Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin divided his IPL 2026 top four picks into two separate categories (via his YouTube channel). The legendary spinner believes the Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the three locks to advance to the knockouts.

However, he added that RCB’s hopes could dwindle if ace pacer Josh Hazlewood misses considerable time.

All three teams qualified for the playoffs last season, with RCB coming out on top to win their maiden IPL title. PBKS topped the table in the league stage before coming up short in the final against RCB.

Meanwhile, MI produced their customary comeback in the second half of the season but suffered a heartbreaking defeat to PBKS in Qualifier 2.

For the fourth and final playoff spot, Ashwin claims that as many as five teams will battle it out, starting with the 2024 runners-up, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). The former all-rounder also backed the Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to be in the mix for the final playoff spot.

While GT advanced to the playoffs last season, DC just missed out by finishing fifth in the standings. On the other hand, CSK and RR found themselves in the bottom two after dismal IPL 2025 campaigns.

The legendary all-rounder did not mention former champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), as even contenders for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

“SRH and DC will dictate how this table pans out” – R Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin believes the performance of SRH and DC will decide the final IPL 2026 standings. Both sides missed out on playoff qualification last season despite dominating at different stages of the competition.

While DC finished just outside the playoff bracket at fifth, SRH won a game less than them to end up at sixth in the standings.

“SRH and DC will dictate how this table pans out. Both these teams have the ability to put pressure on the top three teams or finish in the bottom,” said Ashwin (via the aforementioned source).

The Orange Army will play the opening game of IPL 2026 against defending champions RCB in Bengaluru on March 28.