IPL 2026 betting preview: Can RCB defend their title?

The 2025 season ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their first title, at the 18th attempt. They look strong once again this year, but both them as well as other teams in the league have been affected by a spate of injuries in the lead-up to the new campaign. What do the odds say about 2026?

IPL 2026: Who are the favourites to win the title?

RCB may be the defending champions, but according to Betway, they are only second-favourites for the title, at odds of 11/2. Mumbai Indians are top of the pile, at 7/2. Last year's losing finalists Punjab Kings are third at 7/1, while the Gujarat Titans are priced at 15/2. These were the four teams that made the playoffs last year.

Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals are the longest shots, both at 14/1. RR could be an adventurous shout, if you were to believe in their exciting batting lineup blowing other teams away.

IPL 2026: Who will score the most runs?

Just like the title, Betway do not think there will be a repeat for the top run-scorer this time around. GT's Sai Sudharsan walked away with this award last season, but three players – Suryakumar Yadav (6/1), Virat Kohli (6/1) and KL Rahul (8/1) – are favoured over his 10/1 to win it this time.

At 14/1, Sanju Samson would be a riskier bet. He might not normally be a candidate, but currently the toast of India after their T20 World Cup victory, he could carry that form into this season.

IPL 2026: Who will finish as the top wicket-taker?

Prasidh Krishna won the Purple Cap last year, but he is priced by Betway at 28/1 to win it again. The favourite is Varun Chakravarthy at 15/2, but he is coming off a slight dip in form at the T20 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah is second-favourite at 9/1, and Kuldeep Yadav third at 11/1.

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