Sachin Tendulkar advocates new IPL rule. (Image: Reuters, PTI)

Sachin Tendulkar analyses IPL 2026 in detail, advocates new powerplay rule

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar has analysed the Indian Premier League's 2026 season in detail. Taking to Reddit, Sachin has opened up on the experience of watching Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the distinct identities the teams have taken, and has even advocated a new powerplay rule.

02 Jun 2026, 15:54 by India Today Sports Desk · India Today

In Short

Sachin Tendulkar narrates his experience of watching IPL 2026
Sachin reserves special praise for batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The Master argues for a new powerplay rule in the IPL

Legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar has shared his detailed assessment of the Indian Premier League's 2026 season, praising teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's impact on Rajasthan Royals while also advocating a significant change to the tournament's powerplay rules.

Writing on Reddit after the conclusion of the IPL season, Tendulkar reflected on some of the moments, players and tactical trends that stood out to him. The former India captain said Sooryavanshi's influence extended beyond the runs he scored, while also proposing that the traditional six-over powerplay be split into separate batting and bowling powerplays to add a new strategic dimension to T20 cricket.

"Watching cricket, you are always learning. In a tournament as long as the IPL, a few moments and performances tend to stay with you. While I couldn't catch every game this season, these are some of my observations," Tendulkar wrote.

TENDULAKR'S OBSERVATIONS FROM IPL 2026

1. Josh Hazlewood's deception against Jos Buttler

Tendulkar highlighted Josh Hazlewood's dismissal of Jos Buttler in the first qualifier as one of the standout tactical moments of the season.

According to Tendulkar, Buttler had already struck the Australian pacer for a four, six and another four before Hazlewood cleverly reduced his pace by 10 kmph, catching the batter off guard.

"What made the wicket special was how he subtly slowed down the next delivery by 10kms/hr and Buttler had already gone through his shot by the time the ball reached him," Tendulkar wrote.

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's impact went beyond runs

The legendary batter reserved special praise for Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster's presence alone influenced matches.

Tendulkar noted that opposition teams were actively planning for Sooryavanshi and that fans eagerly awaited his arrival at the crease. He also praised the youngster for maintaining his aggressive intent during the Eliminator and Qualifier despite the increased pressure.

"More importantly, his batting seemed to give Rajasthan Royals an added sense of belief every time he walked out to the middle," Tendulkar said.

3. RCB built an identity around shared responsibility

Tendulkar felt Royal Challengers Bengaluru's success this season was built around a culture of shared responsibility.

While praising captain Rajat Patidar's leadership, he also pointed out that the skipper had created an environment where multiple players were able to contribute consistently.

"That balance between leadership and contribution was an important factor in their run to yet another final," Tendulkar observed.

4. Tendulkar proposes new powerplay rule

One of Tendulkar's most notable observations concerned the evolution of T20 tactics.

The batting great said many matches this season appeared to be decided during the middle overs, particularly between overs seven and 15, as teams had become increasingly adept at handling both powerplays and death overs.

To address that trend, Tendulkar proposed splitting the powerplay into two separate phases.

"I feel, the Powerplay needs to be split into 2 parts. (First 4 overs as the batting powerplay and 2 overs of bowling powerplay which could be utilized at any point in the innings)," he wrote.

"If implemented, this could become the most strategic phase of T20 cricket."

5. Punjab Kings' fearless approach

Tendulkar also praised Punjab Kings for bringing energy and positivity to the tournament.

He described their cricket as brave and game-changing, while noting that the franchise appeared focused on process during the first half of the season before becoming more results-oriented later in the competition.

"Eventually, in such a fast-moving tournament it boils down to process and not getting attached to results," Tendulkar wrote.

6. Gujarat Titans' consistency stands out

The final team-specific observation centred around Gujarat Titans, whom Tendulkar praised for maintaining a remarkably consistent standard throughout the season.

He argued that GT's ability to remain faithful to their style of cricket, regardless of results, helped them avoid dramatic fluctuations in performance.

"Over a long tournament, that ability to control uncertainty often proves more valuable than occasional bursts of brilliance or isolated match-winning performances," Tendulkar said.

Reflecting on the season as a whole, Tendulkar said IPL 2026 demonstrated once again that tournaments are rarely defined by their beginnings. He pointed to the way teams adapted, players improved and new solutions emerged over the course of the competition as one of the most fascinating aspects of the league.

- Ends