IPL 2026: Anticipation Grows for High-Scoring Matches as Season Approaches

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, excitement builds following a practice match by Sunrisers Hyderabad that showcased impressive scoring. With the recent T20 World Cup featuring numerous high totals, fans are eager to see if this trend continues in the IPL. The season kicks off on March 28, promising thrilling matches and explosive performances from top players. Will the franchises maintain their momentum from the World Cup? Read on to find out more about the upcoming season's expectations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 18:44 IST

Excitement Builds for IPL 2026

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is scheduled to commence on March 28 in Bengaluru. Prior to the start, a practice match by Sunrisers Hyderabad has sparked discussions about the potential for an exceptionally high-scoring season. During the recent T20 World Cup held in India, scores exceeding 200 became commonplace, with several matches featuring totals in the range of 230 to 250 runs. While many games saw scores between 170 and 190, the most significant encounters showcased even larger totals, often hitting between 230 and 250.

In the semifinals and finals, India dominated England and New Zealand, achieving scores of 253 for 7 against England and 255 for 5 in the final against New Zealand. Batters consistently maintained strike rates above 150, and the powerplay phase witnessed explosive starts, with India averaging 55 runs and setting a joint-high record of 92 for no loss against New Zealand. Numerous teams also surpassed 80 runs during the powerplay.

The run-fest observed in the T20 World Cup hints at a similar trend for the upcoming IPL season, which kicks off with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In a recent practice match, SRH 'A' scored 253 for 9 in 21 overs, with Abhishek Sharma leading the charge with 94 runs off just 42 balls. Heinrich Klaasen contributed 49 runs off 31 balls, while the uncapped 23-year-old Indian power-hitter Salil Arora, acquired by SRH for Rs 1.50 crore, scored 47 runs off just 16 balls. For SRH 'B', stand-in captain Ishan Kishan made an impressive 72 runs off 25 balls.

The IPL has a history of high scores, with the 2025 season recording 52 totals of over 200, the highest in a single season. Notably, SRH holds the record for the highest total of 286 for 6, with their second-highest score being 278 for 3.

Given the flat pitches and the batting depth of IPL franchises, it appears likely that this season will feature another series of high-scoring matches, where batters will dominate the game.

SRH 'A' team's performance in the practice match serves as a precursor to what fans can expect in the upcoming season. Following the match, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin remarked, "A sign of the kind of scores we will end up seeing this IPL, especially from the men in Orange?" As the tournament approaches, it will be fascinating to see if Sunrisers Hyderabad can maintain their form and if other franchises will continue the trend of scoring over 200 runs.