With IPL 2026 inching closer, the conversation isn’t just about fixtures and squads—it’s also about identity, roles and long-term planning. From leadership narratives at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to technique debates around overseas stars, several threads are already shaping how teams want to play this season.

De Villiers calls Kohli the “heartbeat” of RCB—and why that matters

Former RCB great AB de Villiers has again placed Virat Kohli at the center of the franchise’s story, describing him as its emotional and competitive engine. The remark is more than nostalgia: in the IPL, continuity is often rare, and franchises that maintain a clear core tend to be more stable under pressure.

If RCB are defending champions, Kohli’s role becomes doubly important. A title defense is as much about managing expectation as it is about tactics. De Villiers’ backing signals a belief that RCB’s dressing-room culture and intensity—traits long associated with Kohli—can translate into consistency across a full season rather than only hot streaks.

Greg Chappell critiques Cameron Green’s batting approach

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has questioned Cameron Green’s method in the IPL, suggesting the all-rounder can look “stuck” at the crease. In T20, that criticism usually points to a specific problem: a batter’s scoring options narrow when they aren’t moving well, aren’t committing to shots early, or are playing too many low-risk deliveries without rotating strike.

For a player like Green—often valued for balance as much as explosiveness—the challenge is finding a tempo that helps the team without turning him into a passenger. That can mean clearer role definition (powerplay aggressor vs. middle-overs stabiliser), more intent against spin, and a quicker pathway to boundary options when bowlers shut down singles.

CSK’s long-term succession talk: “Dhoni’s shoes” and leadership planning

Succession is a sensitive topic at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) because MS Dhoni’s influence has been structural, not symbolic. A report citing an ex-India all-rounder claims CSK see Sanju Samson as a player who could eventually fill a Dhoni-like leadership space.

Whether or not a direct replacement is realistic, the strategic point is clear: CSK’s most successful cycles have relied on defined leadership and calm decision-making under stress. If the franchise is mapping a post-Dhoni future, it will likely prioritize a wicketkeeper-leader profile, strong game awareness, and the ability to manage bowlers and match-ups—skills that matter as much as batting numbers in the IPL.

Jamie Smith skipping the IPL to rebuild red-ball form

England batter-wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has framed missing the IPL as an opportunity rather than a setback, using the time to refocus on red-ball cricket. This highlights a modern dilemma: franchise exposure can accelerate a player’s T20 growth, but constant travel and format-switching can also disrupt long-form rhythm.

For players on the international pathway, choosing downtime or first-class cricket over the IPL can be a calculated decision—especially for wicketkeepers, whose workload includes both physical and tactical demands.

Mumbai Indians: Jayawardene hints at a “newer version” of Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardene has suggested Rohit Sharma has undergone targeted skill work, hinting at a refreshed approach ahead of IPL 2026. For MI, any improvement in Rohit’s output—whether that’s faster starts, better match-up planning, or enhanced range against spin—changes the top-order equation.

In practical terms, a more assertive or adaptable Rohit can reduce pressure on the middle order and allow MI to play deeper batting line-ups or extra bowling options, depending on conditions.

Gujarat Titans begin practice in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans (GT) starting preparations early in Ahmedabad is a reminder that IPL seasons are increasingly won in the margins. Teams that lock in roles, train for specific venues, and refine fielding and death-overs execution before the tournament often begin the season with sharper cohesion.

For GT, early practice also signals attention to home-condition advantages—pace-off bowling plans, boundary dimensions, and batting templates tuned to the surface.

What these early storylines tell us about IPL 2026

  • Identity and leadership remain central: RCB’s Kohli-driven culture and CSK’s succession planning show how franchises think beyond one season.
  • Role clarity is under scrutiny: debates like Green’s tempo question often come down to what the team needs from him in specific phases.
  • Preparation is performance: MI’s individual skill projects and GT’s early camp underline that teams now build match readiness well before the first ball.

As squads settle and strategies become clearer, these narratives will evolve from quotes into on-field decisions—batting positions, bowling spells, and leadership responsibilities that will define IPL 2026’s early momentum.