It’s always expect the unexpected in the Indian Premier League (IPL). No one thought the Gujarat Titans would lift the trophy in their maiden season. That Sanju Samson or Ravindra Jadeja will part ways with their franchise. Rohit Sharma will be removed as the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain. Yet, all of these things happened.
Come the IPL 2026, you can try to predict what’ll transpire in the next 2 months. But, in all likelihood, you won’t get there. However, there are a few things we know can happen. But one has to adopt a broader perspective. What the franchises, the players, the fans, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will want.
MS Dhoni retirement & future stars
Several experts believe that MS Dhoni’s time will be up by the end of the IPL 2026 season. The Samson trade with the Rajasthan Royals suggests that as well. Now, whether it’ll happen or not depends on Dhoni. Everyone knows what he brings to the table. It’s not about runs or impact with Dhoni. His presence means that the IPL, BCCI, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are happy.
However, the league has to realise that it can’t just bank on him. One mustn’t forget that Rohit and Virat Kohli aren’t far away from their IPL retirements either. Maybe both will play until 2027, but post that, it’s tough to imagine they’ll stick around. That’s why the league needs new superstars, who’ll take over from them.
Will it be Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain? Can we expect T20I stars like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, or Tilak Varma? Will it be Test cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Rishabh Pant? A 15-year-old in Vaibhav Suryavanshi? Or captaincy extraordinaire, Shreyas Iyer?
What Rohit & Kohli’s IPL return means
Rohit and Kohli haven’t played any competitive cricket since January. Neither captain their team and are 1-format players. IPL 2026 carries immense value for them. BCCI will be watching closely. Since the 2027 ODI World Cup is their aim, their form and fitness will be scrutinised. The tournament could have serious ramifications for their international future, irrespective of what the BCCI officially says.
RCB eyes double as Chinnaswamy doors open
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) look great on paper. But it won’t be easy. Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara aren’t available currently. But a bigger demon follows them around. It’ll be fascinating to see how RCB responds to what happened on June 4, 2025. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium hasn’t hosted a game since the fatal incident. How will they be received? Can they handle the backlash that follows? Some may even say, why are they being allowed to play in Bengaluru?
MI & CSK’s battle for record-breaking 6th title
MI and CSK are the two most successful IPL franchises. At the moment, they are tied at 5 trophies each. On paper, no team is stronger than MI, but under Hardik Pandya, Mumbai haven’t been able to crack the code. The team looked discombobulated in 2024 and wasn’t much better in 2025. Then you have CSK, a team where Ruturaj Gaikwad is captain despite Dhoni and Samson both playing. The franchise has pivoted to younger players and attacking cricket, but will it work?
PBKS, LSG & DC eye maiden title
Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants remain winless. 18, 18, and 4 seasons, yet no trophy. They’ll be eager to end the drought. Shreyas nearly got Punjab their last season, and perhaps helping them cross the line will bring him back to India’s T20I team. As for Rishabh Pant, he’ll firstly want his willow to work and then think about winning. Meanwhile, Delhi will hope to finally perform as per expectations.
Abhi baar 300 par for SRH?
Sunrisers Hyderabad don’t have captain Pat Cummins, who’ll miss the first half of IPL 2026. Can they finally break the 300-run barrier in the IPL under Kishan? They have the four highest totals to their name. But that number has escaped them so far? Will Cummins absence affect them?
Where does Riyan Parag stand after RR ownership change?
RCB has also undergone an ownership change. But it’s the Rajasthan Royals (RR) who might be hit hard. Some have already questioned why Riyan Parag was named captain over Jaiswal. Will the sale of RR mean that it’s the end for Parag, the skipper? Will he play under the cloud of uncertainty? Could he exit the franchise like Samson after IPL 2026?
Cricket
IPL 2026: MS Dhoni retirement question, Rohit-Kohli return & hunt for next Indian superstar
