IPL 2026: 4 players who could emerge as surprise openers

The Indian Premier League is ready to take over the cricketing world with yet another exciting season. IPL is one of the most intense leagues in the world, and over the years, several teams have successfully deployed surprise opening options to disrupt opposition bowling plans and maximise the powerplay.

These unconventional promotions can completely change the momentum of a match, especially when an aggressive batter gets the freedom to attack from the very first ball. With the IPL 2026 season expected to bring fresh strategies and bold decisions from franchises, a few players could be used in similar roles to provide explosive starts. 

IPL 2026: 4 players who could emerge as surprise openers

4. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan will be gearing up for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League after a stunning campaign with the bat for team India in the T20 World Cup 2026. Having played as opener for the majority of his IPL career, especially for Mumbai Indians, he has the capability to give his team a blazing start.

Even though Sunrisers Hyderabad are well equipped with a stunning opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, they will be tempted to use Kishan’s services as opener in this season along with Abhishek. Travis Head can slot in at number 3.

3. Will Jacks

The English all-rounder Will Jacks had a stellar campaign in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026, as he won the Player of the Match award for a record-equalling four times. He was one of the main reasons for England qualifying for the semis.

Mumbai Indians are already stacked with Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton for the opening slot, still they could be tempted to use Jacks’ great batting form at the top on a batting friendly Wankhede pitch.

2. Jacob Bethell

The young sensation from England will be the player to watch out for in this season of the Indian Premier League. Bethell played one of the finest knocks in T20 World Cup history against India in the semifinals, scoring 105 runs in just 48 balls, and will be entering the competition with high confidence.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, too, are settled with an opening pair of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, but they could be tempted to use Bethell's power at the top on a batting friendly Chinnaswamy wicket. If he opens, Virat Kohli could slot in at number 3, or Salt can be demoted as well.

1. Cameron Green

The most expensive overseas player in IPL, Cameron Green was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping INR 25.20 crores. The tall all-rounder from Australia can be a great asset for any T20 side with his unique skillsets.

The three-time IPL champions would want to make best use of his abilities with the bat on a true Eden Gardens wicket. Green can take on any bowlers at will, and he is best suited to make the use of powerplay restrictions. So, if KKR manage to pair him up with Sunil Narine, one can expect fireworks.