Hit hard from the very first ball. Maximise runs in the powerplay.
That, in a sentence, is modern-day T20—and the IPL has become its most dramatic expression.
Over the last few seasons, franchises that embraced fearless opening strategies have consistently reaped rewards. The most recent example came when Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning champions, and Punjab Kings, last season’s runners-up, booked their tickets to the final on the back of explosive starts at the top. As a new season approaches, one question dominates discussions: which team has the strongest opening combination?
In today’s IPL, it’s not just about big hitters. Consistency, adaptability, and the ability to set a platform under pressure are just as crucial when franchises finalise their opening pairs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Trusting the Proven Formula
Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to stick with their trusted core in 2026. Once again, the franchise is likely to back Virat Kohli alongside Phil Salt at the top. The Indo-English duo set the tone from their very first match last season and never really looked back, piling up over 560 runs together in just 13 games.
Their fearless approach in the powerplay laid the foundation for RCB’s title run. Kohli, now focusing primarily on limited-overs cricket, is enjoying a rich vein of form, while Salt’s recent international performances suggest his hitting power hasn’t dipped. Fans will be hoping this momentum carries straight into the new IPL season.
Chennai Super Kings: Reinventing the Top Order
Last season was one to forget for Chennai Super Kings. Experiments at the top failed to click, powerplay scoring lagged behind rivals, and injuries only compounded the problem. The result was one of the most disappointing campaigns in the franchise’s history.
Learning from those setbacks, CSK entered the auction with a clear plan. The arrival of Sanju Samson via trade has transformed their top-order outlook. The likely opening combination of Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad gives Chennai stability and firepower. Should youngster Ayush Mhatre be preferred, Gaikwad may drop to one-down—flexibility CSK sorely lacked last year.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Options Galore
After a season of misfiring openers, Kolkata Knight Riders have gone for a major reshuffle. Although Quinton de Kock has moved on, the options are plenty: Tim Seifert, skipper Ajinkya Rahane, veteran Sunil Narine, and big-money recruit Cameron Green are all in the mix.
Seifert, in particular, brings valuable T20 experience and explosive intent from leagues around the world. With multiple combinations available, KKR’s challenge will be choosing the right balance rather than finding talent.
Mumbai Indians: A Familiar Face Returns
Mumbai Indians made a strong statement by bringing back Quinton de Kock at the mini-auction. After experimenting with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton last season, Mumbai wanted a proven match-winner at the top.
De Kock’s chemistry with Rohit from previous seasons, combined with his return to form after withdrawing his international retirement, makes this a move that could pay instant dividends.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Backing the Explosive Duo
The Travis Head–Abhishek Sharma pairing arrived with huge expectations last season but failed to deliver consistently, hurting Sunrisers Hyderabad’s playoff hopes. Despite that, SRH have decided to back the same India–Australia combination once more.
Abhishek has since emerged as one of India’s most consistent T20 batters, while Head looks back to his destructive best. Bowling to these two from ball one will be a daunting task for any opposition.
Rajasthan Royals: Youth Meets Fearlessness
With Sanju Samson moving on, Rajasthan Royals are set to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal and teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Last season, when injuries struck, the 14-year-old Vaibhav stepped up and stunned the cricketing world with fearless strokeplay.
Now thriving in domestic cricket with back-to-back centuries, his presence gives Rajasthan fresh hope and a glimpse into the future.
Stability Elsewhere—and Change in Delhi
Some franchises appear settled: Gujarat Titans are likely to continue with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, while Lucknow Super Giants seem unwilling to break up the Mitchell Marsh–Aiden Markram partnership.
In contrast, Delhi Capitals are set for a complete overhaul. After releasing Faf du Plessis and Fraser-McGurk, Delhi are eyeing a fresh opening pair. KL Rahul is the frontrunner to return to the opening slot, with options like England’s Ben Duckett, Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, and promising domestic talent Pratyush also in contention.
The New IPL Reality
Franchise cricket is evolving fast. The message from recent IPL seasons is loud and clear: start fast, dominate early, and build towards massive totals. Teams that adapt to this philosophy will define the nights ahead.
As another IPL season beckons, one thing is certain—the battle will begin from the very first ball.
