Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals are set to compete in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a place in the marquee final on the line. Here is a list of 5 star players who could prove decisive for their teams in the playoffs. (File Pics)
Updated On: 2026-05-26 12:02 PM IST
Compiled by : Atharva Upasani
RCB star Virat Kohli has enjoyed another memorable campaign in 2026. The former Indian skipper has scored over 500 runs for another season and has been a mainstay of this dominant RCB team. Kohli has scored 557 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164 and will hold the key if the defending champions are to win the title again.
Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill is currently the second-highest run scorer this season with 616 runs. The Indian star has scored at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 162. Gill's opening partnerships with Sai Sudarshan will be important for GT in pursuit of yet another IPL title.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to take the IPL playoff stage by storm. The 15-year-old has scored 583 runs at an incredible strike rate of 232. RR will hope that Sooryavanshi can fire in the business end of the tournament and take them through to their first title since 2008.
Abhishek Sharma will be the key for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the playoffs this season. The southpaw has scored 563 runs at a strike rate of 206 and has looked back to his best after a poor T20 World Cup. If Abhishek scores runs, SRH will be the favourites to win their first title since 2016.
While the batters have dominated the tournament, RCB's Bhuvneshwar Kumar has impressed with the ball. The Indian star is the current purple cap holder with 24 wickets, at an average of 18.5. Bhuvneshwar will be the player to watch out for as RCB aim to successfully defend their IPL crown.
