IPL 2026: Rating all 10 teams based on their final squads

These ratings combine final squad depth with form from IPL 2026's opening three rounds. Teams are assessed on four criteria: bowling depth, batting floor, squad continuity from 2025, and early 2026 results.

Teams are ranked from 10 (weakest) to 1 (strongest title candidate). Grades run from D to A+. Several grades differ from pre-season expectations.

Summary

10. CSK – bottom risk | Grade: D

Sanju Samson is CSK’s key acquisition, providing wicketkeeping and finishing ability. However, the departure of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran removes balance in both spin and seam bowling.

Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the batting, but MS Dhoni’s injury weakens finishing options.

CSK finished with 4 wins in IPL 2025 and are 0–2 in 2026. They conceded 250 for 3 against RCB, exposing the lack of reliable death bowling. The batting can win matches, but bowling limitations remain a major concern.

9. KKR – rebuilding | Grade: C−

Cameron Green was the most expensive allrounder signing but has yet to deliver. Andre Russell’s past contributions with both bat and ball remain unmatched in the current squad.

Matheesha Pathirana is unavailable, weakening the death bowling significantly.

Sunil Narine and Rinku Singh provide partial balance, but the absence of a true allrounder and death specialist explains KKR’s 0–2 start.

8. SRH – in trouble | Grade: C

SRH’s struggles go beyond Pat Cummins’ absence. A collapse to 29 for 4 in the powerplay against LSG exposed their dependence on Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.

Their approach relies on aggressive starts and high totals. When early wickets fall, the middle order lacks stability.

Cummins’ return will strengthen bowling, but batting inconsistency remains the bigger issue.

7. GT – struggling | Grade: C+

Gujarat Titans’ losses highlight their dependence on Shubman Gill. Without him, the team lacks a reliable middle-order anchor.

Rashid Khan adds bowling strength but cannot compensate for top-order instability.

GT’s recovery depends heavily on Gill’s return and restoring batting balance.

6. LSG – fringe playoff | Grade: B−

Rishabh Pant leads LSG as captain and primary batter. His performance is central to their success.

The bowling attack, including Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, and Wanindu Hasaranga, provides strong depth.

However, dependence on Pant and concerns around Shami’s fitness limit their playoff certainty.

5. MI – playoff candidate | Grade: B

Quinton de Kock is a valuable addition at a low cost. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav form a strong top order, supported by Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in bowling.

The main weakness lies in the middle order, particularly finishing ability in tight chases.

4. Delhi Capitals – solid contender | Grade: B+

Sameer Rizvi has emerged as a key performer with consecutive match-winning innings.

Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel strengthen the bowling unit.

Delhi’s success depends on Rizvi maintaining form across tougher fixtures.

3. PBKS – title contender | Grade: A

Punjab Kings retain their strong 2025 core. Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen form a balanced bowling attack.

They began IPL 2026 with two wins, including a successful chase of 210.

Their main concern is improving Net Run Rate, but overall squad continuity makes them strong contenders.

2. RR – strong playoff case | Grade: A−

Rajasthan Royals have started strongly despite pre-season concerns.

Ravindra Jadeja adds balance with spin, batting, and fielding. Yashasvi Jaiswal leads the batting with consistent performances.

The main uncertainties are Riyan Parag’s captaincy and Sam Curran’s absence.

1. RCB – title favourite | Grade: A+

RCB have started IPL 2026 in dominant fashion. They chased 202 in 15.4 overs and later posted 250 for 3 against CSK.

Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Tim David lead a powerful batting lineup.

The bowling unit, including Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Jacob Duffy, provides depth and balance.

RCB retain their core squad and have added new strength, making them the strongest title contenders.

IPL 2026 Team comparison table