IPL 2026 is currently underway in India. A total of 10 teams are in the hunt to chase the ultimate prize.
While there are 10 teams, they won’t face each other twice in the league stage. Rather, the teams have been divided into two virtual groups: A and B.
So, what are the groups in IPL 2026?
Group A comprises Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Group B features Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
But how are the groups formed?
The BCCI takes into account the number of trophies won or the number of final appearances made by each team.
Since CSK and MI have won the joint-most trophies, they are at the top in Groups A and B, respectively. Likewise, other teams have been seeded into groups.
KKR slot in Group A with three titles, while SRH occupy the corresponding spot in Group B with one trophy. RR are Group A with one title, while GT are in the opposite group.
Defending champions join Group A with their maiden title, while DC are in Group B with one final appearance.
Punjab Kings round up Group A with two final appearances, while LSG close out Group B with yet to reach the final.
How do teams play each other?
While two virtual groups are in place, teams will face opponents across both groups.
The only difference is that teams will play their group members once each, while they will take on the teams from the other group twice each.
This means each team will play four intra-group matches and 10 inter-group matches in the league stage. Read more about IPL’s format here.
Are teams ranked on different points tables?
No. While there are two groups, all teams will be placed on a single points table. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs.
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