Titans’ batting unit. While others look for the long ball, his ability to play through the line and find gaps ensures GT stays ahead of the required rate without taking undue risks.

He has a particularly strong record in Delhi, where his classical stroke play thrives on the true bounce.

If GT are to overcome DC’s disciplined bowling attack, Sudharsan will need to play the long innings that allows their finishers to explode later.

Prediction: Delhi Capitals

Delhi enters this clash as the clear favourite after a clinical victory over Mumbai.

Young Sameer Rizvi is currently the league’s top scorer (160 runs), and playing on a spin-friendly Delhi surface perfectly suits captain Axar Patel’s tactical strengths against a struggling, winless Titans side.

Kolkata Knight Riders v Lucknow Super Giants

Key talking points

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR may have bagged a point from Monday’s rained out meeting against PBKS, but they are still looking for their first win after two losses.

Ajinkya Rahane leads a side missing key pacer Matheesha Pathirana while Rinku Singh remains their most consistent performer with the bat.

Lucknow Super Giants

Rishabh Pant’s LSG has one win from two, sitting seventh. They come off a 5-wicket win over SRH where the middle order finally fired. Interestingly, LSG has never lost a game at Eden Gardens when batting second.

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

In recent seasons this historic ground has transformed from a spin-bowling minefield into one of the league’s batting heavens with a sky-high scoring rate.

Teams strongly prefer to bowl first at Eden Gardens; chasing teams have won 57 matches compared to 43 for those batting first.

The average first innings Score at the ground is 165.88, but in the 2024–2025 period, it frequently exceeded 190.

The leading run-scorer at the ground is Gautam Gambhir who struck 1,407 runs.

Sunil Narine is the king of Eden Gardens, holding the IPL record for most wickets at a single venue with 72.

The highest team total recorded at the venue is 262/2 made by the Punjab Kings against KKR in 2024.

The lowest team total at the ground is 49 all-out posted by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2017.

Since 2023, the scoring rate of 9.95 at Eden Gardens is the highest of any venue that has hosted five or more games.

Weather

The ‘City of Joy’ will likely see a break from the week’s earlier storms. Although scattered thunderstorms are forecast for the daytime with highs of 31 degrees, conditions are expected to clear by the evening.

By the time play starts skies should be mostly clear with periodic clouds and a temperature of roughly 26 degrees.

Humidity will remain high at around 80 percent, while gentle south-westerly winds at 4–5 mph provide some relief. The chance of precipitation on Thursday night is low, at roughly 15 percent.

Form

• KKR: NR, L, L, L, A.
• LSG: W, L, L, W, L.

Predicted line-ups

KKR

Finn Allen (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani.

LSG

Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Kyle Mayers, Aiden Markram, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi.

Key players

Ajinkya Rahane

Entrusted with the captaincy, Rahane brings a sense of calm to a KKR side currently navigating a turbulent period. His reinvented aggressive approach in the Powerplay is essential for giving KKR the early impetus they’ve lacked.

At Eden Gardens, his experience in reading the surface and managing bowling changes will be tested against a deep LSG lineup.

Rahane’s role as the stabilizing force at the top allows stroke-makers like Rinku Singh the freedom to play their natural game.

Rishabh Pant

Now leading the Super Giants, Pant returns to the ground where he has historically enjoyed great success.

His fearless approach against spin will be LSG’s primary weapon against KKR’s mystery bowlers, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Pant’s ability to turn a game in the space of a handful of overs makes him the biggest threat to KKR’s plans.

His captaincy and instinctive decision-making behind the stumps will be vital in navigating the high-scoring, high-pressure environment of a night game in Kolkata.

Prediction: Lucknow Super Giants

Despite the home advantage for KKR, LSG has never lost at Eden Gardens when batting second and holds a strong 4-2 head-to-head record overall.

With KKR reeling from consecutive losses and missing key quick Matheesha Pathirana, Rishabh Pant’s balanced LSG unit is better equipped to exploit KKR’s current powerplay bowling woes.

Read next: The ECB opening doors to private investors in the Hundred has already backfired

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The real power couples of the IPL: the 7 highest partnerships in IPL history

 

 

The nature of T20 wickets sees wickets fall regularly as batters continually chance their arm, risking their wickets as they search for the glory of the boundary. Sometimes though, two batters find a rhythm so destructive that they completely break the game, leaving the opposition with nowhere to hide. These rare ‘mega-partnerships’ of over 200 runs are the ultimate display of batting dominance. As the IPL continues in its 19th season, let’s look at the seven highest ever partnerships, produced in the competition.

 

1. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers: 229 runs

Wicket: 2nd | For: Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Gujarat Lions | Venue: Bengaluru, 2016

Widely considered the greatest display of tandem batting in T20 history, this 2016 masterclass remains the record to beat. After Chris Gayle fell early, Kohli and De Villiers combined to dismantle the Gujarat Lions attack. Both legends scored centuries in the same innings – De Villiers smashing 129* off 52 balls and Kohli accelerating to 109 off 55. The pair added 229 runs in just 96 deliveries, a feat of pure sporting alchemy that sent the Chinnaswamy Stadium into a frenzy and which set a gold standard for the IPL that has yet to be eclipsed.

 

2. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers: 215* runs

Wicket: 2nd | For: RCB v Mumbai Indians | Venue: Wankhede, 2015

A year before their world-record effort, the dynamic duo from the RCB proved they were a nightmare for even the most elite bowling units. Facing a potent Mumbai Indians side at the Wankhede, the pair came together in the fourth over and didn’t stop until the innings ended. De Villiers played the aggressor with a breathtaking 133* off 59 balls, while Kohli played the perfect foil with a steady 82*. This unbeaten 215-run stand was the third time a 200-run partnership had been recorded for the second wicket, cementing their status as the league’s premier power couple.

 

3. KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock: 210* runs

Wicket: 1st | For: Lucknow Super Giants v KKR | Venue: DY Patil, 2022

In 2022, the Lucknow Super Giants openers achieved something truly unique: they batted through the entire 20 overs without losing a single wicket. Quinton de Kock was the star of the show, bludgeoning 140* off 70 balls, while captain KL Rahul anchored the other end with a classy 68*. Their unbeaten 210-run stand is the highest opening partnership in IPL history and stands as a testament to perfect communication and clinical shot-making under pressure.

 

4. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan: 210 runs

Wicket: 1st | For: Gujarat Titans v CSK | Venue: Ahmedabad, 2024

Matching the record set by the LSG duo, the Gujarat Titans’ pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan delivered a masterclass against the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings. Playing in front of a massive home crowd in Ahmedabad, both batters reached the triple-figure mark; Gill scoring 104 and Sudharsan 103. Their 210-run opening stand was a display of effortless timing and youthful exuberance, showing that the next generation of Indian stars was ready to carry the torch.

 

5. Shaun Marsh and Adam Gilchrist: 206 runs

Wicket: 2nd | For: Kings XI Punjab v RCB | Venue: Dharamsala, 2011

Long before the modern scoring rates became the norm, two Australians set the hills of Dharamsala on fire. Veteran Adam Gilchrist (106) and a youngster Shaun Marsh (79*) rolled back the years to punish the RCB bowlers. Their 206-run partnership held the all-time record for four years and remains one of the most nostalgic performances in the league’s history, combining Gilchrist’s legendary power with Marsh’s elegant stroke-play.

 

6. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan: 205* runs

Wicket: 1st | For: Gujarat Titans v DC | Venue: Delhi, 2025

The Titans’ opening pair proved their 2024 heroics were no fluke by entering the record books again just a year later. During the 2025 season, Gill and Sudharsan took apart the Delhi Capitals’ attack in their own backyard. This unbeaten 205-run stand showcased their maturing chemistry, as they manipulated the field with ease and never allowed the bowlers to settle. They are one of two pairs on this list to feature twice with a 200-plus run partnership (along with Kohli and De Villiers), signalling a new era of dominance for the Ahmedabad franchise.

 

7. Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle: 204* runs

Wicket: 2nd | For: RCB v Delhi Daredevils | Venue: Delhi, 2012

Rounding out the list is a stand put together by two of the original “Big Three”. In 2012, at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Chris Gayle was in a particularly destructive mood, smashing 128* off 62 balls, including 13 massive sixes. Virat Kohli, then a rising superstar, supported him with a brisk 73*. Their 204-run stand was the first time the 200-run barrier had been broken in the IPL, setting the stage for the high-scoring era that would follow.

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The 5 highest 10th wicket stands in the IPL

 

 

By the time nine wickets have fallen in a T20 game, there is not usually much time left for a valiant rearguard action – there are only 20 overs to be faced after all. But on occasion the top and middle order falter so dramatically that it is left to the last pair to try and do something special. It doesn’t happen often, but over the previous 18 seasons there have been some instances of epic (or frustrating) last wicket stands. Let’s look at the five highest partnerships for the tenth wicket in the history of the Indian Premier League.

 

1. Shikhar Dhawan and Mohit Rathee: 55* runs (PBKS vs SRH, 2023)

This remains the gold standard for tenth-wicket defiance in the IPL. During a 2023 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings found themselves in absolute tatters at 88/9. While most openers would have thrown in the towel, Shikhar Dhawan played one of the greatest ‘lone wolf’ innings in the tournament’s history. He shielded the young Mohit Rathee with expert strike rotation and late-over aggression. Rathee contributed only 1 run from 2 balls, but his ability to simply stay at the crease allowed Dhawan to finish on an unbeaten 99. Their 55-run stand didn’t just add respectability to the score; it turned a blowout into a competitive total, albeit not a winning one. It remains the only 50-plus tenth-wicket partnership in IPL history.

 

2. Pat Cummins and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth: 33 runs (SRH vs KKR, 2024)

The 2024 Qualifier 1 saw Sunrisers Hyderabad’s powerhouse batting lineup crumble under the pressure of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling attack. Reduced to 126/9, captain Pat Cummins showed why he is considered a world-class all-rounder. Alongside the young leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Cummins farmed the strike and swung hard to ensure SRH reached a total of 159. Although they eventually lost the match, this 33-run stand was a masterclass in leadership and tail-end resistance, proving that even in a T20 format, the final wicket can be a stubborn obstacle.

 

3. Jamie Overton and Anshul Kamboj: 33 runs (CSK vs RR, 2026)

This very recent entry from the current 2026 season highlights the depth of the modern Chennai Super Kings squad. In a low-scoring thriller against Rajasthan Royals, CSK’s top order was dismantled by a clinical bowling display. Coming together at the death, the English pace-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton and domestic seamer Anshul Kamboj frustrated the Royals with clean hitting and smart running. Their 33-run partnership breathed life into the Chepauk crowd and provided the bowlers with a target they could try to defend. It was a gritty reminder that the ‘yellow brigade’ never stops fighting until the final ball. They ended up losing by eight wickets with 47 balls to spare, but it would have been a lot worse had it not been for this late resistance.

 

4. Andre Russell and Varun Chakravarthy: 31 runs (KKR vs DC, 2023)

Whenever Andre Russell is at the crease, no total is truly out of reach. In a 2023 encounter against Delhi Capitals, KKR were languishing at 96/9. The ‘Muscle Man’ was left with only Varun Chakravarthy for company. Knowing that Chakravarthy’s primary job was to survive, Russell took it upon himself to launch a late-innings assault. The pair added 31 runs in quick time, with Russell providing almost all the scoring. While it wasn’t enough to secure a win, the stand illustrated the terrifying power of Russell even when he is backed into a corner with no specialist batters left.

 

5. Sunil Narine and Harshit Rana: 28 runs (KKR vs PBKS, 2023)

Rounding out the list is another KKR entry. Sunil Narine’s evolution as a batter has been striking. Pairing up with the spirited Harshit Rana, Narine used his unconventional technique to squeeze out 28 crucial runs for the final wicket. This stand was vital for NRR (Net Run Rate) calculations, a factor that often decides playoff spots. It served as a reminder that in the IPL, every single run scored by the tail is worth its weight in gold.

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Biggest IPL blowouts ever: The most dominant wins in history

One of the things that makes T20 cricket so compelling is that it is meant to be close. It’s designed in such a way that both sides should be in with a chance of securing a result as deep into the game as possible.

True crowd-pleasing encounters come down to the last ball, or even better, are resolved with a Super Over. But sometimes things go horribly wrong for one team, resulting in a badly one-sided game.

As the IPL continues in its 19th season, let’s look at the largest ever margins of victory, by runs, produced in the competition – because even though the 2026 season promises high-octane finishes, these historical anomalies remind us that even the most elite athletes can have a day where nothing goes right. Here are the biggest “blowouts” in IPL history.

Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Daredevils by 146 runs (2017)

The gold standard for dominance occurred at the Feroz Shah Kotla. Mumbai Indians, batting first, put up an impressive 212/3, powered by blitzkrieg half-centuries from Lendl Simmons and Kieron Pollard. What followed was a total capitulation.

Delhi’s chase never even got out of the blocks; they were bundled out for a measly 66 in just 13.4 overs. The 146-run margin remains the record for the largest victory by runs in the tournament’s history, proving that even on a relatively small ground, a disciplined bowling attack can make a target look like a mountain.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Lions by 144 runs (2016)

This match was the “AB and Virat Show at its peak. Playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, AB de Villiers (129*) and Virat Kohli (109) both smashed centuries in the same innings, a feat almost unheard of in T20s. They guided RCB to a towering 248/3.

The Gujarat Lions, perhaps shell-shocked by the aerial assault they had just witnessed, folded for 104. Chris Jordan led the destruction with the ball, taking four wickets as Bengaluru secured a 144-run win that remains etched in the memories of their fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 140 runs (2008)

The match that started it all. On the very first night of the IPL’s existence, Brendon McCullum set the template for the league with an unbeaten 158. KKR posted 222/3, and a stunned RCB side, then built more for Test cricket than T20, stumbled to a humiliating 82 all out.

It was a baptism of fire for the Bengaluru franchise and a 140-run statement of intent from the Knight Riders that, you could say, changed the sport forever.

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kings XI Punjab by 138 runs (2015)

Bengaluru features heavily on this list, most often as the aggressor. In 2015, Chris Gayle decided the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) bowlers were merely there for target practice. ‘The Universe Boss’ hammered 117 off 57 balls to propel RCB to 226/3. Sreenath Aravind and Mitchell Starc then ripped through the Punjab lineup, dismissing them for 88.

The 138-run margin emphasized just how dangerous RCB could be when their ‘Big Three’ clicked.

Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Pune Warriors by 130 runs (2013)

This was the day Chris Gayle rewrote the record books. His 175* remains the highest individual score in T20 history. RCB reached 263/5, a team total that stood as the record for over a decade.

The Pune Warriors never stood a chance, finishing their 20 overs at 133/9. While they didn’t get bowled out, the sheer weight of Gayle’s contribution meant they lost by 130 runs, effectively losing the game before they even picked up a bat.

Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 118 runs (2019)

In a rare turn of the tide against the Bengaluru giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a clinical thrashing in 2019. Jonny Bairstow and David Warner both scored centuries in a record-breaking opening stand, guiding SRH to 231/2.

RCB’s star-studded lineup collapsed under the pressure of the chase, falling for 113. Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers with 4/11, securing a massive 118-run victory for the Orange Army.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Rajasthan Royals by 112 runs (2023)

Rounding out our list is a more recent clinical performance. In a crucial mid-table clash, RCB posted a competitive 171/5 on a tricky Jaipur surface. What seemed like a manageable chase turned into a nightmare for Rajasthan.

Wayne Parnell led a disciplined attack that saw the Royals skittled for a shocking 59 runs in just 10.3 overs. The 112-run margin was a reminder that in T20 cricket, momentum is a fragile thing.

Read next: Revealed: The four overseas legends that every IPL all-time XI needs

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IPL predictions: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals in action

The upcoming fixtures in the Indian Premier League are bound to be entertaining.

We preview the next three IPL matches. Read on for more IPL predictons.

Chennai Super Kings v Punjab Kings

Key talking points

CSK

CSK enters this home fixture seeking redemption after a heavy 8-wicket opening defeat to Rajasthan Royals, where they were restricted to just 127 runs.

Young Kartik Sharma showed promise in the opener and was a rare bright spot in a tough start to the season.

Interestingly, despite their ‘Dad’s Army’ reputation in years past, the 2026 squad features several uncapped Indians like Prashant Veer, signalling a drastic philosophical pivot toward youth.

PBKS

Punjab Kings arrive in Chennai with momentum following a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans, which saw them successfully chase down 162.

Captain Shreyas Iyer is under the spotlight after suffering a wrist injury during that chase, though he remains optimistic about his availability.

The form of young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly, who earned Player of the Match honours in the opener, provides a major boost.

A key statistical advantage for PBKS is Priyansh Arya, who holds the record for the highest individual score at this venue against CSK, an unbeaten 103 from just 42 balls in 2025.

Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, widely known as Chepauk, is the legendary home of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Unlike the high-scoring tracks of Bengaluru or Mumbai, Chepauk is famous for its slow, spin-friendly nature and the sea breeze factor that can influence evening play.

Teams traditionally prefer to bat first at Chepauk. Out of 91 IPL matches, the team batting first has won 51 times (56%), compared to 40 wins for the chasing side.

The average first innings score is approximately 164 runs. On this track, a total of 170-plus is often considered highly competitive due to the grip and turn available to spinners in the second innings.

MS Dhoni holds the record for the most IPL runs at Chepauk with over 1,547 runs. Among former players, Suresh Raina (1,498) also holds a high tally.

Ravichandran Ashwin leads the wicket-taking charts at this venue in the IPL with 52 wickets.

The record team score at the venue is 246/5, set by the Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals in 2010.

Murali Vijay holds the record for the highest individual score at the ground, having smashed 127 runs against Rajasthan Royals in 2010.

The best bowling figures at the ground belong to Akash Madhwal (Mumbai Indians) who claimed an outstanding 5/5 against Lucknow Super Giants during the 2023 playoffs.

Chepauk is one of the few IPL venues where the lowest team total is under 100; Royal Challengers Bengaluru were famously bowled out for just 70 runs in the 2019 season opener

Weather

Chennai is forecast to have a warm and humid Friday evening. Daytime temperatures will peak around 34 degrees, cooling to a minimum of 27 degrees overnight.

As the sun sets, expect the typical coastal humidity to persist, making it feel slightly warmer. It will likely remain dry, providing a clear but sultry night for cricket.

Form

• CSK: L, W, L, W, L.
• PBKS: W, L, W, L, W.

Predicted line-ups

CSK

The men in yellow continue to grapple with a significant injury list. MS Dhoni is expected to miss the first two weeks due to a calf strain.

Nathan Ellis (hamstring) has been ruled out for the season and has been replaced by Spencer Johnson, who is also struggling with an injury. Dewald Brevis is likely to remain side-lined with a side strain.

Sanju Samson (wk), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Akeal Hosein, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, Noor Ahmad. Sub: Rahul Chahar.

PBKS

Captain Shreyas Iyer is a major doubt after injuring his hand in the previous match against GT; he has not yet confirmed his availability for the trip to Chepauk. Lockie Ferguson remains unavailable as he prioritises time with his newborn son.

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c) / Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. Sub: Xavier Bartlett.

Key players

Sanju Samson

Following a blockbuster trade from Rajasthan Royals, Samson is a central figure in Chennai Super Kings’ new-look top order.

He enters the season in sensational form as the 2026 T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament, where he averaged 80.25. Expected to open the batting, his ability to score freely against both pace and spin is vital for fixing CSK’s recent powerplay struggles.

He failed in his opening game of the season making just six against the Rajasthan Royals. His leadership experience and role as a potential successor to MS Dhoni add significant strategic depth to the squad.

Cooper Connolly

The 22-year-old Australian has quickly become Punjab Kings’ X-factor star after a stunning debut.

Stepping into the critical number three spot to replace Josh Inglis, Connolly displayed remarkable composure by smashing an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls to rescue PBKS from a mid-innings collapse against Gujarat Titans.

His ice-cold temperament under pressure and aggressive stroke play makes him the backbone of the Punjab batting lineup. Listed as an allrounder he is currently playing as a specialist batter due to a minor back issue.

Prediction: Punjab Kings

CSK’s batting is looking very fragile, and with the mercurial Dewald Brevis and the composure of veteran MS Dhoni still likely to be missing, things don’t bode well for CSK.

Of course, one big knock from Sanju Samson could change everything – but in the Punjab Kings they are up against one of the best coached and managed teams.

Punjab are low on stars but high on teamwork and efficiency – expect them to find a way to get the job done.

Also read: Seven deadly bowlers who could dominate the IPL 2026 Purple Cap race

Delhi Capitals v Mumbai Indians

Key talking points

DC

Now captained by Axar Patel, DC sits third in the standings after a clinical 7-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.

Spinner Kuldeep Yadav remains the primary threat on his home turf, while the pace unit is weakened by Mitchell Starc’s absence due to workload management.

To bolster their depth, South African pacer Gideon Peters has reportedly joined the squad as a potential replacement.

Statistically, DC has been dominant in recent years, winning a string of key regular-season games against MI between 2021 and 2024.

MI

Hardik Pandya’s MI occupy fourth place following a tight 6-wicket win against KKR.

While Jasprit Bumrah received full fitness clearance, the team is juggling overseas availability; Mitchell Santner has just arrived from international duty, but Will Jacks remains out for personal reasons.

A notable anomaly is MI’s historical slow start reputation; however, breaking that trend with a win here would signal their strongest title charge since their last trophy in 2020.

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla, is the primary home of the Delhi Capitals.

Historically known as a slow, spin-friendly venue, it has evolved into a high-scoring ground with some of the shortest boundaries in the IPL.

Teams have a slight preference for chasing. Out of 96 IPL matches, the team batting second has won 49 times, while the team batting first has won 46 times.

The average first innings score at the ground is approximately 170 runs. However, recent seasons have seen this climb dramatically; in 2024 and 2025, winning scores often exceeded 230 runs.

David Warner holds the record for the most IPL runs at this stadium, with 1,048 runs across 36 innings.

Amit Mishra is the most successful bowler at this ground, having claimed 58 wickets.

The record team score at the venue is 278/3, set by Sunrisers Hyderabad against the Kolkata Knight Riders in May 2025.

This highest individual score at the ground is shared by Chris Gayle (128* for RCB in 2012) and Rishabh Pant (128* for DC in 2018).

Lasith Malinga holds the record for the best IPL figures at the ground after returning 5/13 for Mumbai Indians against Delhi in 2011.

In 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad set a unique record at this ground by scoring 125 runs in the Powerplay against Delhi Capitals – this remains the highest Powerplay score in T20 history.

Weather

Delhi is expected to experience a warm and clear Saturday afternoon. At around 3:30 pm, temperatures will hover near 32 degrees though it may feel as hot as 35 degrees due to the sunshine.

While generally sunny, some forecasts suggest a chance of light rain or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds towards sunset.

Form

• DC: W, W, l, L, NR.
• MI: W, L, W, L, W.

Predicted line-ups

DC

Led by Axar Patel, DC has confirmed that KL Rahul will open the innings this season. The squad is boosted by the arrival of David Miller and Nitish Rana, though they must manage without Ben Duckett, who pulled out of his deal.

KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, T. Natarajan, Mitchell Starc. Sub: Auqib Nabi.

MI

Hardik Pandya continues as captain for a side that broke its 14-year opening-day jinx with a win over KKR. Suryakumar Yadav is expected to return to the starting XI after being used as an Impact Sub in the opener due to a minor groin niggle.

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, AM Ghazanfar.

Key players

Tristan Stubbs

Retained for a substantial, Stubbs has evolved into the Delhi Capitals’ premier finisher. In the team’s season-opening win against LSG, his unbeaten 39 off 32 balls was instrumental in guiding the chase alongside Sameer Rizvi.

Known for his inventive hitting and a remarkable death-overs strike rate, which peaked at nearly 300 in recent seasons, Stubbs provides the middle-order solidity and adaptability, needed at the high-scoring Delhi ground.

His versatility as an anchor-finisher makes him indispensable for DC’s championship aspirations.

Ryan Rickelton

Rickelton has emerged as a cornerstone of the Mumbai Indians’ top order after a spectacular performance in the season opener against KKR.

His blistering 81 off 43 balls helped MI break a 13-season jinx of losing their first match, as he shared a 148-run stand with Rohit Sharma.

Retained for 2026 after a breakout 2025 debut, Rickelton’s proactive attacking style and ability to exploit the powerplay have made him a preferred choice over seasoned veterans like Quinton de Kock.

His form is vital for MI’s hunt for a sixth title.

Prediction: Mumbai Indians

Traditionally slow starters, MI got their latest campaign off with a win last time out. Blessed with a multitude of talent and experience MI are the early favourites to take the title in 2026.

Strong in all departments they should have too much for Delhi, who started their campaign with a win, albeit an unconvincing one.

Gujarat Titans v Rajasthan Royals

Key talking points

GT

Currently sixth in the standings after a narrow opening-match loss to PBKS. Captain Shubman Gill remains the batting anchor, while the middle order has been bolstered by the arrival of Tom Banton and Glenn Phillips.

A massive statistical highlight is new signing Jason Holder, who recorded the most T20 wickets in a calendar year in 2025.

Despite Sai Sudharsan’s recent recovery from a rib fracture, GT’s core remains one of the most balanced in the league.

RR

RR currently lead the points table after a dominant eight-wicket victory over CSK, where their bowlers restricted the opposition to just 127.

They have been hit by a major injury blow, with star all-rounder Sam Curran ruled out for the season; Sri Lankan veteran Dasun Shanaka has joined as his replacement.

Interestingly, despite their recent struggles in Ahmedabad, RR’s NRR of 4.171 is the highest in the tournament, making them the team to beat early on.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium, is the fortress of the Gujarat Titans.

Known for its varied pitches (both red and black soil), the ground offers a sporting balance where high totals are common, but disciplined bowling, especially in the powerplay, can be highly effective.

Captains almost universally prefer to bowl first in night games due to a significant dew factor that makes the ball difficult to grip in the second innings.

However, the overall win-loss record remains balanced, with teams batting first winning 22 matches and chasing teams also winning 22.

The historical average is approximately 177 runs. Recent seasons have seen much higher scoring; in 2025, the average first-innings score surged to 219 runs during certain phases of the tournament.

Shubman Gill is the undisputed king of this ground, having scored 1,109 runs in 23 innings, including three centuries.

Mohit Sharma holds the record for the most IPL wickets at the stadium with 29.

The record total at the ground is 243/5, set by the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans during the 2025 season.

Shubman Gill holds the record for the highest score at the ground with his explosive 129 off 60 balls against the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 Qualifier 2.

Mohit Sharma recorded the best figures at this venue with a stunning 5/10 against Mumbai Indians in 2023.

Despite being a batter’s paradise, the stadium holds the record for the lowest team total for a home side in recent years, when the Gujarat Titans were bowled out for just 89 runs by the Delhi Capitals in April 2024.

Weather

Ahmedabad on Saturday evening is set to be warm and dry. By the time the game starts temperatures will be around 34 degrees although the ‘feels like’ temperature may be slightly lower at around 32 degrees.

With a light breeze and clear skies, it will be a typical hot spring evening in Gujarat, perfect for high-intensity cricket. There will be no rain.

Form

• GT: L, L, L, L, W.
• RR: W, W, L, L, L.

Predicted line-ups

GT

Captain Shubman Gill leads a side that prioritises continuity. The Titans’ strategy revolves around a dominant top three that last season became the first in IPL history to each cross 500 runs.

Sai Sudharsan, the 2025 Orange Cap winner, has recovered from a minor rib injury to open alongside Gill. Jos Buttler slots in at number three and takes the gloves.

Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore. Sub: Kagiso Rabada.

RR

Riyan Parag captains the Royals following the trade of Sanju Samson. The team features a blend of extreme youth and world-class experience, anchored by the blockbuster arrival of Ravindra Jadeja.

However, they are without Sam Curran (groin) for the season. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the player to watch, fresh off a record-breaking 15-ball fifty in his previous match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma. Sub: Nandre Burger.

Key players

Shubman Gill

As the captain of the Gujarat Titans, Gill remains the linchpin of their batting order. Coming off a solid 650-run season in 2025, he started 2026 with a brisk 39 against Punjab Kings.

His record at Ahmedabad is formidable; it is the venue where he notched his highest IPL score of 129.

Gill’s ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a high strike rate allows the Titans to build massive totals or to chase down daunting targets with calculated precision.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

The Rajasthan Royals’ explosive opener is in excellent form and commanded a massive retention fee to stay at RR. After a blistering start to the season with 38 against CSK, Jaiswal brings a fearless X-factor to the powerplay.

With a career IPL strike rate of 151.69 and two centuries to his name, he is designed to dismantle bowling attacks early. His aggressive intent is vital for providing the Royals with the momentum needed to dominate the middle overs.

He is a class batsman who opens at Test level alongside Shubman Gill, and he could well be the dangerman if undue focus is placed on teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals

The Titans are the favourites to take this one, but it is a game that looks ripe for an upset. It is a team of established T20 stars at the top of their game against the young, up-and-coming generation.

Confidence is high for the Royals which could spell big danger for GT. If Jaiswal and Suryavanshi get going, anything could happen.

Read next: The most unbelievable IPL records that you really need to know

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County Championship 2026, Division 2: live scoreboards

Durham and Kent meet straight away as they try to bounce back from relegation while Gloucestershire go to Lord’s on opening day

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Revealed: The four overseas legends that every IPL all-time XI needs

As much as it is called the Indian Premier League, the presence of overseas players in very important. Over the years there have been plenty of marquee players who have made massive impacts for their respective franchises.

The tournament rules state that a team may field a maximum of four foreign players in any playing eleven. A squad is allowed to feature up to eight foreign players in their total squad, but only four can take the field at one time.

With that in mind, if asked to pick an all-time IPL XI, who would be the four foreign players that make the team. This would be our choice.

1. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

The Universe Boss is a non-negotiable inclusion for any all-time list. With 4,965 runs at a staggering strike rate of 148.96, Gayle didn’t just score runs; he demoralized bowling attacks.

His average of 39.72 is remarkably high for an opener who took as many risks as he did. The memory of his 175* remains the gold standard for T20 dominance, making him the definitive power-hitter at the top of the order.

West Indies‘ Gayle doesn’t just offer runs and some useful spin; he also brings charisma to the mix. When Gayle is playing the crowds will be there and they will be on the edge of their seats.

2. David Warner (Australia)

Consistency is the hallmark of David Warner’s IPL legacy. He holds the record for the most runs by an overseas player, sitting at 6,565 runs with an outstanding average of 40.52.

Warner edges out the likes of Jos Buttler for this spot; while Buttler provides explosive bursts, Warner’s ability to carry an entire batting line-up, demonstrated during his title-winning captaincy with Sunrisers Hyderabad, gives him the upper hand.

His 139.77 strike rate proves he never sacrificed pace for volume.

Also read: Seven deadly bowlers who could dominate the IPL 2026 Purple Cap race

3. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Known as ‘Mr. 360’, AB de Villiers redefined what was possible in the death overs. Scoring 5,162 runs at an average of 39.70 is elite, but it is his strike rate of 151.68 that truly sets him apart.

The South Africa star possessed the unique ability to win games from impossible situations, often turning a modest total into a match-winning one in the space of three overs.

His partnership with Virat Kohli remains the stuff of IPL legend and it was notable that when Kohli finally won the IPL with RCB last season, that one of the first people he paid tribute to, was De Villiers.

4. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)

For the all-rounder slot, Dwayne Bravo is the ultimate clutch performer. With 183 wickets at an average of 23.82, he was the master of the slower ball and the yorker. Bravo narrowly edges Sunil Narine for this position.

While Narine is a wizard with the ball, Bravo has taken slightly fewer wickets than Narine’s current tally but boasts a superior strike rate (17.04) and a more reliable batting contribution of 1,560 runs.

His champion spirit under pressure makes him the perfect death-overs specialist.

Honourable mentions

Selecting just four is an agonizing task that leaves out some of the league’s greatest icons. Lasith Malinga is incredibly unlucky not to get a look-in; the league’s former leading wicket-taker was the blueprint for T20 fast bowling.

Similarly, Rashid Khan and Shane Watson are players who could easily walk into any other XI, but when balancing pure longevity, impact, and statistical dominance, the quartet of Gayle, Warner, ABD, and Bravo remains the gold standard.

Read next: The most unbelievable IPL records that you really need to know

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