These ratings combine final squad depth with form from IPL 2026's opening three rounds. Teams are assessed on four criteria: bowling depth, batting floor, squad continuity from 2025, and early 2026 results.
Teams are ranked from 10 (weakest) to 1 (strongest title candidate). Grades run from D to A+. Several grades differ from pre-season expectations.
Summary
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Grade D due to 10th place in 2025, 0ā2 start in 2026, Dhoni injured, and weak death bowling |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Powerplay collapse vs LSG highlights lack of recovery if top order fails |
| Delhi Capitals | Sameer Rizvi scored 70 not out and 90 not out in consecutive matches |
| Punjab Kings | Retained 2025 core with Arshdeep, Chahal, and Jansen |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jadeja adds left-arm spin option missing in 2025 |
10. CSK ā bottom risk | Grade: D
Sanju Samson is CSKās key acquisition, providing wicketkeeping and finishing ability. However, the departure of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran removes
balance in both spin and seam bowling.
Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the batting, but MS Dhoniās injury weakens finishing options.
CSK finished with 4 wins in IPL 2025 and are 0ā2 in 2026. They conceded 250 for 3 against RCB, exposing the lack of reliable death bowling. The batting can win matches, but bowling limitations remain a major concern.
9. KKR ā rebuilding | Grade: Cā
Cameron Green was the most expensive allrounder signing but has yet to deliver. Andre Russellās past contributions with both bat and ball remain unmatched in the current squad.
Matheesha Pathirana is unavailable, weakening the death bowling significantly.
Sunil Narine and Rinku Singh provide partial balance, but the absence of a true allrounder and death specialist explains KKRās 0ā2 start.
8. SRH ā in trouble | Grade: C
SRHās struggles go beyond Pat Cumminsā absence. A collapse to 29 for 4 in the powerplay against LSG exposed their dependence on Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.
Their approach relies on aggressive starts and high totals. When early wickets fall, the middle order lacks stability.
Cumminsā return will strengthen bowling, but batting inconsistency remains the bigger issue.
7. GT ā struggling | Grade: C+
Gujarat Titansā losses highlight their dependence on Shubman Gill. Without him, the team lacks a reliable middle-order anchor.
Rashid Khan adds bowling strength but cannot compensate for top-order instability.
GTās recovery depends heavily on Gillās return and restoring batting balance.
6. LSG ā fringe playoff | Grade: Bā
Rishabh Pant leads LSG as captain and primary batter. His performance is central to their success.
The bowling attack, including Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, and Wanindu Hasaranga, provides strong depth.
However, dependence on Pant and concerns around Shamiās fitness limit their playoff certainty.
5. MI ā playoff candidate | Grade: B
Quinton de Kock is a valuable addition at a low cost. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav form a strong top order, supported by Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in bowling.
The main weakness lies in the middle order, particularly finishing ability in tight chases.
4. Delhi Capitals ā solid contender | Grade: B+
Sameer Rizvi has emerged as a key performer with consecutive match-winning innings.
| Key Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Consecutive performances | 70 not out and 90 not out |
| Awards | Player of the Match in both games |
Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel strengthen the bowling unit.
Delhiās success depends on Rizvi maintaining form across tougher fixtures.
3. PBKS ā title contender | Grade: A
Punjab Kings retain their strong 2025 core. Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen form a balanced bowling attack.
They began IPL 2026 with two wins, including a successful chase of 210.
Their main concern is improving Net Run Rate, but overall squad continuity makes them strong contenders.
2. RR ā strong playoff case | Grade: Aā
Rajasthan Royals have started strongly despite pre-season concerns.
Ravindra Jadeja adds balance with spin, batting, and fielding. Yashasvi Jaiswal leads the batting with consistent performances.
The main uncertainties are Riyan Paragās captaincy and Sam Curranās absence.
1. RCB ā title favourite | Grade: A+
RCB have started IPL 2026 in dominant fashion. They chased 202 in 15.4 overs and later posted 250 for 3 against CSK.
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Tim David lead a powerful batting lineup.
The bowling unit, including Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Jacob Duffy, provides depth and balance.
RCB retain their core squad and have added new strength, making them the strongest title contenders.
IPL 2026 Team comparison table
| Team | Rating Label | Grade | Key Strength | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | Title favourite | A+ | Strong bowling core retained | Player fitness |
| RR | Strong playoff case | Aā | Balanced squad with spin depth | Captaincy experience |
| PBKS | Title contender | A | Squad continuity | Net Run Rate |
| DC | Solid contender | B+ | Rizviās form | Overdependence on one player |
| MI | Playoff candidate | B | Strong top order and bowling | Middle-order gap |
| LSG | Fringe playoff | Bā | Bowling depth | Dependence on Pant |
| GT | Struggling | C+ | Rashid Khan impact | Gill dependency |
| SRH | In trouble | C | Explosive opening pair | Batting inconsistency |
| KKR | Rebuilding | Cā | Individual match-winners | Lack of balance |
| CSK | Bottom risk | D | Experienced batters | Weak death bowling |
