IPL 2026: Aakash Chopra predicts four playoff teams, leaves out five-time champions
On the basis of his analysis, he predicts MI, RCB, PBKS and DC to secure the top four spot in the IPL 2026.
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked the four teams he believes are most likely to qualify for the playoffs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. He stated that 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 Bengaluru, and Gujarat Titans made it to the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru went on to win their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final.
"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," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
"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," he added.
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Chopra picked Punjab Kings as the third team and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the fourth in his predicted playoff lineup. However, he noted that RCB have been significantly affected by the unavailability of some key players. Despite that, he believes the Bengaluru-based franchise remains strong enough to secure a place in the playoffs.
"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," said Chopra.
"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," he added.
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The cricketer-turned-commentator also mentioned that Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants could pose a strong challenge for a playoff spot. He added that Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad might find it slightly difficult to make the playoffs this season.
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