Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enjoyed a strong campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, finishing third in the league stage and securing a place in the playoffs. However, their journey came to an abrupt end after a defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. While SRH were competitive across most departments, there are still a few areas that require attention if they are to take the next step and challenge for the title in IPL 2027.

Here are three changes SRH should do ahead of IPL 2027:

Invest in experienced bowlers and finishers

SRH possess an exciting crop of young talent, particularly in their bowling attack. Players such as Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain, Harsh Dubey, and Shivang Kumar showed promise throughout the season. However, the burden of leading the attack largely rested on captain Pat Cummins, especially during pressure situations.

Adding one or two experienced bowlers could significantly strengthen the squad. Veteran campaigners not only provide stability in crunch moments but also help in nurturing young talents. The same applies to the finishing department. While Aniket Verma, Salil Arora, and Smaran Ravichandran contributed in patches, SRH lacked a proven finisher capable of consistently closing out games. An experienced lower-order batter could provide the balance and composure needed in high-pressure chases.

Build a strong bowling core

Although SRH’s bowling unit had quality, the depth in the department remains a concern. The team relied heavily on its first-choice attack, and the backup options did not always inspire confidence. Bowlers such as Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, Dilshan Madushanka, and Gerald Coetzee were available, but the franchise still lacked a well-established bowling core with reliable backup options.

Successful IPL teams often build a bowling group that can deliver consistently over multiple seasons. SRH should focus on strengthening their reserves and creating healthy competition within the squad to ensure sustained success.

Add more right-handed balance to the batting line-up

One of SRH’s biggest strengths is their explosive top order, featuring Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma. However, the presence of multiple left-handed batters at the top can sometimes make it easier for opposition teams to plan their bowling strategies.

Introducing a right-handed batter into the top order could improve balance and create more tactical challenges for opponents. With Nitish Kumar Reddy capable of slotting in at No. 4, SRH can look to add a right-handed batter higher up the order to maintain flexibility and improve match-ups. A more balanced batting unit could prove crucial in helping SRH turn playoff appearances into championship-winning campaigns.

The last few Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons have been disappointing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The five-time champions have struggled to replicate the consistency and dominance that made them one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history.

Expectations were high heading into IPL 2026 after a rebuilding phase, but the season ended in another underwhelming fashion as CSK finished eighth on the points table. To bounce back strongly in IPL 2027, the franchise must address a few key areas and make some important changes.

Here are the three changes CSK should make ahead of IPL 2027:

3) Strengthen and improve the bowling unit

One of CSK’s biggest concerns in IPL 2026 was the lack of consistency in their bowling attack. While young pacer Anshul Kamboj emerged as a bright spot with 21 wickets in 14 matches, the rest of the bowling unit failed to deliver regularly. Bowlers such as Noor Ahmad, Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary, Spencer Johnson, and Gurjapneet Singh showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain their effectiveness throughout the season.

CSK need to reassess their bowling combinations and focus on developing a more reliable attack. Whether through better planning or fresh recruitment, the team must ensure that their bowlers can consistently pick up wickets and control the flow of runs during crucial phases of matches.

2) Revamp the top order

The opening partnership of Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad did not produce the desired results in IPL 2026. Samson’s aggressive approach often contrasted with Gaikwad’s struggle to find rhythm, putting pressure on the batting unit. To maximise their strengths, CSK should consider pairing Ayush Mhatre with Samson at the top of the order.

Mhatre’s attacking style can complement Samson’s intent, allowing CSK to make full use of the powerplay. Meanwhile, moving Gaikwad to No. 3 position could help him settle into the innings more effectively. As a technically sound batter, Gaikwad can anchor the innings, guide the middle order, and provide stability during challenging situations.

1) Improve injury management and workload monitoring

Injuries severely disrupted CSK’s campaign in IPL 2026. Several key players either entered the tournament carrying fitness concerns or were ruled out during the season. MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis battled injuries before the tournament, while players such as Ayush Mhatre, Jamie Overton, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ramakrishna Ghosh missed significant portions of the campaign.

To avoid a repeat of these issues, CSK must invest more resources in injury prevention and workload management. A fitter squad will provide greater stability and allow the team to maintain consistency throughout the demanding IPL season.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully retained their Indian Premier League crown after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, May 31.

On a night that demanded composure and big-match temperament, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion, producing an unbeaten masterclass to steer RCB to their second IPL title in as many seasons. Chasing a modest target of 156, the Bengaluru-based franchise reached 161/5 in just 18 overs, sealing a memorable victory with 12 balls to spare.

After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans endured a difficult start against a disciplined RCB bowling attack. Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill fell inside the powerplay, leaving GT searching for stability in the summit clash.

Nishant Sindhu showed positive intent with a brisk 20 off 18 deliveries, but RCB continued to chip away with regular wickets. Jos Buttler struggled to accelerate and was eventually stumped off Krunal Pandya after scoring 19 from 23 balls.

With Gujarat reeling, Washington Sundar stood tall amid the collapse. The left-hander anchored the innings beautifully and remained unbeaten on 50 off 37 deliveries, striking five boundaries. Useful cameos from Arshad Khan (15 off 6), Rahul Tewatia (7 off 5), Jason Holder (7 off 5), and Rashid Khan (7 off 3) helped GT reach a competitive 155/8 in their 20 overs.

RCB’s bowlers delivered collectively in the high-pressure encounter. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as the standout performer with figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also played his part with an economical spell, conceding just 23 runs and dismissing Buttler.

Chasing 156 for victory, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to Venkatesh Iyer. The aggressive left-hander took the attack to the Gujarat bowlers, smashing 32 off just 16 balls and ensuring the defending champions dominated the powerplay.

Although Mohammed Siraj removed Iyer and Kagiso Rabada dismissed Devdutt Padikkal cheaply, Virat Kohli remained unfazed. The veteran batter combined caution with aggression perfectly, keeping the scoreboard moving while neutralising Gujarat’s bowling threats.

GT found some hope when Rashid Khan struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya. However, Kohli continued to dictate terms and found a reliable partner in Tim David. The Australian all-rounder chipped in with a valuable 24 off 17 deliveries, effectively taking the game away from the Titans.

Kohli brought up a magnificent unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes, showcasing exactly why he remains one of the greatest performers in IPL history. Jitesh Sharma stayed unbeaten alongside him as RCB comfortably crossed the finish line in the 18th over.

Take a look at how social media reacted to RCB winning IPL for the second-time: