​A game for all ages: On the 2026 Indian Premier League 19th season

Less than three weeks after India won the ICC T20 World Cup at Ahmedabad, another T20 caravan rolls into view. The Indian Premier League (IPL) commencing at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, will traverse the country and conclude on May 31. Featuring 10 teams and 74 matches, the IPL has grown in stature and gained commercial heft since its inaugural edition in 2008. That just a few days ago defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royalsfound fresh owners spending astronomical rates is a reflection of the league’s high return on investment. Originally started as a counter to the rebel Indian Cricket League, the IPL remains the best among cricketing leagues across the globe. There is sadness too as the last edition, which crowned RCB, witnessed a terrible stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium leaving 11 fans dead. When the IPL happened in 2011, shortly after India had won the 50-over World Cup, Virat Kohli had confessed that he, and many others from the champion side, took time to adjust to the league. Cut to the present, Suryakumar Yadav’s men, spread across various IPL teams, will have the same predicament. Perhaps within a week, they should find their rhythm, especially Sanju Samson, who moved from Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Kohli, M.S. Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, constitute a troika that has been intrinsic to the IPL since 2008. At 44, Dhoni still remains relevant to CSK’s plans. The three stars may no longer lead their respective units as the next generation has staked claim, but all three are vital to their franchises. The age-spectrum in the IPL ranges from veteran Dhoni to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster, turning out for Rajasthan Royals, slammed a ton in the last edition. This second season would be vital for him as he races towards an Indian cap. Be it RCB or Mumbai Indians, which last claimed the trophy in 2020, or even an outfit such as Delhi Capitals that has never won the silverware, the IPL presents an opportunity to further their legacies. Among overseas stars, England’s Jacob Bethell, who nearly ruined India’s championship dreams in the recent T20 World Cup, would be an added attraction. Turning out for RCB, he would be Kohli’s ally. While most injured Australian seamers are recovering, it is expected that Pat Cummins will gradually turn up for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even Prithvi Shaw, on a comeback trail, would lean on this IPL to catch the selectors’ attention again. The league’s 19th edition is a reflection of its strong roots while ushering in fresh talent.