Kevin Pietersen picks IPL 2026 top four teams; snubs defending champions RCB

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen predicted the top four teams for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Pietersen ignored the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while naming his top four teams after the first six matches of the tournament.

IPL 2026 started with several high-scoring matches. Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Riyan Parag, are currently at the top of the 10-team points table with four points and a net run rate (NRR) of +4.171. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, are in second place in the points table with two points.

Kevin Pietersen shared his predictions after watching the first round of Indian Premier League matches. Pietersen named Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), but added that unexpected player injuries could change these standings.

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"Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top 4. MI, DC, RR, PUNJAB. This can all change with injuries etc, but that’s how I see it atm," Kevin Pietersen wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top 4.

MI, DC, RR, PUNJAB

This can all change with injuries etc, but that’s how I see it atm.

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 3, 2026

High-Scoring Matches in IPL 2026 Opening Week

The opening week of the Indian Premier League 2026 featured incredible batting performances. Sunrisers Hyderabad scored a massive 226 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders, while Mumbai Indians chased down 220 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Several players delivered spectacular individual performances early in the tournament. Ryan Rickelton scored 81 runs for Mumbai Indians, while Ishan Kishan made 80 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Devdutt Padikkal also impressed for RCB, scoring 61 runs off just 26 balls to secure a victory against SRH.

Young players also consistently proved their worth during the opening matches. Angkrish Raghuvanshi showed great maturity while batting for Kolkata Knight Riders.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered explosive performances for Rajasthan Royals. Sooryavanshi smashed a 15-ball half-century against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. Players have entertained fans across the country with thrilling performances in the IPL.

RR Dominate Early Standings While KKR, CSK Face Early Setbacks in IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently near the top of the points table. Rajasthan Royals hold the number one position due to their massive net run rate. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians also have two points after winning their opening matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders have endured a poor start to the tournament, losing their first two matches. They are placed ninth, while Chennai Super Kings sit at the bottom following a heavy defeat against Rajasthan Royals.

Young fast bowler Jacob Duffy made an impressive debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, picking up three wickets for 22 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Jaydev Unadkat and Blessing Muzarabani also delivered strong performances, taking key wickets for their respective teams.

Also read: Lalit Modi slams Sanjiv Goenka after Rishabh Pant incident, calls out IPL owners for “chasing hype"