baseball

IPL 2026: 4 likely overseas playing XI picks for each team

Yahoo Sports

The IPL 2026 season kicks off on March 28, with franchises finalizing their overseas player combinations. Teams are strategically selecting key international talents to bolster their squads, aiming for strong starts amidst injury concerns and last-minute withdrawals. Overseas stars will be pivotal in shaping team performances throughout the tournament.

The IPL 2026 is all set to kick off on March 28. With a few teams dealing with injuries and last-minute withdrawals, franchises are already reshaping their combinations to build their strongest playing XIs from the very start. Overseas players will once again play a crucial role in determining the fortunes of each side.

Here’s a look at the four likely overseas players for every IPL team this season: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Phil Salt Romario Shepherd Tim David Jacob Duffy RCB will bank heavily on Phil Salt to provide explosive starts at the top. The finishing duties are expected to be handled by power-hitters Romario Shepherd and Tim David. With Josh Hazlewood unlikely to be available at the start, Jacob Duffy is expected to step in and strengthen the pace attack.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Dewald Brevis Noor Ahmad Matt Henry Jamie Overton Last year, CSK’s middle order received a dynamic boost mid-tournament through Dewald Brevis’ aggressive stroke play. This season, he will feature from the start, adding strength at No. 4.

Jamie Overton will provide balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder alongside Matt Henry’s wicket-taking pace, while spin responsibilities will largely rest on Noor Ahmad. Mumbai Indians (MI) Will Jacks Quinton de Kock Trent Boult Mitchell Santner Mumbai Indians look formidable with Quinton de Kock expected to open alongside Rohit Sharma. Will Jacks will bring aggression to the middle order, as seen in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he won four Player of the Match awards.

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