IPL Fantasy Tips: 5 Must-Have Batsmen in your fantasy team during IPL 2026
IPL Fantasy Tips: 5 Must-Have Batsmen in your fantasy team during IPL 2026
The Indian Premier League remains the most dominant franchise cricket league in the world, and with IPL 2026 shaping up to be another high-scoring, high-intensity season, fantasy cricket players are once again preparing to build winning teams. The fantasy leagues are no longer a game of picking popular names; there has to be some strategy, a study of forms, knowledge of pitch and the discernment of players’ roles.
Batsmen are the most likely to come up with the highest fantasy points because of the points that come with the runs, strike rates, boundaries, as well as milestone bonuses in T20 cricket. The choice of the correct core of batters may either make or break your fantasy campaign.
TOP 5 PICKS FOR IPL 2026 FANTASY TEAMS
Virat Kohli
Best Score: 113*
IPL Runs: 7500+
Why Do You Need Him?
Virat Kohli is also one of the most reliable fantasy players in the history of IPL. He is also very consistent, particularly in chasing situations where he excels under pressure. Kohli has made a resurgence in his T20 game in recent seasons, striking a balance between aggression and stability.
Fantasy-wise, Kohli is a treasure trove since:
- He grounds innings and long knocks.
- The boundary percentage is high, increasing the number of points.
- Stable returns are guaranteed by frequent 50+ scores.
This will make Kohli an auto-selection in IPL 2026, with a better strike rotation and intent in the powerplay overs, Kohli will be an automatic choice; particularly in games that will be played on batting-friendly grounds such as Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Abhishek Sharma
Best Score: 100
IPL Runs: 1400+
Why Do You Need Him?
Abhishek Sharma has become one of the most dynamic young openers in the IPL. He is not afraid of anything and could, in the power play, single-handedly win matches.
Why is he a fantasy favorite:
- Brings up the innings → highest possible scoring.
- Strike rate is high → fantasy points as bonuses.
- Be part-time spin-wise.
This is his competitive advantage because his two-skilledness is very powerful, particularly in leagues where the all-round contribution is valued. When he gets into action, he can provide huge returns within a game.
Shreyas Iyer
Best Score: 96*
IPL Runs: 3200+
Why Do You Need Him?
Whatever batting lineup that Shreyas Iyer plays in, is the backbone. Being a middle-order player, he is good at stabilizing innings and accelerating when necessary.
Fantasy advantages:
- Being a consistent run scorer in pressure situations.
- Plays spin very well.
- Frequently bats lengthwise, making the maximum point.
Iyer will be a leader in IPL 2026, and generally leadership is associated with increased responsibility- and fantasy points.
Rajat Patidar
Best Score: 112*
IPL Runs: 900+
Why You Need Him?
Rajat Patidar has proven himself as a clutch performer, especially in knockout games. His ability to dominate spin and accelerate in the middle overs makes him extremely valuable.
Why fantasy players should pick him:
- High strike rate in middle overs
- Plays impactful innings rather than slow accumulations
- Underrated pick → differential advantage
If you’re looking for a player who can outperform expectations and give you an edge over other fantasy teams, Patidar is a smart inclusion.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Best Score: 78
IPL Runs: Emerging Player
Why Do You Need Him?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the new breed of fearless T20 cricketers. He is of a young age, but has displayed glimpses of brilliance in domestic leagues and early IPL appearances.
Fantasy upside:
- A high percentage of selection is low in the value of the differential.
- Aggressive batting style
- The future breakout player of IPL 2026.
Early identification of the upcoming players could be a game-changer. Suryavanshi has a chance to be one of the largest fantasy hits of the season provided he receives regular chances.
TOP BOWLERS FOR IPL 2026 FANTASY TEAMS
Jasprit Bumrah
- IPL Wickets: 150+
Economy Rate: ~7.3
Bumrah is arguably the best death bowler in T20 cricket. His ability to pick wickets in crunch moments makes him a fantasy must-have. Even when he doesn’t take multiple wickets, his economy rate earns valuable points.
Rashid Khan
- IPL Wickets: 140+
Economy Rate: ~6.5
Rashid Khan is a cricket fantasy superstar. His consistency in picking wickets while maintaining a low economy makes him indispensable. He also contributes handy runs lower down the order.
Mohammed Siraj
- IPL Wickets: 90+
Best Figures: 4/21
Siraj has improved dramatically in recent seasons. His ability to swing the ball early and bowl tight lines makes him a reliable pick, especially in powerplay overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal
- IPL Wickets: 180+
Best Figures: 5/40
Chahal remains one of the highest wicket-takers in IPL history. His attacking leg-spin often results in breakthroughs, making him a consistent fantasy scorer.
Arshdeep Singh
- IPL Wickets: 80+
Specialty: Death overs
Arshdeep is known for his composure under pressure. Bowling in death overs increases his chances of picking wickets, which is crucial for fantasy points.
Conclusion
To create a winning IPL 2026 fantasy team, one needs to do more than just pick star players. You need to:
- Form and injuries in monitor players.
- Adjust to pitch conditions.
- Wisely use captain and vice-captain selections.
- Keep up with the recent development with platforms like AllCric match predictions.
The five batsmen above are a solid base to your fantasy team, and the bowlers, as well as the all-rounders, will provide balance and flexibility.
Keep current, strategic transfers, and above all, have faith in your intuition supported by information. The fantasy formula for success in IPL 2026.