The MPL T20 2026 promises to feature some of the best cricketers from Madhya Pradesh. Both established internationals and rising domestic players make up an experienced group of batters who can turn games
around with their aggressive style. Out of them, there are five batters who deserve special mention based on their recent form, performance, and experience of playing under pressure. They include Rajat Patidar, Aniket Verma, Venkatesh Iyer, Shubham Sharma, and Madhav Tiwari. Their form will be vital in determining how the MPL campaign unfolds this year.
Each of these batters possesses his own style and technique in terms of batting. While some have already made a name for themselves in the IPL, others are still trying to create an identity through domestic cricket. It would be interesting to see what kind of performance they come up with this year.
Five Batters Who Could Shape the Tournament
Rajat Patidar (Gwalior Cheetahs)
Rajat Patidar is the biggest batting attraction of MPL 2026. The Indian international and Gwalior Cheetahs star arrives after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026. He scored 501 runs in IPL 2026 at a strike rate of 192.69, underlining his ability to dominate attacks. In domestic T20 cricket, Patidar has accumulated 3,389 runs at an average of 35.30 and a strike rate of 160.09. His IPL record includes 1,612 runs from 57 matches at an average of 33.58 and a strike rate of 164.49, with 14 fifties and a century. His ability to control an innings and accelerate makes him the most valuable wicket in the competition.
One more for the cabinet. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/JsPSazqcI4
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 31, 2026
Aniket Verma (Bhopal Leopards)
One such dangerous hitter to watch out for during the upcoming season will be Aniket Verma. The 24-year-old middle-order batter is from Jhansi and has been retained as a marquee player for Bhopal Leopards after doing well in previous tournaments. Aniket managed to score 192 runs in six innings last season with a strike rate of 184.62. Overall in his domestic T20 career so far, he has amassed 435 runs in 35 matches with an average of 18.13 and a strike rate of 161.11. Furthermore, he also has an IPL stint to his name having played 24 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 315 runs at an average of 21.00 and a strike rate of 160.71.
Venkatesh Iyer (Indore Pink Panthers)
Venkatesh Iyer will certainly add value to the Indore Pink Panthers with experience and T20 skills. Being a domestic T20 all-rounder from India, he is recognized as an attacking left-handed batsman and very cool in pressurizing situations. Venkatesh Iyer has scored 3,458 runs in Domestic T20 cricket with an average of 35.29 and a strike rate of 141.26. With 20 half-centuries and a century, Iyer's statistics speak volumes about his quality. In the IPL, he has played 69 matches, scored 1,677 runs with an average of 31.64 and a strike rate of 142.00, along with a century and 13 half-centuries.
Pure intent right from the get-go! ⚡ Venkatesh Iyer & Virat Kohli with a quickfire start to the chase 👊 Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X#TATAIPL | #Final | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/WRWW2L72zN
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026
Shubham Sharma (Chambal Ghariyals)
Shubham Sharma remains one of Madhya Pradesh cricket's most dependable names. The Chambal Ghariyals captain is respected for his leadership and technical batting. He played a major role in guiding Madhya Pradesh to its maiden Ranji Trophy title and continues to be a reliable performer. In Domestic T20 cricket, Sharma has scored 290 runs in 17 matches at an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 106.62. Unlike others on this list, he has not featured in the IPL. However, his ability to stabilize an innings and handle pressure situations keeps him among the league's most important batters.
Madhav Tiwari (Ujjain Falcons)
The youngest name on this list of potential players in the MPL 2026 is Madhav Tiwari, who is an all-round fast bowler of 22 years old. He shot to fame with his spectacular debut season in the Indian Premier League, where he helped his team, Delhi Capitals, win several crucial games. Although he is more famous as a player who is capable of doing well in all aspects of the game, his aggressive style of batting has also earned him praise. In four senior T20 matches played till date, Tiwari has scored 21 runs with an average of 21.00 and a strike rate of 175.00. His IPL record mirrors those numbers, alongside four wickets.
