The 2nd game of IPL 2026, like the 1st, proved to be a no-contest. Set 221 to win by KKR, hosts MI won with six wickets and five balls to spare. The win was relatively easy. An opening stand of 148 between Rohit Sharma (78) and Ryan Rickelton (81) meant Hardik Pandya’s men began the 19th season in style as MI look to win a 6th title and keep the record for most IPL crowns for themselves. Currently, they share it with CSK.

But this victory also lifted a ‘curse’ that MI had been facing for the last 13 seasons. It was a jinx that broke after 14 years. For the first time since 2012, MI had won their opening game of an IPL edition. From 2013 to 2025, MI had always lost their opening game. That came to and end after they blasted KKR into submission.

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MI have played six finals in the previous 18 editions and won five of them. Their only loss was vs CSK in 2010. The wins came in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Along with CSK, they are the only ones to win two consecutive editions. But since 2020, MI have never played the final. They came close last year but lost in Qualifier 2 to PBKS who lost RCB in the summit clash. Will 2026 be any different? The start has been ideal.

The next game for Hardik’s team is against Axar Patel’s DC on April 4 in Delhi. MI boast of a strong batting and bowling line-up and are strong cotenders to lift the trophy this year. Of course, the journey has just begun with 13 games left in the league stage. The league matches continue till May 24. The Playoffs are from May 26 to May 29 and the final is on May 31.

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In the season opener between RCB and SRH, Virat Kohli showcased his form with a brilliant 69 and now Rohit has joined the bandwagon. Good knocks in IPL 2026 will only boost their relevance in the ODI side. It’s the only format they still play. Both are in a race to be on the plane to South Africa for the 2027 World Cup.

IPL 2026 has only begun. There are still 68 games left to determine which teams finish in the top four. After that, the list can be trimmed and narrowed down to the final two who will face off in a bid for the title. It remains to be seen if he have a new champion or an old one.