Which team is favourite to win IPL 2026?

RCB, GT, SRH, and RR have qualified for the playoffs in IPL 2026.

After 70 thrilling games over the last two months, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the four teams that have qualified for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League 2026.

Punjab Kings’ exit was a shocking event for many fans, as they won their first six games in a row and dominated the first half. However, losing six games in a row in the second half came as a big blow to the side.

The fight for the top spots witnessed a nail-biting battle. For instance, RCB, GT, and SRH have earned an equal 18 points and their positions in the table were decided on the basis of Net Run Rate (NRR). All of them won nine games and lost five out of 14.

While RCB and GT have balanced batting and bowling units, SRH and RR are known for their explosive set of batters. The way to IPL 2026 title will witness more intense battles in the playoffs, and winning the trophy won’t be an easy job for any team.

RCB favourites to win IPL 2026 trophy

Among the top four teams, RCB seem little more favourites to win the title. To begin with, they are the defending champions of the tournament and have replicated their heroics from last season.

While GT and SRH struggled with their form in the initial games, RCB dominated opposition teams right from their first game. Also, the Rajat Patidar & Co. were the first team to qualify for the playoffs, and they did it quite comfortably, which say a lot about how strong they have been this season.

Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar form a strong top order for the side, while Tim David and Krunal Pandya are excellent finishers in the lower-order. Phil Salt’s return in the playoffs will add more firepower to their batting unit.

In bowling, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have led a brilliant pace attack. Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, and Krunal Pandya strengthen their bowling department.

Thus, considering all these things, we back them to lift the IPL 2026 title.

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