Mumbai (Maharashtra), May 2: Former Indian cricketers Sanjay Bangar and Cheteshwar Pujara have called IPL 2026 the most explosive season in league history. The tournament has already seen record-breaking performances, with batters dominating matches, especially during the Powerplay.
Players like Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Prabhsimran Singh, along with established stars like Ishan Kishan and Devdutt Padikkal, have been aggressive from the start. This has led to an impressive 36 matches where teams scored over 200 runs, nearly double the number seen in similar periods four years ago.
The ability to chase down high targets has also improved, with 11 successful chases so far. Notably, Punjab Kings achieved a massive 265 against Delhi Capitals earlier in the season.
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi share the fastest half-centuries of the season, both taking just 15 balls to reach 50. Sooryavanshi has achieved this three times and also hit his second century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Sanjay Bangar highlighted that teams are attacking from ball one, especially in the Powerplay, thanks to high-quality pitches prepared by BCCI curators. He noted that strike rate is now more important than batting averages in T20 cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara added that the IPL 2026 stands out due to a shift in batting mindset. Teams are consistently scoring over 200 and chasing these totals, with players like Sooryavanshi, Abhishek, and Padikkal leading the charge. He emphasized that modern T20 batting focuses on quick runs and boundaries rather than building traditional innings.
With 27 matches remaining in the group stage, bowlers will aim to regain control, while batters continue their quest for supremacy. The IPL 2026 promises thrilling action as teams battle it out on the field.