IPL Betting Tips 2026

The Indian Premier League returns for its 19th season with 84 matches from 26 March to 31 May 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter as defending champions after their historic maiden title in 2025. The mega auction reshaped squads dramatically: Rishabh Pant captains Lucknow, Shreyas Iyer leads Punjab at ₹26.75 crore, and Cameron Green joins KKR for a record ₹25.20 crore overseas fee.

The schedule faces uncertainty as the BCCI awaits Election Commission confirmation for state polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam—all IPL-hosting regions. Venue allocations for KKR, CSK, and potentially RR remain fluid until late January. The Impact Player rule continues into its fourth season, keeping average scores inflated. The second new ball rule introduced in 2025 attempts to rebalance dew-affected evening matches.

Our daily IPL predictions combine probability models with venue-specific analysis to identify value in every match.

IPL 2026 Fixtures Coming Soon

The IPL 2026 schedule is pending confirmation from the BCCI (awaiting state election dates). As soon as fixtures are announced, you will see our match predictions here. The season is scheduled to begin 26 March 2026.

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IPL 2026 Teams

The mega auction and trade window transformed IPL rosters. Key moves: Sanju Samson traded to CSK, Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals, and Mohammed Shami to Lucknow. Here’s each team’s betting profile for match-day analysis.

For detailed title odds and value analysis on each team, see our IPL 2026 Winner Prediction.

IPL 2026 Schedule Status

The BCCI has not released the final IPL 2026 schedule, awaiting confirmation from the Election Commission of India regarding state election dates. Polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam—all hosting IPL venues—are expected between April and May 2026.

Why this matters for betting:

• Eden Gardens (KKR) and Chepauk (CSK) may face scheduling restrictions during polling periods
• Rajasthan Royals face venue uncertainty due to administrative disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium may be replaced by Pune MCA Stadium or Guwahati Barsapara
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received only conditional approval for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium from KSCA, pending infrastructure commitments

Betting implication: “Home advantage” calculations for RR and RCB should be treated with caution. A Rajasthan team built for Jaipur’s large boundaries (78m straight) may struggle at Pune’s smaller ground. Monitor venue confirmations before placing pre-tournament bets on these franchises.

The schedule is expected in late January 2026 once election dates are announced. Check the official IPL website for confirmed fixtures.

Toss & Dew Strategy for Match Betting

The toss significantly impacts IPL outcomes, especially in evening matches. Understanding dew patterns is essential for match winner and total runs betting. For a deep dive into the science behind toss decisions, see our dew calculator and captain psychology analysis.

Why dew matters: Heavy dew forms during the second innings of night matches, making the ball slippery for bowlers. Spinners become ineffective. In 2024, chasing teams won 60% of night games. Captains almost always choose to bowl first when winning the toss at night.

The 2025 Second New Ball Rule: To counter dew advantage, the IPL now allows the bowling team to request a ball change any time after the 10th over in the second innings of evening matches. Early data shows this has helped balance the contest - run rates dropped from 9.55 to 9.41 compared to 2024.

How to bet around the toss:

• Pre-toss betting: Factor in a 10-15% odds shift post-toss. The team that wins the toss and bowls first sees their odds shorten.
• Post-toss strategy: Wait for the toss result. If the underdog wins and bowls first, consider backing them at inflated odds.
• Venue-specific: Some venues buck the trend. At Chennai (Chepauk), batting first wins 56.7% of matches. At Mullanpur (Punjab), defending is favoured 11-5.

Player reactions to the second new ball rule:

• R Ashwin: “It brings back some fairness for bowlers”
• Pat Cummins: “You can bowl with more confidence knowing the ball won’t turn into soap”
• Andy Flower (RCB coach): “It will make it an even and fair contest”

Early impact data from IPL 2025: Run rate dropped from 9.55 to 9.41. Total sixes after 40 matches: 678 (vs 712 at the same stage in 2024). Spinners showed improved economy rates in second innings compared to 2024. The rule has partially addressed the dew imbalance, though chase advantages remain at coastal venues.

IPL Venue Guide

IPL 2026 spans 10 primary venues across India. Each ground has distinct characteristics that impact total runs, chase success, and player markets.

High-Scoring Venues (200+ Par)

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium holds the highest average first-innings score (204) among primary venues. The flat deck offers minimal assistance to bowlers, and SRH’s “High Octane” batting approach regularly pushes totals past 250. David Warner holds the venue record with 1,623 runs.

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru combines short boundaries (64m square) with high altitude—the ball travels further here than anywhere else in the IPL. The venue hosted SRH’s record-breaking 287/3 in 2024. Virat Kohli has scored 3,140 runs at his home ground, including 4 centuries.

Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi underwent renovation in 2023 and transformed from a moderate venue (183 avg) to a batting paradise (213 avg since 2024). The small boundaries now make it comparable to Chinnaswamy.

Eden Gardens in Kolkata averages 20 sixes per match—the highest in the IPL. The true bounce and fast outfield suit power hitters like Cameron Green and Andre Russell.

Defend-First Venues (Against IPL Trend)

Chepauk in Chennai remains the IPL’s premier spin venue. Spinners average an economy of 7.2 here compared to 9.0 for pacers. CSK’s 56.7% bat-first win rate reflects how the pitch deteriorates and favours defending totals.

Mullanpur in Chandigarh is Punjab Kings’ new home and bucks the IPL chase trend entirely. Teams batting first have won 11 of 16 matches here. The pitch appears to slow down in the second innings, making it difficult to chase.

The “Two Pitch” Venue

Ekana Stadium in Lucknow presents unique challenges. The venue uses two distinct pitch types:

• Red soil: Batting-friendly, scores of 180+ common, suits LSG’s pace attack
• Black soil: Rank turner where 140 can be a winning score, spinners dominate

Betting strategy: Wait for the pitch report confirmation before placing Total Runs bets at Lucknow. The soil colour fundamentally changes the match dynamic. For other high-scoring venues, treat 200 as the new par in the Impact Player era.

Key Players to Watch

For Top Batsman and Top Bowler markets, track these match-winners. Their form directly impacts daily IPL betting odds.

Opener Dominance in the Impact Player Era

The Impact Player rule has fundamentally changed batting strategy. Teams now deploy aggressive openers knowing a specialist batter waits in the dugout. This makes openers like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Phil Salt (if fit) high-value in Top Batter markets—they maximize the Powerplay field restrictions without fear of leaving the middle order exposed.

The All-Rounder Premium

For performance points markets, all-rounders who bat in the top 6 and bowl 3-4 overs offer the highest ceiling:

• Sunil Narine (KKR): Opens and bowls 4 overs every match—unmatched points potential
• Cameron Green (KKR): Bats at 3/4, bowls medium pace
• Ravindra Jadeja (RR): Bats at 5/6, guaranteed 4 overs of left-arm spin

IPL Betting Markets Explained

Understanding each market’s nuances is essential for finding value in IPL betting. For general principles, see our cricket betting guide.

Use our implied probability calculator to convert odds and identify value.

The Impact Player Effect on Total Runs

Since the Impact Player rule was introduced in 2023, average first-innings scores have increased by approximately 15 runs. The 200-run mark, once a milestone, is now regularly breached at high-scoring venues.

How this affects betting:

• Pre-2023 historical data for Total Runs markets is less reliable
• “Par score” has shifted from 160 to 175-180 at most venues
• At Hyderabad, Chinnaswamy, and Delhi, treat 200 as the new par
• Live in-play betting offers value: if a team loses early wickets, the market drops the line, but the Impact Player allows recovery

Market-Specific Strategies

Match Winner: The toss creates a 10-15% odds swing at chase-favoured venues. Consider waiting for post-toss odds if you believe the underdog has a chance. At Wankhede and Eden Gardens, the team winning the toss and bowling first sees odds shorten significantly.

Total Sixes: SRH home games consistently clear the 18.5+ line due to their batting depth and flat home pitch. Back Over on sixes when SRH play at Hyderabad.

Top Bowler: Death-over specialists (Bumrah, Arshdeep, Pathirana) dominate in night matches when they bowl the crucial 18-20 overs. Spinners like Chahal and Varun offer better value in afternoon games where dew is absent.

IPL Betting Strategy Tips

Pre-Toss vs Post-Toss Value

At venues with strong toss bias (Wankhede, Eden Gardens, Jaipur), consider splitting your stake. Place a smaller pre-toss bet on the underdog, then assess post-toss. If the underdog wins the toss and bowls first, their odds may offer significant value before the market adjusts.

When NOT to Bet

• Dead rubbers: Late-season matches where one or both teams are eliminated often produce unpredictable results as franchises experiment with lineups
• Rain-affected matches: DLS targets create volatility. If rain is forecast, consider avoiding or reducing stakes
• First match of the season: Teams are finding their rhythm. Historical data shows higher upset rates in opening fixtures

Bankroll Management Across 84 Matches

With 84 matches over 67 days, discipline is essential. We recommend:

• 1-2% of bankroll per match maximum
• Avoid chasing losses mid-tournament
• Track ROI by venue and market type to identify your strengths

For detailed staking strategies, see our bankroll management guide.

Player Matchups to Exploit

Beyond team-level analysis, individual player matchups create betting opportunities in Top Batter and Top Bowler markets.

Spin Hitters at Chepauk

Shivam Dube vs Spin: Since IPL 2023, Dube has scored 275 runs against spin at a strike rate of 179—the best among Indian batters. At Chepauk, where spinners operate through the middle overs, back Dube for “Total Sixes” props. His ball-per-boundary ratio against spin is 4.5.

Powerplay Dominators

Travis Head (SRH): In IPL 2024, Head scored 402 runs in the powerplay alone—the second-highest in IPL history behind David Warner (467). His partnership with Abhishek Sharma produced the highest powerplay score in T20 history (125/0 vs DC). At the flat Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Head is a strong Top Batter candidate.

SRH Powerplay Supremacy: Since IPL 2024, SRH’s average powerplay run rate is 11.00 with 67 sixes in the first 6 overs—both league-leading figures. Back “Powerplay Runs Over” in SRH matches.

Death-Over Specialists

Jasprit Bumrah (MI): Even in high-scoring games, Bumrah’s death-over economy remains elite. He consistently tops wicket charts by bowling the crucial 18-20 overs. Perennial Top Bowler value regardless of venue.

Matheesha Pathirana (KKR): The “Malinga 2.0” with his slingy action is difficult to pick at the death. At Eden Gardens where games go deep, he offers value in Top Bowler markets.

Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): At Mullanpur where pitches offer seam movement, Arshdeep’s left-arm angle creates problems. Back him for Top Bowler in PBKS home games.

IPL Records & Head-to-Head Trends

Historical data provides context but requires careful interpretation. Current form and venue often outweigh historical matchup records in T20 cricket. That said, certain rivalries have clear patterns worth noting.

Rivalry Context

The MI vs CSK fixture draws the highest viewership and betting volume. Both franchises have won 5 titles, making every encounter a clash of equals. However, venue matters enormously—CSK’s spin-heavy attack dominates at Chepauk, while MI’s pace battery thrives at Wankhede.

KKR’s Eden Gardens advantage (57.7% chase win rate) often neutralises MI’s historical dominance in head-to-head. When these teams meet in Kolkata, consider backing KKR despite the all-time record favouring MI.

All-Time Records

IPL has produced historic performances across 18 seasons. These records provide context for player markets and total runs betting.

Betting Context for Records

• SRH’s 287/3 proves that 270+ totals are achievable at high-scoring venues—factor this ceiling into Total Runs betting at Hyderabad and Chinnaswamy
• PBKS’s 262 chase at Eden Gardens demonstrates that no total is safe at KKR’s home ground
• Gayle’s 357 career sixes set the benchmark, but current players like Head, Livingstone, and Russell regularly clear 15+ sixes per season

A Note on Betting in India

The legal landscape for online betting in India changed significantly in August 2025 with the passage of the Prohibition and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA 2025). The law bans all online money games, including fantasy sports platforms with real-money stakes like Dream11.

Current status:

• Multiple constitutional challenges are pending before the Supreme Court (consolidated in September 2025)
• The industry argues the blanket ban will not withstand scrutiny
• Land-based horse racing remains legal in Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal

Our content is provided for educational and informational purposes. For international readers in jurisdictions where betting is legal, please always gamble responsibly. For detailed information on Indian gambling laws, see our legal guide.

How to Watch IPL 2026

IPL 2026 will be broadcast across multiple platforms globally.

Match Timings

IPL matches follow a consistent schedule:

• Afternoon slot: 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT, 6:00 AM EDT)
• Evening slot: 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT, 10:00 AM EDT)
• Double-headers: Feature both slots (weekends and select weekdays)

Languages Available

Star Sports broadcasts in multiple languages:

• English and Hindi: Star Sports 1/2
• Tamil: Star Sports 1 Tamil
• Telugu: Star Sports 1 Telugu (HD)

JioHotstar streaming offers all language options plus interactive features.

Key Change from Previous Seasons

Free streaming is no longer available. JioCinema (now JioHotstar) previously offered free IPL streaming, but from 2025, all platforms require paid subscriptions. The minimum JioHotstar plan starts at ₹149 for 3 months (mobile-only). Premium plans with 4K streaming cost ₹499/month or ₹1,499/year.

Jio mobile users can access IPL through bundled prepaid plans starting at ₹299 for 90 days.

More T20 Betting Tips

Explore our predictions for other major T20 leagues around the world:

For [responsible gambling](/responsible-gambling) guidance and information on [betting legality in India](/legal/is-betting-legal-in-india), please see our dedicated pages.