With excitement building for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, predictions from former cricketers have started pouring in. Among the latest voices are two ex-England captains — Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook — who have picked different favourites to lift the coveted trophy. While both acknowledged the competitiveness of the league, their choices reflect contrasting beliefs about experience versus momentum.
Michael Vaughan backs comeback of 5-time champions
Vaughan has tipped Mumbai Indians to reclaim glory and secure their sixth IPL title. The five-time champions have not won the tournament since 2020, when they defeated Delhi Capitals in a dominant final performance. The former England skipper believes that Mumbai’s squad depth and winning pedigree make them strong contenders to end their title drought. He pointed out that despite a few underwhelming seasons, the franchise still possesses a balanced mix of experienced stars and emerging talents.
According to Vaughan, Mumbai’s ability to handle pressure in crunch moments could prove decisive over the course of a long and demanding tournament. He suggested that teams with a history of success often find ways to bounce back, and MI might be primed for exactly that in 2026.
“Mumbai Indians are winning it this year. They haven’t won it in a few [years] but they have got an incredible team,” Vaughan said on The Overlap Cricket YouTube channel.
Alastair Cook goes with star-studded side to repeat the history
In contrast, Cook has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to defend their title successfully. The Bengaluru-based side enters the season as defending champions and will be aiming to become only the third team in IPL history to win consecutive titles. Cook expressed confidence in the team’s leadership and structure, particularly highlighting the influence of head coach Andy Flower. He believes that RCB’s recent success has instilled a winning mentality within the squad, something that could carry them through another successful campaign.
If RCB manage to win again, they would join an elite list alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians — the only teams to have previously achieved back-to-back titles.
Season opener sets the tone
The IPL’s 18-year history has seen a handful of teams dominate the competition. Apart from Mumbai and Chennai, Kolkata Knight Riders have also established themselves as a successful unit with multiple titles. However, every new season brings fresh challenges and surprises, making predictions far from certain. RCB’s recent rise has added a new dimension to the competition, while traditional powerhouses like Mumbai will be eager to reassert their dominance. With several teams strengthening their squads, IPL 2026 is expected to be one of the most competitive editions yet.
The tournament is set to kick off with an exciting clash between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign a day later against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
