former indian cricketer Aakash Chopra He has picked the four teams he believes have the most chances of qualifying for the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He said five-time champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are expected to finish as the top two teams in the league stage, provided they avoid any major form or fitness issues.
In the 2025 season, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans made it to the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final.
“It's tough. No one knows because there are so many factors like form, fitness, what the pitches will be like, how much luck favors you and all that. However, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals are two teams that look very good to me on paper,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
He said, “If all their players remain fit and available, and the form remains good, they should really ideally finish as No. 1 and No. 2, but no one knows where they will go. However, I think they should definitely qualify.”
Chopra picked Punjab Kings as the third team and Royal Challengers Bangalore as the fourth team in his predicted playoff lineup. However, he said that RCB has been significantly affected by the unavailability of some key players. Despite this, he believes that the Bengaluru-based franchise remains strong enough to seal a place in the playoffs.
Chopra said, “I think Punjab Kings is the third team that should qualify. I am thinking of Royal Challengers Bangalore as the fourth team, although good news is not coming from the RCB camp. The news of Nuwan Thushara has just come. So things are not really setting up well for RCB.”
He said, “However, when I look at the other teams and the depth and strength of this team, I think RCB should be the fourth team. However, one of these four teams can leave and the fifth team can come. It can be any team.”
The cricketer turned commentator also mentioned that Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants could pose a strong challenge for the playoff spot. He said that it may be a bit difficult for Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad to make it to the playoffs this season.
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