With IPL 2026 just days away, predictions have started pouring in, and former England stars are already split on who will lift the trophy this season.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Mumbai Indians to win their sixth IPL title, saying the team looks ready to end their long wait since 2020.
Vaughan believes Mumbai have the right mix and momentum this year.
“Mumbai Indians are winning it this year. They haven’t won it in a few years but they have got an incredible team,” he said on The Overlap Cricket show.
On the other hand, fellow former England captain Alastair Cook has gone with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to repeat their success.
Cook said his faith comes from head coach Andy Flower, under whom he played during his England career.
“I am going with RCB. They are going back-to-back. I am trusting Andy Flower,” he said.
Meanwhile, ex-England cricketers Phil Tufnell and David Lloyd have backed Chennai Super Kings to bounce back strongly.
CSK had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing at the bottom with just eight points. Despite that, both pundits feel the five-time champions can recover and push for a record sixth title.
Interestingly, only Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders have won multiple IPL titles so far, making the race for a sixth trophy even more exciting this year.
IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match in Bengaluru. Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign a day later against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
With big names split in their predictions, fans can expect another tight and unpredictable IPL season ahead.