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
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Grade D due to 10th place in 2025, 0–2 start in 2026, Dhoni injured, and weak death bowling |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Powerplay collapse vs LSG highlights lack of recovery if top order fails |
| Delhi Capitals | Sameer Rizvi scored 70 not out and 90 not out in consecutive matches |
| Punjab Kings | Retained 2025 core with Arshdeep, Chahal, and Jansen |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jadeja adds left-arm spin option missing in 2025 |
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.