Mark Chapman has been brilliant in 2026. Image Credits: AFPMark Chapman has been making his mark in T20s. He’s always had superior skills, but his recent exposure to multiple leagues has massively improved him further.Chapman has gradually added more firepower and consistency in recent years. No wonder more T20 franchise gigs have followed this time.Mark Chapman’s improved T20 returnsMark Chapman's performances in 2026Mark Chapman has scored 923 runs at an average of 29.77 and a strike rate of 155.38 in 34 T20 innings this year, with five half-centuries to his name. During this period, the southpaw has represented New Zealand and featured in three overseas T20 leagues - PSL, MLC and ETPL.For New Zealand, Chapman has played nine innings, scoring 184 runs at an average of 20.44 while striking at 141.53. He was at his best in the PSL 2026, where he amassed 245 runs at an average of 49 and a strike rate of 170.13 in seven innings for Islamabad United.European T20 Premier League (ETPL) @etplofficial Chapman & Stirling absolutely tee off against Gleeson 💥😮💨 #ETPL Aug 30, 2026, 6:55 PM He then had a decent stint with Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026, scoring 184 runs at an average of 26.28 and a strike rate of 146.03 in seven innings, including a half-century.Now, Chapman has continued his good work for Belfast Wolves in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), where he is the third-highest run-scorer. He has accumulated 271 runs at an average of 33.87 and a strike rate of 166.25 in nine innings, including three half-centuries.Also Read: Jordan Hermann Smashes Highest ODI Score By A Debutant In International Cricket, Check Full ListThere has been a clear upward trend in his returns, with Chapman producing more runs in each successive league. The ETPL pitches have not exactly been the most conducive to high-scoring cricket, but he has still found ways to maintain an excellent scoring rate. That consistency has been valuable for Belfast Wolves as they have strengthened their position on the points table.Chapman’s pace-hitting abilitiesMark Chapman vs pace and spin in 2026One reason Mark Chapman has been able to score at such a high rate is his ability to dominate pace. He has always been a powerful batter against fast bowling, but he has become even more explosive of late, adding more boundary options to his game.In 2026, Chapman has a strike rate of 162.39 against pace, hitting a boundary every 4.23 deliveries. More importantly, he has the ability to attack hard lengths and short-pitched bowling even on slower decks, particularly when the field is spread.FanCode @FanCode Starring Mark Chapman: A Bowler’s Nightmare 🎥 #NZvWI Nov 6, 2025, 1:53 PM That is where his value as a batter multiplies. Not many batters can consistently take on hard lengths with the old ball and target the big boundaries, but Chapman has made it one of his strengths. He has a strong base and enough power to turn those awkward lengths into scoring opportunities.It is no surprise then that Chapman has enjoyed considerable success in the middle order, particularly at No.5. He has scored 518 runs at an average of 37 and a strike rate of 161.87 in 16 innings at the position this year, including three fifties.His ability to dominate pace is particularly valuable in this role. On surfaces that do not offer much for spinners, his recent improvements could make him extremely difficult to contain.Interest among IPL teamsMark Chapman could be among the players to attract plenty of interest at the IPL 2027 auction. Several teams will be looking for a solid middle-order batter who can handle pace, and Chapman fits that profile neatly.One of them could be Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who tried to fit Matthew Short into this role last season. The problem with Short is that his experience and skill set do not naturally lend themselves to batting in the middle order. Chapman, on the other hand, has played extensively in that role and could fit into it more seamlessly.He can take on pace while also adding the left-handed dimension. His presence could allow CSK to use Shivam Dube more selectively against spin, giving them two middle-order batters who complement each other. With pitches in Chennai, and across the IPL, no longer being as consistently spin-friendly as they once were, Chapman’s limitations against spin could be less of a concern, particularly if he has a strong spin-hitter around him.Gujarat Titans (GT) could also be in the market for someone like Chapman. They have a couple of options in Glenn Phillips and Tom Banton, but neither has firmly established himself in the setup. Phillips has been inconsistent in the opportunities he has received, while Banton did not get a chance. GT instead experimented with Washington Sundar as a batter at No.4 or 5.Chapman could occupy one of those middle-order spots and further strengthen GT’s ability to take on pace. The conditions in Ahmedabad could also suit his game, particularly his ability to attack from the middle overs onwards.Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR) could be looking for alternatives to Shimron Hetmyer. He endured a difficult IPL 2026 with the bat and was often forced to operate out of position. With RR, it is difficult to find a place for him in the top four unless Dhruv Jurel is pushed down the order.RR are unlikely to make that move every time, which means they could benefit from a batter more naturally suited to the middle order. Chapman could be a useful option in that regard. He can handle pace, provide impetus in the slog overs and, like Hetmyer, offers a left-handed option.Overall, Chapman has a strong opportunity to earn an IPL contract after the improvements he has made this year. The pool of quality middle-order batters is unlikely to be particularly deep, which could strengthen his case further. More importantly, he is continuing to put runs on the board wherever he plays, giving franchises plenty of reason to take notice.Also Read: Varun Chakaravarthy Injury Timeline
