The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) officially starts today, bringing cricket fever back to the nation. The opening match features a star-studded clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Fans are eagerly watching to see if MS Dhoni continues his legendary run, with veteran cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin commenting that Dhoni’s presence remains the soul of the tournament.
This season introduces refined rules, including discussions around the 'Impact Player' rule which has faced criticism from captains like Shubman Gill for making the game one-sided. Despite the regional geopolitical tensions affecting travel, the BCCI has ensured that all international players have arrived safely. With stadiums sold out and millions tuning in digitally, IPL 2026 is expected to break previous viewership records, further cementing its status as the world's premier T20 league.