Lagatar24 Desk
The 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). IPL 2026 is set to be the biggest season in the league’s history, with a total of 84 matches to be played among 10 teams.
Largest IPL Season With 84 Matches
This season will be longer and more competitive than previous editions. Earlier IPL seasons featured a maximum of 74 matches, but IPL 2026 will see 84 games played over 64 days across 13 venues in India. Teams have already begun training camps and preparation sessions to get players into match form.
The tournament is starting just 20 days after the end of the World Cup, and the BCCI along with IPL franchises is closely monitoring players’ workload.
Teams Begin Pre-Season Training Camps
Several teams have already started their practice camps. Chennai Super Kings players, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni, have been training since March 1 at the High Performance Centre in Navalur. Royal Challengers Bengaluru started their training camp on February 10 with players like Jitesh Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer and Suyash Sharma.
Gujarat Titans began their camp in Nathdwara from February 16 with captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan participating. Punjab Kings held their camp in Abu Dhabi from February 8 to 14 and have now started another training session. Teams like Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals have also begun their preparations.
Possible Final IPL Season For Dhoni, Rohit And Kohli Together
The IPL’s 19-year journey has been shaped by legendary players such as MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. There is speculation that IPL 2026 could be the last season where all three play together.
Dhoni has started training at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. At 44, this season could be his farewell, although his fitness and form suggest he still has the energy to compete. Reports indicate he may feature more as an impact player.
Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma has been seen practicing aggressive shots in the nets and is said to have lost around 11 kilograms. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who helped RCB win the previous season, has already begun preparations as the team aims to defend its title.
Matches To Be Played Across 13 Cities
Unlike earlier seasons that were held in 10 cities, IPL 2026 will be played in 13 cities. Rajasthan Royals will play some matches in Guwahati apart from Jaipur, while Punjab Kings will host games in New Chandigarh and Dharamshala. RCB has also chosen Raipur in Chhattisgarh as its second home venue.
Return Of Double Round Robin Format
After several seasons of group-based scheduling, the IPL will return to the double round-robin format. Each team will play every other team twice—once at home and once away. This format returns after four years and ensures a more balanced competition without any team gaining advantage from an easier group.
