MS Dhoni’s IPL legacy: seven reasons he remains a CSK icon

Legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is now 44 years old. He has retired from international cricket, but when it comes to the IPL, he just keeps on going.

He played in the very first staging of the tournament back in 2008 and, if he takes the field for Chennai Super Kings in 2026 it will be his 19th season in the competition.

While he is unlikely to feature prominently for CSK, especially after they signed Sanju Samson, Dhoni’s influence will no doubt be felt.

As the former India skipper prepares for his 19th season in the IPL, let’s take a moment to look back on some of the highlights of his illustrious career.

1. The face of a franchise

From the outset, Dhoni became synonymous with Chennai Super Kings. Signed as one of the league’s marquee players in 2008, he quickly established himself as both leader and talisman.

While many players moved between franchises, Dhoni remained the constant at CSK, shaping its identity around calm leadership and tactical clarity. His presence alone became a competitive advantage, with younger players thriving under his guidance.

Dhoni has been at CSK for two spells of eight years; he spent two years in the middle playing for the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant – a sabbatical that was required out of necessity as CSK served a two-season suspension and did not play.

2. Five-time IPL champion

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK became one of the most successful teams in IPL history, lifting multiple titles across different eras. What set Dhoni apart was not just the silverware, but the consistency.

CSK regularly reached the playoffs and finals, making them perennial contenders. His ability to rebuild squads and maintain standards ensured success was sustained rather than fleeting.

Dhoni led the franchise to ten finals in their first 14 seasons – they won five titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023).

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

3. The master finisher

Few players in T20 history have matched Dhoni’s reputation as a finisher. Whether chasing daunting totals or setting competitive scores, he often delivered in high-pressure situations.

His calculated approach, combined with immense power, allowed him to take games deep and close them out with precision. Countless matches were decided in the final overs with Dhoni at the crease.

Indeed, the mark of a good finisher is to remain undefeated when the innings comes to an end and that regard Dhoni is outstanding with his stats currently showing 100 undefeated IPL knocks, securing him an average score of 38.30 per innings.

4. Tactical genius behind the stumps

As a wicketkeeper, Dhoni’s influence extended far beyond catches and stumpings. His reading of the game, field placements and ability to guide bowlers made him an on-field strategist of the highest order.

His quick hands behind the stumps also produced some of the fastest stumpings seen in the format, often turning matches in CSK’s favour.

Dhoni has been responsible for a total of 158 catches and 47 stumpings – as if to prove to the world that he is not slowing down, he bagged five stumpings in 2025, his second most prolific return in an IPL season.

5. Backing players to deliver

One of Dhoni’s defining traits has been his unwavering faith in players.

He consistently backed individuals through lean patches, a quality that fostered loyalty and confidence within the squad. Several players, both from India and overseas, produced their best cricket under his leadership, crediting Dhoni’s calm approach and clarity of roles.

6. Reinventing himself over time

As the IPL evolved, so did Dhoni. Early in his career, he was a destructive middle-order batter capable of dominating attacks.

In later years, he adapted his role, often coming in lower down the order and focusing on finishing games or mentoring younger players. This willingness to evolve has allowed him to remain relevant even into his forties.

7. The return after suspension

When CSK returned to the IPL in 2018 after a two-year suspension, many questioned whether the team could immediately compete at the highest level. Dhoni answered emphatically, leading the side to the title in a remarkable comeback season.

It remains one of the most memorable campaigns in IPL history and reinforced his status as a leader who thrives under pressure.

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

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IPL 2026 opening weekend: RCB, MI and CSK in blockbuster clashes

It’s go-time in the IPL with the latest season set to start on Saturday.

With the World Cup safely defended by India, in India, there is plenty of hype and excitement for the start of the world’s premier franchise tournament and there are plenty of exciting match-ups and subplots set to take place.

Most notably is the return of T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament Sanju Samson to face his former team the Rajasthan Royals.

The world’s best teenagers are in action on Monday as well, while Virat Kohli’s RCB will look to defend the title they finally won at the 18^th attempt in 2025.

The season starts on Saturday and will run for two months. It promises something for everybody. Enjoy it.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Key talking points

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Entering as reigning champions for the first time, RCB has maintained its core, but they face immediate availability hurdles.

The most notable off-season addition is Venkatesh Iyer, acquired for to bolster an already star-studded batting lineup that features the legendary Virat Kohli and the world’s fourth ranked T20I batsman Phil Salt.

However, the bowling department is under scrutiny; star paceman Josh Hazlewood will miss the early stages while Yash Dayal is ruled out for the entire season.

To compensate, RCB have brought in New Zealand quick Jacob Duffy and 23-year-old left-arm quick Mangesh Yadav.

The team has bid farewell to Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi, opting to stick with 17 retained players to defend their crown.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH enter the 2026 season with a significant leadership shift: with regular captain Pat Cummins unavailable for the first half of the tournament, Ishan Kishan will lead the side.

The “Orange Army” made a massive splash in the mini-auction by signing Liam Livingstone for US$1,373 hoping to add explosive middle-order power.

They have also fortified their India bowling contingent with Shivam Mavi, but they lost veteran Mohammed Shami in a pre-auction trade.

Several spinners, including Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, were released to make room for fresh uncapped talent like Salil Arora and Shivang Kumar.

Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

The highest IPL score at the venue was made by SRH in 2024 when they smashed an outstanding 287 for three. That knock was built around a 41-ball 102 from Australia opener Travis Head.

The lowest IPL score recorded at the ground was RCB’s 82 all out against KKR in 2008.

SRH have played nine games at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium – they have won three and lost six.

RCB have won 50 and lost 50 at the venue. They have played at the ground 105 times with four No Results and a tie.

The average first innings score at the ground is 168 runs. However, on this high-scoring ground, totals often exceed 180–190 in modern T20 play, with 200-plus scores becoming increasingly common.

Teams generally prefer to chase at this ground. Historically, chasing teams have won approximately 53% of IPL matches played here.

Dew often plays a role in evening matches, making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings.

Not surprisingly given his long association with RCB, Virat Kohli holds the record for the most IPL runs at this stadium, with over 3,200 runs. He has spent his entire IPL career with the Bengaluru franchise.

Weather

Saturday evening in Bengaluru promises a pleasant break from the daytime heat. As the sun sets, temperatures will dip to a comfortable 27 degrees, eventually reaching a low of 22.

Expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze, making it an ideal time for cricket. While the humidity remains low, the air will feel refreshing and mild.

Form

• RCB: W, W, W, L, A.
• SRH: W, W, W, NR, L.

Last five winners head-to-head: SRH, RCB, SRH, RCB, RCB.

Predicted line-ups

RCB: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam.

SRH: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Aniket Verma, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, David Payne, Jaydev Unadkat.

Key players

Virat Kohli

As the pulse of the defending champions, Virat Kohli enters the 19th IPL edition in imposing form, having amassed 657 runs at an average of 54.75 in RCB’s title-winning 2025 campaign.

His mastery of the Chinnaswamy Stadium is unmatched; he recently became the first player in history to score over 3,500 T20 runs at a single venue.

Now a T20 specialist following his international retirement, Kohli’s role as the anchor-aggressor alongside Phil Salt is vital for setting the tone.

His recent practice form, highlighted by a quickfire 45 off 19 balls, suggests he is ready to exploit the short boundaries from the first over.

Abhishek Sharma

The number one ranked batsman in world T20 arrives at the opener as SRH’s most dangerous weapon, fresh off a match-winning 52 off 21 balls in the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

Known for his boundary-hitting frequency, the best of any modern batter on the offside, he redefined aggression last season with a strike rate near 199.

His recent 94 off 42 balls in an intra-squad practice game confirms he has carried that lethal rhythm into the IPL.

Abhishek’s ability to dominate the powerplay alongside Travis Head is essential for SRH to challenge the champions in their own backyard.

Prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad

These are two outstanding sides, and it is hard to gauge exactly how things will pan out given that it is the first game of the season, but it must be noted that SRH have a truly imposing batting unit.

Abhishek Sharma is the top ranked T20I batsman in the world with Ishan Kishan at number two. Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen are mercurial power-hitters capable of dismantling the best bowling attacks.

Throw in the guile of Nitish Kumar Reddy and the middle-order clout of Liam Livingstone and SRH have a truly formidable look about them.

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

Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders

Key talking points

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians have doubled down on their ‘One Family’ core, retaining stars Hardik Pandya (the skipper), Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Their primary off-season strategy focused on high-impact trades, successfully bringing in bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur from Lucknow Super Giants and middle-order batter Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans.

They also re-acquired leg-spinner Mayank Markande to bolster their spin department.

To facilitate these moves, MI parted ways with several players, most notably trading out Arjun Tendulkar and releasing international quicks Reece Topley and Lizaad Williams.

With a settled core and new domestic depth, MI aims to reclaim their dominant form at home.

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR enters 2026 with a heavily restructured squad under new captain Ajinkya Rahane.

The headline addition is Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, signed for a record-breaking fee following the retirement of franchise legend Andre Russell.

However, KKR’s preparations have been rocked by a severe injury crisis in their pace attack; both Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are ruled out for the season, with Navdeep Saini and Saurabh Dubey signed as late replacements.

Additionally, star signing Matheesha Pathirana is expected to miss the early phase of the tournament.

While they have lost key contributors like Venkatesh Iyer and Quinton de Kock, KKR will rely on a “spin-heavy” strategy led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy to bridge the gap.

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Teams heavily prefer to chase at Wankhede. Historically, teams batting second have won approximately 54% of matches (67 wins out of 123 games).

The average first innings score is approximately 170 runs. However, the ground often sees higher scores due to its short boundaries and a fast outfield.

Rohit Sharma holds the record for the most IPL runs at this stadium, with 2,439 runs scored in 84 innings.

Lasith Malinga remains the leading wicket-taker at Wankhede with 68 wickets.

The record team score at the venue id 235/1, set by Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Mumbai Indians in 2015.

The highest individual score at the ground belongs to AB de Villiers who struck an unbeaten 133 off 59 balls during that same 2015 match for RCB.

The best bowling figures at the ground are shared by Harbhajan Singh (5/18 vs CSK in 2011) and Wanindu Hasaranga (5/18 vs SRH in 2022).

Weather

Expect a warm, humid evening in Mumbai this Sunday. Temperatures will hover around 28 degrees, but the high humidity will make it feel closer to 32.

While mostly clear skies are predicted, there is a slight chance of brief localized showers. With light breezes coming off the Arabian Sea, it should be a great night for cricket.

Form

• MI: L, W, L, W, L.
• SRH: L, A, L, W, W.

Last five winners head-to-head: MI, KKR, KKR, MI, KKR.

Predicted line-ups

MI: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Will Jacks, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult.

SRH: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kartik Tyagi, Umran Malik.

Key players

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah enters the 2026 season as the undisputed leader of MI’s attack, coming off a stellar T20 World Cup campaign where he was the joint-highest wicket-taker.

Ranked as the fifth best T20I bowler in the world, his importance to Mumbai cannot be overstated.

He is the gold standard for T20 bowling, known for his lethal yorkers and deceptive slower balls that stifle even the most aggressive batters.

At the Wankhede Stadium, where boundaries are short and the pitch offers true bounce, Bumrah’s ability to provide breakthroughs in the powerplay and maintain a rare economy rate under 7.50 during the death overs will be vital.

Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy remains KKR’s primary mystery weapon and a critical component of their world-class spin department.

After finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the recent T20 World Cup, he brings immense confidence into this high-stakes opener.

Although he faced a slight dip in form during the latter stages of the World Cup, KKR management continues to bank on his unique ability to break partnerships during the middle overs.

On a batting-friendly Wankhede track, Chakravarthy’s variations and accuracy will be essential to keeping MI’s power-hitters in check and ensuring KKR can control the game’s tempo.

Prediction: Mumbai Indians

Another tough one to call given how early we are in the tournament, but with home advantage and laden with batters who are in good form, expect MIs to take this one.

Suryakumar Yadav had a quiet World Cup and Quinton de Kock’s form took a slight dip since the start of the year, but this is a team with outstanding depth in all departments.

They have traditionally been slow starters in the IPL but expect them to open with a win in 2026.

Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Key talking points

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan enters the 2026 season with a significantly altered top order following the high-profile trade of their long-time captain.

To fill the leadership void, RR has entrusted Yashasvi Jaiswal with greater responsibility, pairing him with the record-breaking 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who returns to the side as their primary explosive weapon.

The Royals also bolstered their middle-order power by signing Liam Livingstone for ₹13 crore to replace the departing Jos Buttler.

While they lost the veteran experience of Ravichandran Ashwin, the acquisition of Noor Ahmad ensures their spin department remains lethal alongside Yuzvendra Chahal.

Chennai Super Kings

CSK heads into this encounter defined by the blockbuster acquisition of Sanju Samson, who joins the Yellow Army to open the batting alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

This move follows the departure of Devon Conway, signalling a shift toward a more aggressive Powerplay strategy. While MS Dhoni is still in the mix and able to keep wicket it is unclear if he will get the role or if that will fall to Samson.

While the loss of Ravindra Jadeja to his home franchise is a sentimental and tactical blow, the all-round department is well stocked with Shivan Dube, Matthew Short, Zak Foulkes and Prashant Veer all capable replacements.

Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

The Baspara Cricket Stadium is not the primary home venue for the Rajasthan Royals, although they traditionally play a handful of fixtures here every season. Their main ground is the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Teams generally prefer to bowl first in Guwahati due to the potential dew factor in evening matches. However, batting first has historically been successful here, with teams winning approximately 50% of completed IPL matches.

The average first innings score is high, sitting at approximately 180 runs. The pitch is consistently regarded as a ‘batting paradise’.

Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals), a local favourite, holds the record for the most IPL runs at this stadium with 137 runs across 5 innings.

Yuzvendra Chahal is the leading wicket-taker at the venue in the IPL, having claimed 6 wickets.

The team score at the venue is 199/4, set by the Rajasthan Royals against the Delhi Capitals in 2023.

Quinton de Kock holds the record for the highest individual score at the venue with an unbeaten 97* off 61 balls against Rajasthan Royals in 2025.

Nathan Ellis holds the record for best figures at the ground with 4/30 against the Rajasthan Royals during the 2023 season.

Weather

Guwahati is expected to experience a damp and humid Monday evening. Temperatures will settle around 22 degrees, though it will feel slightly warmer at 25°C due to high humidity levels.

While the skies will be partly cloudy, there is still a 20 percent chance of light rain passing through after sunset. Winds will remain light, blowing from the east.

Form

• RR: W, L, L, L, W.
• CSK: W, L, W, L, L.

Last five winners head-to-head: RR, RR, CSK, RR, RR.

Predicted line-ups

RR: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger.

CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, Spencer Johnson.

Key players

Vaibhav Suryavanshi

The 15-year-old phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the cornerstone of the Rajasthan Royals’ youth-driven strategy.

After a record-breaking 2025 season where he became the youngest IPL centurion with a 35-ball 101, he enters this match fresh off a Player of the Tournament performance in the recent U-19 World Cup.

With a career T20 strike rate of 204.37, Suryavanshi’s role as the primary explosive opener is vital for RR to exploit the powerplay.

His ability to handle extreme pace, documented facing 157 kph sidearms in trials, makes him RR’s most dangerous weapon at the top.

Sanju Samson

In what is arguably the most significant storyline of the season, Sanju Samson faces his former franchise after a historic pre-season trade to Chennai Super Kings.

Samson arrives in peak form as the Player of the Tournament from India’s victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, where he excelled as an opener.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed that Samson will open the batting alongside him, a tactical shift aimed at solving CSK’s previous powerplay struggles.

Samson’s intimate knowledge of the RR bowlers and his newly refined aggression make him the key to anchoring CSK’s revamped top order.

Prediction: Chennai Super Kings

An intriguing matchup with a host of subplots, most notably the trade that saw Sanju Samson leave RR to join CSK with Ravi Jadeja and Sam Curran moving in the opposite direction.

There is also the small matter of the world’s best teenagers facing up to each other with U19 World Cup winners Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre set to do battle.

It is early days in the IPL, but we are tipping CSK to take this one. They boast an interesting blend of youth and experience and in Sanju Samson they have the form player of the recently completed T20 World Cup.

CSK had a disappointing campaign in 2025; they should be much better this time round.

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

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The most unbelievable IPL records that you really need to know

The IPL is starting to draw focus with franchise cricket’s marquee event set to commence before the end of March.

First staged in 2008, 2026 will be the 19th iteration of the tournament.

There have been many great feats and records set over the course of the previous 18 events. Let’s take a moment to have a look at five of the most remarkable IPL stats.

1. Virat Kohli and the 200-run stands

Of the seven partnerships of 200 runs or more in IPL history, Virat Kohli has been involved in three of them. That is a staggering level of consistency in a format built on risk and rapid scoring.

Two of those monumental stands came alongside AB de Villiers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a pairing that defined an era for the franchise. Their understanding of tempo, field placement and pressure turned daunting totals into routine pursuits.

To feature in nearly half of all 200-plus partnerships underlines Kohli’s longevity and adaptability. In a competition defined by short careers and shifting squads, his presence at the heart of so many record-breaking stands is extraordinary.

2. Brendon McCullum’s outrageous opening salvo

The first ever IPL match in 2008, between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, announced the tournament in unforgettable fashion.

Brendon McCullum blasted 158 not out from 73 balls, striking 13 sixes and 10 fours as KKR romped to a 140-run win. It was audacious, theatrical and perfectly timed for a league seeking instant credibility.

For five years it stood as the highest individual score in IPL history before being eclipsed by Chris Gayle. Even now though, McCullum’s 158 remains the second-highest score the league has seen.

Remarkably, it is also one of only three IPL centuries scored for Kolkata, the others coming from Sunil Narine and Venkatesh Iyer. That the tournament’s defining early innings still holds such statistical weight speaks volumes.

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

3. Rohit Sharma’s forgotten hat-trick

Rohit Sharma is rightly celebrated as one of the IPL’s greatest batters, with 7,046 runs placing him among the competition’s elite. Yet one of the most unusual feats of his career came with the ball.

Playing for the Deccan Chargers in 2009 against the Mumbai Indians, Sharma produced a spell of 4 for 6 in just two overs, including a hat-trick.

He dismissed Abhishek Nayar and Harbhajan Singh with successive deliveries before JP Duminy fell to the first ball of his next over. Two balls later Saurabh Tiwary was stumped, sealing the match and a rare all-round masterpiece.

For a player remembered primarily for his batting, it remains a delicious statistical quirk.

4. Aaron Finch, the ultimate IPL nomad

Franchise cricket is built on movement, but no one has embraced the carousel quite like Aaron Finch.

The former Australia captain has represented nine different IPL franchises, a record that underlines both his global demand and the shifting strategies of teams at auction tables.

From early stints with Rajasthan and Delhi to later roles across the league, Finch became the embodiment of the short-term T20 contract.

Few players can claim to have worn so many colours in one competition. In a league often associated with loyalty to marquee names, Finch’s journey tells a different story about opportunity and reinvention.

5. A hat-trick of hat-tricks

Hat-tricks are rare in T20 cricket. To claim more than one in the IPL is exceptional in India.

Yuvraj Singh achieved the feat twice in a single season, a reminder of his knack for game-turning bursts. Yet even that pales next to the record of Amit Mishra, who has taken three IPL hat-tricks.

Mishra’s treble stands alone in tournament history. In a format dominated by batters and shaped by unforgiving margins, the ability to seize three wickets in three balls on multiple occasions is extraordinary.

As the IPL approaches its 19th season, these feats serve as a reminder of why the competition continues to captivate. Records fall and stars emerge, but the league’s archive of improbable numbers and outrageous performances only grows richer with time.

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

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The 7 big-hitting batters who could absolutely dominate IPL 2026

It’s not long now till the Indian Premier League starts. Ten teams and two months of cricket in the franchise game’s premier event.

The 2026 staging of the tournament will be the 19th iteration of the competition.

With the squads now decided and the World Cup done and dusted, it’s time to gaze into the crystal ball and predict who will be the leading scorers in this year’s IPL.

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

Few young players arrive in the IPL with as much intrigue as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Rajasthan Royals have built a reputation for spotting and nurturing young batting talent and the left-hander is the next in that line.

Sooryavanshi, who will be 15 years old when the tournament starts, brings fearless stroke play and an ability to score quickly against both pace and spin which makes him a potentially devastating option at the top of the order.

The Royals often give their attacking batters the freedom to take risks in the powerplay, a phase in which Sooryavanshi thrives.

He will be at the top of the RR order alongside another India star Yashasvi Jaiswal, while there is also the option of another teenage prodigy in Protea star Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

If Sooryavanshi settles quickly he could once again surprise many seasoned observers by mounting a genuine run-scoring challenge.

Don’t forget, he is already the youngest century scorer in IPL history and in eth final of the U19 World Cup he led his team to a win with a sensational knock of 175.

2. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Even after more than a decade in the IPL, Virat Kohli remains one of the safest predictions when it comes to big runs. He is the banker and with 8661 runs he is the competitions leading all-time scorer.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart has an extraordinary record in the competition and continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency.

Kohli’s ability to build an innings while maintaining a high strike rate is ideally suited to the demands of a long tournament. Over the years he has repeatedly shown that he can dominate bowling attacks across a variety of conditions.

It would surprise nobody if Kohli once again found himself among the leading scorers.

3. Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Explosive wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan could be poised for a major season with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

A naturally aggressive player, Kishan has the ability to change the momentum of a match within a few overs and he found excellent form for India during the T20 World Cup.

If given a regular role near the top of the order, he will have the opportunity to face plenty of deliveries, which is often the key to winning the IPL run-scoring race.

Kishan is particularly dangerous during the powerplay, where his attacking approach can overwhelm opposition bowlers.

A consistent run of starts could easily translate into a standout tournament. He is vying for the wicketkeeper role with retired Proteas hitter Heinrich Klaasen, but regardless of who wears the gloves, Kishan will play.

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

4. Dewald Brevis (Chennai Super Kings)

Few young batters in world cricket possess the natural power of Dewald Brevis.

The South Africa star has already shown glimpses of his potential in franchise cricket around the world and a move to Chennai Super Kings could prove a defining moment in his career.

He joined the team towards the tail-end of the 2025 season, and while his arrival wasn’t enough to save a failed campaign, there was an undoubted uptick in performance following his arrival.

Brevis thrives in high-pressure environments and is particularly effective against spin, an important quality on many Indian pitches. If he earns a regular spot in the Super Kings lineup, his fearless style could yield a string of match-winning innings.

With his ability to clear the boundary with ease (he hits more sixes than fours), Brevis could quickly emerge as one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament.

5. Sherfane Rutherford (Mumbai Indians)

Sherfane Rutherford has built a reputation as a destructive middle-order hitter and Mumbai Indians will be hoping he can translate that power into sustained run scoring this season.

The West Indies big-hitter certainly came good during the SA20 where he was phenomenal for the Pretoria Capitals. He carried that form into the World Cup, and he is currently at the top of his game.

While middle-order batters often face fewer deliveries, Rutherford’s aggressive style allows him to accumulate runs quickly. If the top order provides a solid platform, he could be perfectly positioned to finish innings with a flourish.

6. Glenn Phillips (Gujarat Titans)

Glenn Phillips has long been regarded as one of the most explosive batters in international T20 cricket. The New Zealand star combines brute power with remarkable athleticism and an ability to dominate spin bowling.

For Gujarat Titans, Phillips could play a crucial role in maintaining momentum through the middle overs. If he is promoted up the order on occasion, his run-scoring opportunities could increase significantly.

Given his reputation for producing rapid centuries in the shortest format, Phillips remains a genuine contender for the tournament’s top run-scorer title. His ability to bat both left and right-handed also make him a handful for bowlers.

7. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)

When Rishabh Pant is in full flow there are few more thrilling batters in world cricket. The Lucknow Super Giants captain possesses the rare ability to dominate attacks from the moment he arrives at the crease.

Pant’s fearless approach means he can score heavily even when the pressure is mounting. His willingness to take on bowlers also ensures that he rarely becomes bogged down during the middle overs.

He comes into the tournament off the back of some down-time, and he will be looking to reestablish his reputation as India’s premier power-hitting wicketkeeper, a role that has been lost to Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson.

If Pant finds consistency across the tournament, his attacking instincts and leadership role could propel him towards the top of the IPL scoring charts.

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

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

T20 is very much the domain of the batsman, but even having said that, in every season and every tournament there are always bowlers who end up shining brighter than the rest.

With the 19th season of the Indian Premier League set to commence at the end of March there is once again the opportunity for someone to don the Purple Cap, the reward for the player who leads the wicket takers list.

Last season the leading wicket taker was Gujarat Titans seamer Prasidh Krishna who bagged 25 scalps. The record for the most wickets in a single season is 32, a feat shared by Dwayne Bravo in 2013 and Harshal Patel in 2021.

But who will be the leading wicket taker in 2026? Let’s dust off the crystal ball and make some predictions.

1. Sai Kishore (Gujarat Titans)

Sai Kishore has quietly developed into one of the most reliable left arm spinners in the competition. Operating in the middle overs, his ability to choke scoring while still taking wickets makes him a strong Purple Cap contender.

Gujarat’s bowling unit is structured to apply pressure, and Kishore often benefits from batters taking risks against him. If conditions assist spin, he could climb quickly to the top of the charts.

Kishore will be playing his fourth season on IPL in 2026 and looking to build on what was a breakout campaign last time out where he managed 19 wickets at a strike rate of 13.4.

2. Jacob Duffy (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Ranked 20^th in the world in T20I, 2026 will see Duffy make his debut in the IPL. The New Zealand seamer may not yet be a household name in the IPL, but his skill set is tailor made for T20 success.

Swing with the new ball and accuracy at the death are a valuable combination. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Duffy will likely take the new ball regularly, giving him early opportunities to strike and build momentum.

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

3. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)

It almost feels inevitable that Jasprit Bumrah will feature in any Purple Cap conversation.

The Mumbai Indians spearhead remains one of the most complete all-format bowlers in the world. Whether at the start or the death, Bumrah has the control and variations to dismantle batting line ups.

If he plays a full season, which he didn’t do in 2025 due to injury, it would be no surprise to see him challenge the 30-wicket mark.

4. Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

A rising name, Sri Lanka‘s Eshan Malinga brings a slingy action and yorker heavy approach reminiscent of classic T20 specialists.

At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he could be entrusted with key overs at the death, where wickets often come in clusters. If he handles the pressure moments well, his tally could rise rapidly.

Last season was Malinga’s debut in IPL, and he managed 13 wickets from seven games at a strike rate of 12.3. If he gets a full set of fixtures under the belt he could well find himself towards the top of the wicket-takers charts.

5. Lungi Ngidi (Delhi Capitals)

Lungi Ngidi has long been known as a strike bowler in T20 cricket. Representing Delhi Capitals, his role will likely revolve around breaking partnerships.

Ngidi’s strength is two-fold – firstly it lies in hitting hard lengths and extracting bounce, which can be particularly effective on India surfaces that offer some assistance.

But secondly, and perhaps more importantly are his variations, particularly his slower ball, which is one of the best in the game. Fitness will be key, but if he strings together a full campaign, he could be among the leaders.

He heads into IPL 2026 having been named in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament at the recently completed T20 World Cup.

6. Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings)

Left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has become synonymous with composure under pressure. For Punjab Kings, he is the go-to bowler in crunch situations, especially at the death.

His ability to nail yorkers and force mistakes makes him a consistent wicket taking threat. With experience now firmly on his side, this could be the season he converts promise into a Purple Cap push.

Arshdeep’s best return in a single IPL season came in 2025 (his seventh in the competition), when he bagged 21 scalps.

7. Blessing Muzarabani (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Towering Zimbabwean quick Blessing Muzarabani adds a different dimension with his height and bounce. At Kolkata Knight Riders, he could be used aggressively in both the powerplay and middle overs.

His steep bounce often forces batters into errors, particularly on surfaces with extra carry. If he adapts quickly to IPL conditions, Muzarabani has the tools to be a breakout star.

He certainly showed what he can do in Indian conditions as he led the attack for Zimbabwe at the recently completed World Cup where he was a stand-out performer.

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IPL didn’t pick them – but PSL 2026 will showcase these seven stars

While the Indian Premier League remains the marquee league in franchise cricket, its direct rival, the Pakistan Super League, is slowly making up ground as an attractive and lucrative destination for overseas players.

The 2026 staging of the PSL will be its 11th season. Making it extra interesting is the fact that it has now expanded from six teams to eight teams which naturally means more games and more players.

With the opening fixture set to take place on Thursday 26 March between the Lahore Qalandars and the Hyderabad Kingsmen, let’s take a moment to look at some of the big-name players who will be making their PSL debuts this season.

1. Marnus Labuschagne (Hyderabad Kingsmen)

Better known for his exploits in Test cricket, Labuschagne’s presence in the PSL is intriguing.

His adaptability has improved markedly in white-ball formats, and his ability to anchor an innings could prove vital on slower subcontinental surfaces.

With more T20 experience under his belt in recent years, this tournament offers him a platform to showcase a more expansive side of his game.

Marnus has played just one T20I for Australia, but he boasts franchise experience in BBL and Vitality Blast. His strike rate in the format is a modest 126.81 and he averages 26.55 per innings.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Hyderabad Kingsmen)

Maxwell remains one of the most destructive T20 players in the world. Capable of changing games in a matter of overs, his innovative stroke play and useful off-spin make him a genuine match-winner.

Although he is now at the tail-end of his career Maxwell is one of the all-time greats in the format – it is not for nothing that he earned himself the nickname ‘The Big Show’.

For Hyderabad, he brings not just firepower but invaluable experience in high-pressure franchise leagues.

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

3. Devon Conway (Islamabad United)

A model of consistency, Conway has quietly become one of the most reliable top-order batters in T20 cricket. His ability to pace an innings and find gaps with precision makes him ideally suited to PSL conditions.

Islamabad will rely heavily on him to provide stability at the top.

He also doubles as a wicketkeeper. Conway was at the recent T20 World Cup with New Zealand and is currently playing in the bilateral series against South Africa where he has struck form, posting his highest score in over two years in T20Is in the second game of the series.

4. Adam Zampa (Karachi Kings)

Leg-spin remains a prized commodity in T20 cricket, and Zampa is among the best in the business. His control in the middle overs and knack for breaking partnerships could be crucial for Karachi.

On turning tracks, he may well be one of the standout bowlers of the tournament. With 147 scalps to his credit Zampa is Australia’s leading wicket taker in T20I cricket.

Still just 33-years-old, Zampa has extensive experience in franchise cricket having played in BBL, CPL, IPL, MLC and Vitality Blast.

5. Gudakesh Motie (Lahore Qalandars)

Motie’s left-arm spin has gained increasing recognition on the global stage. Known for his control and subtle variations, he thrives in conditions that offer grip and turn.

Lahore’s attack will likely revolve around his ability to stifle opposition scoring in the middle overs. The West Indian has played 51 T20Is and averages 25.85 in the format with a strike rate of 19.5.

6. Steve Smith (Multan Sultans)

Smith’s inclusion adds a fascinating dimension.

Traditionally viewed as a longer-format specialist, he has reinvented aspects of his T20 game, adding greater intent and range and he was in superb form during the latest season of BBL, where his weight of runs earned him a late recall to the Australia squad for the World Cup.

His leadership qualities and cricketing intelligence could be just as valuable as his runs for Multan. Smith has previously played nine seasons of IPL cricket where he averages a very useful 34.51.

Interestingly his average in BBL is 48.32, with his average in the recently completed season an astounding 59.80.

7. Dian Forrester (Rawalpindi Pindiz)

One of the emerging names on this list, Forrester represents the next generation of South Africa talent. Currently on tour with the Proteas in New Zealand, he wasn’t quite good enough to make the World Cup squad, but he was certainly in the thinking.

A dynamic all-rounder, he offers versatility with both bat and ball. The PSL could provide the perfect stage for him to announce himself on the global franchise circuit. In the 2026 staging of SA20 Forrester averaged 58.33 with the bat.

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Five big IPL coaching moves that could shape the 2026 season

The Indian Premier League has always been as much a battle of the tactical minds off the field as it is a contest of skill on it.

As we approach the 2026 season, with the first game set to happen at the end of march, the coaching carousels have been spinning, with franchises recalibrating their support staff to find the winning edge.

From internal promotions to the return of legends, here are five key coaching moves that will define the upcoming tournament.

1. KKR promote homegrown architect – Abhishek Nayar

In perhaps the most significant move for the three-time former champions, Abhishek Nayar has been elevated to the role of Head Coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Replacing Chandrakant Pandit, Nayar is no stranger to the KKR setup having joined them last season after exiting his role as assistant coach of the India team.

Nayar has also spent years as the “brains” behind their academy and scouting systems, he has been credited with the rise of players like Rinku Singh. This transition signals a shift toward a more modern, player-centric leadership style as KKR looks to build a long-term dynasty.

2. The return of the legend – Kumar Sangakkara at RR

After a brief hiatus where Rahul Dravid took the reins, Kumar Sangakkara is officially back as the Head Coach of the Rajasthan Royals.

While Sangakkara remained a fixture as the Director of Cricket, his return to the “dugout-active” head coach role is a massive boost for the Pink City – he is also set to continue with the Director of Cricket role.

The Sri Lankan great brings a calming influence and a deep understanding of the Royals’ data-driven philosophy. His dual role ensures a seamless synergy between the front office and the tactical decisions made on the boundary line.

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3. A star-studded support room – Watson and Southee join KKR

KKR isn’t just changing its head coach; it’s building a “super-room” of assistants. Joining Nayar’s staff are Shane Watson and Tim Southee.

Watson, a two-time IPL MVP, brings an invaluable winning mentality as an assistant coach, while Southee transitions from active player to bowling coach.

Southee’s recent experience in the T20 circuit provides KKR’s pace battery with real-time tactical insights that few retired veterans could offer.

4. Technical refinement – Ian Bell heads to Delhi

The Delhi Capitals have looked to England for technical expertise, appointing Ian Bell as an assistant coach under Hemang Badani. Bell, known for his classical technique and high cricket IQ, is tasked with stabilizing a DC batting order that has often been brilliant but brittle.

His experience in high-pressure international environments will be vital for the younger Indian batters in the squad who are looking to take the next step toward national honours.

5. Fresh firepower – Varun Aaron leads SRH bowling

Sunrisers Hyderabad has opted for a fresh perspective by naming former India pacer Varun Aaron as their new bowling coach. Replacing James Franklin, Aaron brings a modern understanding of the “pace-is-pace” philosophy that SRH has traditionally favoured.

Having recently moved from playing to coaching, Aaron’s knowledge of modern T20 variations and the specific demands of Indian pitches will be a critical asset for a bowling unit led by Pat Cummins.

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