Top Fantasy Picks for Every IPL Team in 2026

Fantasy cricket has become an essential part of the Indian Premier League experience. With millions of fans building squads and chasing leaderboard points, having the right combination of players can make all the difference.

In the 2026 season, player form, auction results, and evolving team strategies all influence who the top fantasy performers might be.

This article highlights the top fantasy picks from each IPL team for 2026, helping you build a well-balanced and competitive squad. Each team section outlines key players likely to score heavily based on consistency, role, and past performance.

1. Chennai Super Kings

The Super Kings will enter the 2026 season with a mix of experience and aggression, and their fantasy options reflect that balance.

Glenn Maxwell will likely be one of the standout fantasy players. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, especially in the middle overs, makes him a high-ceiling pick. He can hit sixes at will and often bowls a few economical overs, making him a strong candidate for captain or vice-captain in fantasy formats.

Shivam Dube is another must-have. He offers explosive lower-order batting and can occasionally pick up wickets with his medium pace. He has developed into one of the most dangerous finishers in the league and tends to score quickly, making him a perfect differential pick.

If Devon Conway returns to the team or is picked up again, his value as an opener with a calm and consistent technique makes him a steady fantasy option. Conway is known for building solid starts and carrying his bat deep into the innings, which means guaranteed fantasy points.

2. Delhi Capitals

The Capitals have rebuilt their squad with a blend of international firepower and Indian stability. This balance offers several fantasy prospects.

Mayank Agarwal is likely to be a key top-order batter. Known for his reliability, he can anchor the innings and score big. He might not be the flashiest pick, but his ability to consistently provide runs makes him an ideal player for long leagues.

Finn Allen adds dynamism at the top. A wicket-keeper batter who plays aggressively during the powerplay, he can offer a quick start and the added bonus of catches and stumpings. In high-scoring matches, Allen’s strike rate could be game-changing.

Adil Rashid, if used strategically in the Capitals’ bowling attack, brings wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. He has a knack for breaking partnerships, and his control in white-ball cricket translates to consistent fantasy returns.

3. Gujarat Titans

After back-to-back strong seasons, Gujarat Titans have emerged as one of the most dependable sides. Their squad features several fantasy-friendly options.

Ben Duckett, the English left-hander, is expected to open or bat at number three. His aggressive style suits Indian pitches, and his ability to clear the infield early gives him the chance to score quick runs.

Rassie van der Dussen is a stable pick in the middle order. He rarely throws his wicket away, rotates strike effectively, and builds innings in pressure situations. For fantasy players who prefer consistent returns over explosive but risky picks, van der Dussen is a great option.

Prithvi Shaw, if given a consistent run, can be one of the most explosive players in the league. He plays at a rapid pace and can dominate the powerplay. He may be a high-risk pick, but the reward is often worth it on flat tracks.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR’s squad heading into 2026 is brimming with versatile cricketers, giving fantasy managers multiple angles to build from.

Daryl Mitchell is a dependable middle-order option. He brings calmness under pressure and has a reputation for delivering when the team is in trouble. His ability to anchor and finish makes him one of the safest fantasy picks in the team.

Alex Carey, as the wicket-keeper batter, offers dual benefits. His quick scoring in the latter stages and sharp glove work often translates into points across both disciplines.

Shakib Al Hasan remains a fantasy dream. As a veteran all-rounder, he contributes in all three departments — batting, bowling, and fielding. Even if he bowls only a few overs, he often grabs crucial wickets and adds late-innings runs.

5. Lucknow Super Giants

The Super Giants boast a strong core of internationally experienced players, making them a hotbed for fantasy talent.

Kane Williamson, though more of a classical player, continues to provide consistency at the top. He builds innings, avoids risk, and often ends with 50-plus scores. He is especially valuable in formats where strike rate is not the only metric that counts.

Rilee Rossouw brings flair and aggression. Batting in the middle order, he can turn games around in a matter of deliveries. His form in franchise cricket globally suggests he will be a valuable high-risk, high-reward option.

Tom Latham, another wicket-keeper option, gives flexibility in fantasy squads. He can bat anywhere in the top five and offers stability and the occasional big knock.

6. Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians remain one of the most popular teams in the IPL and have always produced fantasy favourites.

Tim David is an explosive finisher. He can turn a game around in the last few overs and often does so with strike rates over 200. He may face fewer balls, but his efficiency and boundary-hitting potential are unmatched.

Chris Jordan, if he plays regularly, is a classic death-over specialist. He thrives in tight situations and regularly picks up wickets at the end of innings, which is gold for fantasy bowlers.

Kyle Mayers is another dynamic option. As a hard-hitting all-rounder, he offers batting firepower and useful overs in the powerplay. His role flexibility makes him one of the more under-rated picks.

7. Punjab Kings

Punjab often flies under the radar, but their squad features several fantasy-friendly players for 2026.

Steve Smith, assuming he plays in the middle order, brings calmness and consistency. He may not score at a lightning pace, but he accumulates runs with precision and rarely fails in back-to-back matches.

Tim Seifert is another player to watch. His aggressive approach at the top of the order and ability to contribute with gloves makes him an excellent pick in shorter fantasy formats.

Tom Curran has the potential to pick up key wickets and add a few handy runs at the end. His knack for taking wickets in pressure overs can tip fantasy contests in your favour.

8. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals always provide fantasy excitement thanks to their mix of youth and explosive experience.

Sanju Samson is one of the most consistent fantasy scorers. As a top-order batter and wicket-keeper, he gets multiple opportunities to score points. His ability to start fast and convert into big innings makes him a prime fantasy captain option.

Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to a title win in 2025, may feature for RR in 2026. If he bats in the top four, expect fireworks. His technique, shot selection, and ability to accelerate in the second half of an innings make him a valuable addition.

Rahul Tewatia, though currently with Gujarat, has been linked with a return. His finishing skills and part-time spin provide dual value. Even if he faces just 10 balls, he can deliver 30+ fantasy points.

9. Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB broke their title drought in 2025 and will enter the 2026 season with renewed confidence. Their squad is fantasy gold.

Rajat Patidar, now a key part of the setup, is an automatic selection. He scores quickly, builds big innings, and often delivers in crunch situations. He is likely to be among the top fantasy point-getters if he retains form.

Jonny Bairstow, if acquired by RCB, would be one of the most impactful players. His explosive starts and wicket-keeping role provide a double chance at points. In powerplay-heavy fantasy leagues, he could be a season-changer.

Venkatesh Iyer, likely to be used as a middle-order all-rounder, has the potential to contribute with both bat and ball. He is useful in rotation-heavy fantasy squads and often goes under-picked.

10. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers have a young squad with several high-impact players who could be surprise fantasy standouts.

Nicholas Pooran, if part of the squad, would be one of the most valuable fantasy picks. He hits big, keeps wickets, and is used in pressure situations. His consistency and boundary-hitting power make him a captaincy contender in smaller formats.

The team may also rely on breakout players and new signings for finishing roles, but Pooran remains the one name to lock in early.

Fantasy Tips Based on Player Roles

Understanding player roles helps you select a balanced fantasy XI.

• Wicket-keepers and aggressive openers provide the highest point potential through dual contributions. Bairstow, Allen, Seifert and Pooran are ideal here.

• All-rounders give consistent returns through multiple avenues. Picks like Dube, Iyer, Tewatia and Maxwell should form the core of your squad.

• Death bowlers such as Jordan and Curran pick up wickets in clusters. They may not bowl four overs every time, but when they do, the payoff is huge.

• Consistent middle-order batters like Williamson, van der Dussen and Smith may not always explode, but they offer security.

Use a mix of explosive players and dependable accumulators to create balance in your squad. Look out for matchups, pitch reports and venue history to guide weekly transfers and captaincy choices.

Final Thoughts

Fantasy cricket rewards planning, adaptability and a sharp eye for form. Heading into IPL 2026, the players listed above stand out as some of the most valuable assets across the tournament. Whether you build your squad around proven stars like Glenn Maxwell and Jonny Bairstow, or target under-rated gems like Daryl Mitchell or Tom Curran, success comes from choosing the right players at the right time.

Track team news, player availability and pitch conditions before making your final decisions. A well-balanced squad, informed captaincy picks, and smart substitutions are the key to finishing at the top of your fantasy league.

May your 2026 fantasy campaign be as thrilling as the IPL itself.