With KKR a clear outlier, explore the ranking of each team with respect to their best spinners for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Spin bowling has once again proven to be a decisive factor in the T20 World Cup 2026, particularly on slow sub-continent surfaces where grip, variation, and control become match-defining assets. In modern T20 cricket, spinners are no longer merely defensive operators – they are tactical game-changers capable of dictating tempo, breaking partnerships, and dominating the crucial middle overs. From powerplay match-ups to strangling spells between overs 7 and 15, quality spin has consistently shaped outcomes in this tournament.
That same narrative is expected to carry forward into the Indian Premier League 2026, which will once again be played in spin-assisting Indian conditions. Finger spinners often provide control and build scoreboard pressure, while wrist spinners and mystery bowlers act as primary wicket-taking threats. Their variations, pace changes, and ability to extract turn make them invaluable weapons in high-pressure T20 contests.
Recognising this reality, every IPL franchise has placed strong emphasis on spin depth during squad construction. Most teams now feature two to three frontline spinners, supported by versatile backup options and part-time bowling all-rounders. But which franchise truly possesses the strongest spin department heading into IPL 2026? To answer that, we must evaluate not just star names, but the overall spin ecosystem – including wicket-taking potential, control options, and bench strength. With that framework in place, let’s now present a comprehensive ranking of all IPL 2026 teams based on the best spinners in the side.
IPL 2026 Ranking the Best Spinners of Each Team from 1 to 10
#10: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Primary Spinners
- Krunal Pandya
- Suyash Sharma
- Vicky Ostwal
Backup Spinners
- Jacob Bethell (FO)
- Swapnil Singh
At number 10 in our spin rankings sit the Royal Challengers Bengaluru – a franchise that, much like last season, appears to have placed relatively less emphasis on building a dominant spin attack. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has traditionally seen pace variations prove more effective than heavy spin investment. As a result, RCB’s spin department looks comparatively lighter than most other teams in IPL 2026.
While Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma headline the spin options, neither is viewed in the same elite bracket as the tournament’s premier wicket-taking spinners. The backup options provide depth but are more likely to contribute in short spells rather than operate as consistent match-defining forces.
#9: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Primary Spinners
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Harsh Dubey
- Liam Livingstone (FO)
Backup Spinners
- Abhishek Sharma
- Kamindu Mendis (FO)
At number 9 in the spin rankings are the Sunrisers Hyderabad, whose spin department appears relatively inexperienced heading into IPL 2026. Unlike teams built around established match-winning spinners, SRH rely heavily on emerging options such as Zeeshan Ansari and Harsh Dubey. While both possess skill and potential, they lack the high-pressure experience that often proves crucial in tight T20 contests. Moreover, the supporting cast – including Liam Livingstone, Abhishek Sharma, and Kamindu Mendis – offers part-time spin options capable of delivering short, economical spells.
#8: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Primary Spinners
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Riyan Parag
- Ravi Bishnoi
Backup Spinners
- Vignesh Puthur
- Yash Punja
At number 8 in our spin rankings are the Rajasthan Royals, who have significantly strengthened their spin department compared to previous seasons. The duo of Ravi Bishnoi and Ravindra Jadeja gives RR both wicket-taking ability and middle-overs control, while Riyan Parag adds a useful third spin option. On paper, this combination offers balance and tactical flexibility. However, the depth beyond the frontline trio appears relatively modest. While the backups are serviceable, they may not provide the same impact if injuries or rotation disrupt the core spin unit.
#7: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Primary Spinners
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Harpreet Brar
- Pravin Dubey
Backup Spinners
- Cooper Connolly (FO)
- Vishal Nishad
At number 7 in the spin rankings are the Punjab Kings, who boast a versatile and well-rounded spin attack for IPL 2026. The unit is led by Yuzvendra Chahal, one of the league’s most prolific wicket-takers, capable of striking in both the middle overs and at the death. Supporting him is Harpreet Brar, whose role primarily revolves around control and run containment, especially against right-handed heavy line-ups. Backup spinner Pravin Dubey adds depth when required, while Cooper Connolly and Vishal Nishad provide additional spin options in case of injuries or tactical adjustments.
#6: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Primary Spinners
- Wanindu Hasaranga (FO)
- Digvesh Rathi
- Aiden Markram
Backup Spinners
- M Siddharth
- Shahbaz Ahmed
At number 6 in the spin rankings are the Lucknow Super Giants, who possess a fairly balanced and competitive spin unit for IPL 2026. The attack is spearheaded by Wanindu Hasaranga, a proven wicket-taking leg-spinner, alongside Digvesh Rathi, who adds control and variety. Unless LSG opt for an all-out overseas batting combination, Hasaranga is expected to feature regularly, with Digvesh likely to support him in most conditions. Additional spin support comes from Aiden Markram, who can contribute useful overs in the middle phase. Backup options such as M Siddharth and Shahbaz Ahmed further strengthen the depth, giving LSG flexibility based on pitch conditions and match-ups.
#5: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Primary Spinners
- Noor Ahmad (FO)
- Prashant Veer
- Rahul Chahar
Backup Spinners
- Akeal Hosein (FO)
- Shreyas Gopal
At number 5 in the spin rankings are the Chennai Super Kings, a position that may come as a surprise given their historic reputation for dominant spin attacks. Traditionally formidable at Chepauk, CSK’s spin identity has evolved in recent seasons, especially with flatter surfaces reducing the exaggerated home advantage. Noor Ahmad remains their primary wicket-taking threat, while Prashant Veer is expected to step into the role previously occupied by Ravindra Jadeja. Rahul Chahar provides an additional attacking wrist-spin option, and the presence of Akeal Hosein and Shreyas Gopal adds versatility and depth.
#4: Mumbai Indians (MI)
Primary Spinners
- Mitchell Santner (FO)
- Will Jacks (FO)
- Mayank Markande
Backup Spinners
- Allah Ghazanfar (FO)
- Naman Dhir
At number 4 in the spin rankings are the Mumbai Indians, who have taken a noticeably different route by strengthening their spin depth ahead of IPL 2026. Unlike previous seasons where pace dominated their strategy, MI now feature quality spin options such as Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar, though team balance may allow only one of them to start regularly. Supporting them are versatile options like Will Jacks, who can provide useful middle-overs off-spin, and Mayank Markande, an attacking wrist-spinner well-suited to spin-friendly surfaces. Naman Dhir further adds depth as a part-time option on slow and low tracks.
#3: Delhi Capitals (DC)
Primary Spinners
- Vipraj Nigam
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
Backup Spinners
At number 3 in the spin rankings are the Delhi Capitals, who boast a strong and well-structured spin attack for IPL 2026. The unit is led by left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, a proven wicket-taker in the middle overs and a genuine match-winner on slow surfaces. He is effectively supported by captain Axar Patel, who provides control and accuracy, and the promising Vipraj Nigam, adding further variety. With the potential to cover a full quota of 12 spin overs consistently, DC’s frontline trio offers both penetration and containment. While the backup options are serviceable, squad depth could become a concern if injuries strike.
#2: Gujarat Titans (GT)
Primary Spinners
- R Sai Kishore
- Rashid Khan (FO)
- Washington Sundar
Backup Spinners
- Glenn Phillips (FO)
- Rahul Tewatia
At number 2 in the spin rankings are the Gujarat Titans, who possess one of the most formidable spin attacks in IPL 2026. The unit is spearheaded by Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most successful T20 spinners in the world, with over 700 wickets across formats. He is ably supported by R Sai Kishore, who offers control and accuracy, and Washington Sundar, who brings powerplay discipline and middle-overs stability.
With three frontline spinners capable of operating in different phases of the innings, GT boast both wicket-taking threat and run containment. Additional depth comes from Glenn Phillips and Rahul Tewatia, whose part-time spin enhances tactical flexibility. Importantly, most of these options are likely to feature regularly in the playing XI, giving the Gujarat Titans one of the most balanced spin arsenals in the tournament.
#1: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Primary Spinners
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Sunil Narine (FO)
- Anukul Roy
Backup Spinners
- Rachin Ravindra (FO)
- Prashant Solanki
Finally, at number one in the spin rankings are the Kolkata Knight Riders, who arguably possess the most formidable spin attack in IPL 2026. The unit is spearheaded by world-class mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, whose variations and control make him a constant wicket-taking threat. He is perfectly complemented by the experienced Sunil Narine, giving KKR a like-for-like high-impact spin pairing. With two elite frontline spinners already in place, Anukul Roy adds dependable left-arm spin depth, while Rachin Ravindra and Prashant Solanki provide additional backup options.
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