Player of the Tournament contenders (Source: x.com)
It’s almost time to experience the unmissable T20 thrills as the IPL is back with yet another thrilling season. As the marquee tournament is set to raise its curtain on March 28, RCB will face SRH in the inaugural match, as the hype is already up for the high-voltage encounter.
Even though there is still a week left, the anticipation has already begun as fans wonder who will unleash a flurry of sixes and who will wreak havoc with the ball. The Player of the Tournament award honors the cricketer who delivers the biggest impact across the competition. Fans are already predicting the possible winner.
As all 10 teams are eyeing a successful tournament, aiming for the coveted trophy, every side has some match winners who can name the Player of the Tournament award. Let’s take a look at the top contenders from every IPL franchise who can win the Player of the Tournament.
1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Virat Kohli
- The world of cricket knows the brilliance of Virat Kohli, and the IPL stage saw a different version of his sheer domination. After a humble beginning, he emerged as one of the best batters of the IPL of all time.
- A reliable opener, a fierce fielder, an absolute beast in chase, and a master of cricketing tactics, Kohli is a full package that a team dreams of. Even after retiring from the T20 format, he ended up being the third-highest run scorer of IPL 2025 as he scored 657 runs in 15 matches with eight 50s.
- From the first edition of the IPL to the upcoming one, the tournament saw a number of superstars who came and went, but Virat Kohli remained a timeless classic of the game. With his incredible consistency, he has the potential to produce another record-breaking season and contend for the Player of the Tournament award.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Issues Official Warning To RCB Teammates In His 1st Address For IPL 2026
2. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Shreyas Iyer
- The T20Is may be away for Shreyas Iyer, but the IPL 2026 stage can be a battleground for him to prove his brilliance in the shortest format. Coming Punjab Kings, he has not excelled in leadership, as he had a breakthrough season with the bat last year.
- In 17 matches, he scored 604 runs and ended as PBKS’ highest run scorer of the season, along with six half-centuries. With an amazing spin-control ability, Shreyas emerges as one of the biggest hopes of their middle order.
- After a heartbreaking exit from the IPL 2025, the Punjab Kings will be chasing their first IPL trophy again, and captain Iyer will try to lead from the front. With a strong desire for redemption, Iyer has the potential to deliver a breakthrough season and emerge as a top contender for the Player of the Tournament award.
3. Gujarat Titans (GT)
Sai Sudharsan
- After Sai Sudharsan came to the Gujarat Titans, the franchise got a massive boost in the batting unit. Being a terrific opener, the batter has led the team to some dominating victories in the past.
- Since his first season, the young opener has showcased exceptional consistency as he won the Orange Cap in the IPL 2025. As the new season is commencing, he will try to continue the same old fire.
- If he channels his magnificent form, the cricket fans can witness another memorable edition from him, as it can make him a strong contender for the Player of the Tournament Trophy.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Ishan Kishan
- Ishan Kishan has built a global fanbase with his dynamic and explosive batting style that keeps spectators entertained. After joining SRH last year, he scored a stunning hundred in the inaugural match and stunned the world.
- In the last season, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches with one century and one half-century. In recent times, he has been in exceptional T20 form as he set fire at the T20 World Cup 2026.
- If he channels his fiery form in the upcoming IPL 2026, SRH can dream of a successful season. With a memorable season, he can earn his maiden Player of the Tournament Award.
5. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Sanju Samson
- Over the years, Sanju Samson has been a classic player of the IPL world, but the upcoming edition of the tournament will be a little different for the ace wicketkeeper-batter. Ending a long tie with the Rajasthan Royals, he is all set to start a new season with CSK.
- With his sensational power-hitting technique, he is a massive strength in the middle order. In the last match, he scored 285 runs with a strike rate of 140.39.
- Starting a new chapter in the yellow jersey, Sanju Samson could feel a sense of comfort that positively impacts his batting performance. With that, Sanju Samson remains a strong contender for the Player of the Tournament award in IPL 2026.
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Filled with outstanding batting brilliance and unreal power-hitting abilities, Yashasvi Jaiswal is a massive asset for the Rajasthan Royals’ side. Making his debut for the side as a young talent, he emerged as a batting superstar.
- In the last IPL season, Jaiswal scored the most runs for RR as he scored 559 runs in 14 matches with six half-centuries. The fearless left-handed opener remains a key pillar of the team’s top order with his aggressive batting style.
- As the upcoming season, RR will step into the big stage with a new setup, and Jaiswal will be their frontline warrior. If he channels his inner excellence, he can take his maiden Player of the Tournament trophy home.
7. Delhi Capitals (DC)
KL Rahul
- A batter capable of performing in any position, contributing behind the stumps, and delivering as a reliable fielder, KL Rahul remains a complete package in modern-day cricket. In his IPL career, the batter represented many teams, but after joining the Delhi Capitals, he transformed into something new.
- In 13 matches, he scored 539 runs with an outstanding unbeaten hundred. After some tough seasons, the team finally found the missing spark, and KL Rahul remained one of the main reasons behind it.
- As IPL 2026 is inching closer, the Capitals are looking for a memorable season with a mighty squad. Among some big names, KL Rahul emerges as one of the potential Player of the Tournament winners.
8. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Tilak Varma
- In the history of the IPL, the MI has been one of the most successful franchises, but the last few years have only showcased their struggle. Even though the franchise was seen as struggling, Tilak Varma emerged as the future superstar.
- With a sharp cricketing mind, he can stabilize an innings along with his power-hitting prowess. In 16 matches last season, he scored 343 runs, including two half-centuries, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 138.30.
- As the new season commences soon, MI will be eager for a mighty bounce back and Tilak Varma will be a valuable asset. With his unreal brilliance, he can be the next Player of the Tournament of IPL.
9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Nicholas Pooran
- The West Indies batters are known for their exceptional, fiery batting, and Nicholas Pooran brings the same firepower to LSG’s squad. The franchise remained away from their maiden IPL trophy, but Pooran remained the strongest pillar.
- With an aggressive mindset, Pooran turned heads with his 360-degree batting style. In IPL 2025, he scored 524 runs in 14 matches with an explosive strike rate of 196.25.
- As the LSG is stepping into the new season, Pooran will be hungry for a remarkable campaign. With a breakthrough season in sight, he stands as a strong contender for the Player of the Tournament award in IPL 2026.
10. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Varun Chakaravarthy
- Since making his debut in the KKR jersey, Varun Chakaravarthy’s mystery spin has become a massive asset for the side. Coming as a youngster, he evolved into one of the best T20I spinners of India.
- In the last three seasons, he showcased amazing consistency and played a crucial role in KKR’s IPL triumph in 2024. Even in the last season, he showcased his mystery spin as the opponent batters faced the heat.
- Despite the team facing some massive injury blows, Varun emerges as one of the main faces of their bowling unit. One sensational season could help him claim his maiden Player of the Tournament award in IPL 2026.
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