Kevin Pietersen predicts IPL 2026 playoff teams, leaves out RCB

Kevin Pietersen has predicted Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings as IPL 2026 playoff contenders. He raised concerns over RCB’s middle order and bowling, while highlighting the growing importance of the toss in high-scoring matches

New Delhi: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has made an early prediction of the four teams that could make it to the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after watching the first round of matches, where every franchise has played at least one game.

The former Delhi Capitals mentor feels that Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) could make the playoffs. He also added that unexpected player injuries could change these standings.

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“Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top four: MI, DC, RR, Punjab. This can all change with injuries, etc., but that’s how I see it atm,” Pietersen wrote in a post on X.

The biggest exclusion from his list is defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who started their campaign with a dominant win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). According to Pietersen, RCB’s middle-order form and Josh Hazlewood’s fitness are the main reasons for keeping the 2025 champions out.

“My concern with RCB is their middle overs and spinners, and Hazlewood’s fitness. Remember, bowlers win you championships,” he wrote on X.

Pietersen also feels that no target is safe this season after seeing RCB and Mumbai Indians chase totals of over 200 with ease. According to him, the toss has become very important.

“The mad thing, though, about this season is batters don’t know how hard to go in the first innings. What’s a good score? Averaging it out, can you actually win most of your games batting first? The toss is as important as your team!” he added.

According to the 45-year-old, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have to do something extraordinary to be considered title contenders.

“Something would have to change massively for me to consider CSK/SRH/KKR as title contenders,” he wrote in another post on X.

Meanwhile, after six matches, Rajasthan Royals are at the top of the points table with a net run rate of 4.171, while RCB sit in second place. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians also have two points after winning their opening matches. Hyderabad opened their account after defeating KKR in their second match.