The countdown to the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League is almost over, with the tournament set to kick off on March 28. The opening clash will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With fans eagerly awaiting the start of another high-octane season, discussions around potential title contenders have already gained momentum.

As excitement surges, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his predictions for the top four teams likely to make it to the playoffs this year, offering insights based on squad strength, balance, and overall depth.

Former opener picks his top 4 teams of IPL 2026

Chopra identified Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals as his strongest contenders for the 2026 season. According to him, both teams possess well-rounded squads capable of dominating the league stage if their key players remain fit and consistent.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the tournament but emphasized that these two sides look formidable “on paper.” He added that if conditions fall in their favour, Mumbai and Delhi could even finish as the top two teams and potentially battle it out in the final. Chopra highlighted factors such as player fitness, form, pitch conditions, and luck as crucial variables that could influence the standings, but maintained that these two teams have the edge going into the season.

“This is a tough one. No one knows because there are multiple variables like form, fitness, how the pitches would be, how much luck favors you, and all of that. However, the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals are the two teams that look very good to me on paper. If all their players remain fit and available, and the form remains decent, they actually should finish as No. 1 and No. 2 ideally, but one doesn’t know where they would go. However, I feel they should definitely qualify,” Chopra said.

For the remaining two playoff spots, Chopra backed Punjab Kings and defending champions RCB. While expressing confidence in Punjab’s squad depth, he admitted there are some concerns surrounding Bengaluru’s camp. In particular, he pointed to recent setbacks, including injury concerns to key players, which could impact RCB’s campaign. Despite these issues, Chopra believes the team’s overall balance and bench strength should help them secure a top-four finish.

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However, he also issued a note of caution, stating that one of his predicted teams could miss out, leaving room for a surprise entrant. The IPL has historically been unpredictable, with underdogs often rising to the occasion.

“I feel the Punjab Kings are the third team that should qualify. I am thinking about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the fourth, although good news is not coming from the RCB camp. The Nuwan Thushara news came now. So things are not really setting up quite nicely for RCB. However, when I see the other teams and this team’s depth and strength, I feel RCB should be the fourth team. However, one of these four might miss out, and a fifth team might come in. That could be any team,” Chopra added further.

League phase to run till May 24

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially released the full schedule for the league phase of IPL 2026. The group stage will run from March 28 to May 24, featuring a packed calendar of matches across multiple venues.

The final league fixture is scheduled between Kolkata Knight Riders and DC, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the round-robin phase.

Also READ: BCCI announces schedule for the second phase of IPL 2026