IPL 2026 Spin rankings: KKR tops, SRH trails - Full analysis of all teams

Sakshi Sharma

Rashid Khan and Krunal Pandya (Source: AFP) Rashid Khan and Krunal Pandya (Source: AFP)

All ten franchises have finalised their squads after the intense mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. While most teams focused on strengthening their batting and pace attacks, spin bowling remains a crucial factor in T20 cricket, especially in the middle overs. Here's a detailed look at the spin units of every IPL 2026 team and their ratings.

1. KKR - Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Prashant Solanki - 9.5/10

The fact the cannot be denied is that KKR boast one of the strongest spin attacks in IPL 2026. Varun Chakravarthy will lead the charge with his mystery spin, consistently taking wickets in the middle overs for the franchise. Sunil Narine, even as an all-rounder, will aim to provide economical spells.

Looking beyond them, the 2024 defending champions can also use young talents Prashant Solanki and Anukul Roy, depending on the playing conditions. With this combination of experience, control, and wicket-taking ability, KKR’s spinners can dominate games and control the tempo.

2. DC - Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Vipraj Nigam - 9/10

Looking at Delhi Capitals’ (DC) spin attack, they have a good mix of experience and balance with Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Vipraj Nigam. Axar will aim to keep things tight and build pressure, Kuldeep will likely take advantage of that pressure to get wickets, and Nigam will want to add extra support to the team when given a chance.

DC’s spinners are strong in the middle overs and can make important breakthroughs for the team.

3. RR - Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur - 8.5/10

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have strengthened their spin department significantly ahead of IPL 2026. Ravindra Jadeja will bring experience, control, and all-round value, while Vignesh Puthur will add variety with left-arm wrist spin. 

They have also signed Ravi Bishnoi in the auction and will want to rely on his wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs. The Rajasthan-based franchise can also use Yash Raj Punja as a backup option.

With this mix of experience and talent, RR’s spin attack can control games and apply pressure consistently.

4. RCB - Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh - 8/10

RCB have a balanced spin attack featuring Krunal Pandya’s left-arm spin, Suyash Sharma’s leg-spin, along with Swapnil Singh as backup. Krunal and Suyash played crucial roles in IPL 2025, offering variety and tactical options for the defending champions.

While not dependent on a single player, RCB’s spin unit complements their pace attack, making them a solid, versatile bowling option.

5. GT - Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav - 7.75/10

Gujarat Titans’ spin department will be under Rashid Khan, one of the most feared T20 spinners globally. Washington Sundar provides economy and tactical control, while Sai Kishore and Jayant Yadav add depth. Young spinner Manav Suthar offers long-term potential.

However, it is worth noting that both Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar are not in the best form. In the T20I format in 2025, Rashid Khan has played 12 matches and bagged 21 wickets. Sundar, meanwhile, has taken four wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.77.

With this blend of star players and reliable Indian options, GT has a spin attack capable of handling opposition batting line-ups.

6. CSK - Noor Ahmad, Rahul Chahar, Shreyas Gopal, Akeal Hosein - 7.5/10

CSK’s spin bowling is once again a major strength at Chepauk. Noor Ahmad will likely take the charge of the spin department with his attacking left-arm wrist spin. Rahul Chahar will want to support him well, providing control in the middle-overs. 

Along with them, Shreyas Gopal will offer leg-spin depth, and Prashant Veer will add all-around value if given a chance. With multiple options, CSK can adapt to any pitch and phase of the game.

7. LSG - Digvesh Rathi, M Siddharth, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed - 7/10

Taking a look at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spin bowling department have an attack led by Wanindu Hasaranga, with Digvesh Rathi, Shahbaz Ahmed, and M Siddharth. While the unit is solid, it’s not as star-studded as KKR or GT, but Hasaranga’s wicket-taking ability and experience make LSG a threat on turning surfaces. 

8. PBKS - Praveen Dubey, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar - 6.5/10

Punjab Kings (PBKS) depend a lot on Yuzvendra Chahal, just like they did in IPL 2025. The team will hope he gets good support from Harpreet Brar, who adds variety with his left-arm spin, and from Praveen Dubey.

However, PBKS do not have many other big-name spin bowlers. Chahal is still the main strength of the spin attack. With his experience and smart variations, he can turn matches in Punjab’s favour.

9. MI - Mitchell Santner, Will Jacks, Mayank Markande, AM Ghazanfar, Raghu Sharma - 6/10

Mumbai Indians' spin attack is led by Mitchell Santner. Mayank Markande will aim to provide breakthroughs with leg spin, and young spinner AM Ghazanfar will offer potential as a mystery option.

While MI’s spinners can control middle overs, they lack a dominant, match-winning mystery spinner compared to other franchises.

10. SRH - Zeeshan Ansari, Amit Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey - 5.5/10

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) spin attack is functional but not strong. They have Zeeshan Ansari, Kamindu Mendis, and Nitish Kumar Reddy providing tactical options. Liam Livingstone can chip in overs, but SRH rely more on pace and all-rounders than a frontline spin spearhead.

While balanced, their spin department lacks the firepower to consistently dominate matches.