The IPL 2026 mini-auction has concluded. Now, all cricket fans’ attention is focused on the IPL 2026 season. Although there are still three months until the season begins, former Team India player Ravichandran Ashwin is predicting which four teams will reach the playoffs in the IPL 2026 season. He has not included his former team, Chennai Super Kings, in this list.

He predicted that Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Rajat Patidar, Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer, and Rajasthan Royals would be the four teams to reach the playoffs. Of these teams, all except RR (Rajasthan Royals) actually made it to the playoffs in IPL 2025.

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Mumbai Indians for acquiring South African star player Quinton de Kock in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. He said that even without Ishan Kishan, Mumbai is trying to replicate the winning team combination from IPL 2020. He added that Mumbai Indians looks very strong both before and after the auction.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the IPL 2026 season will begin on March 26. According to several reports, the IPL 2026 season will be held from March 26 to May 31. However, the BCCI is yet to release an official statement on this.