IPL Fantasy League: Key Developments Ahead of the 2026 Season

By Vikram Nair / 28.03.2026

How it unfolded

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is entering its 19th edition in 2026, with teams preparing for a highly anticipated season. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their first title win in IPL 2025, are looking to build on their success. The excitement is palpable as fans and fantasy league participants eagerly await the opening match scheduled for March 28, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

As the season approaches, RCB’s lineup is shaping up with star players expected to make significant impacts. The opening pair is likely to feature the iconic Virat Kohli alongside Phil Salt, both of whom are expected to set a strong foundation for the innings. In the middle order, captain Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal will play crucial roles, while Tim David and Romario Shepherd are anticipated to contribute significantly in the finishing stages of the matches.

However, RCB faces a challenge with the unavailability of key bowler Josh Hazlewood. The bowling responsibilities will primarily fall on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who are expected to lead the attack against opposing teams. This dynamic will be crucial for RCB as they aim to defend their title and secure a strong position in the points table.

On the other side, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished sixth in the previous season, are looking to improve their standing. Their opening pair will consist of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom are expected to provide a solid start. The middle order will feature Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, while Liam Livingstone is set to add power to the lower order, making them a formidable opponent.

For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, the performance of key players is of utmost importance. RCB’s star players, particularly Virat Kohli, are highly recommended for fantasy teams due to their consistent performance. Kohli has already made a mark this season, scoring 180 runs in just three matches, earning a total of 210 fantasy points. This performance solidifies his status as a top pick for fantasy league participants.

Additionally, other players like Rashid Khan have also shown impressive statistics, taking seven wickets in three matches and earning 195 fantasy points. These performances highlight the importance of selecting players who can deliver high returns in fantasy leagues, especially as the competition intensifies.

As the IPL 2026 season kicks off, the dynamics between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be closely watched, not just for the match outcomes but also for their implications in the fantasy league. The choices made by fantasy team managers will significantly influence their success as they navigate through the season.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the teams or player availability, but the excitement surrounding the IPL Fantasy League continues to grow as fans prepare for the upcoming matches.