IPL 2026 is all set to start on March 28. With a few teams dealing with injuries and last-minute withdrawals, franchises are already reshaping their combinations to build their strongest playing XI from scratch.Overseas players will once again play a major role in determining the fate of each side. Here’s a look at four possible foreign players for each IPL team this season:Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Full salt
- Romario Shepherd
Tim David - Jacob Duffy
RCB will bank heavily on Full Salt to provide an explosive start from the top. Power hitters Romario Shepherd and Tim David are expected to handle finishing duties. With Josh Hazlewood unlikely to be available early, Jacob Duffy is expected to step into the pace attack.Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Dewald Brews
- Noor Ahmed
- Matt Henry
- Jamie Overton
Last year, CSK’s middle order received a dynamic boost mid-tournament through the aggressive stroke play of Dewald Brevis. This season, he will feature from the start, adding strength at No.4. Jamie Overton will provide the wicket-taking pace of Matt Henry as well as balance as a seven-bowling all-rounder, while the spin responsibilities will largely fall to Noor Ahmed.Mumbai Indians (MI)
Will Jacks Quinton de Kock Trent Bolt - Mitchell Santner
Mumbai Indians are expected to open with Rohit Sharma along with Quinton de Kock. Will Jacks will bring aggression to the middle order, as seen in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he won four Player of the Match awards. Mitchell Santner offers both spin control and batting depth, while veteran pacer Trent Boult will be crucial with the new ball, particularly in the powerplay.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Mathisha Pathirana.
- Cameron Greene
- Sunil Narayan
- Finn Allen
KKR’s bowling will be driven by the pace of Mitisha Patherana, while the experience of Sunil Narine is invaluable. The addition of Cameron Greene provides stability and all-round value, and Finn Allen is likely to inject aggression at the top of the order, as shown in the semi-final against South Africa, where he scored one of the fastest centuries in a T20 World Cup.Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Marcus Stoins
- Marco Johnson
- Xavier Bartlett
- Azmatullah Omarzai
Last season’s runners-up PBKS will once again rely on Marcus Stoins and Marco Johnson for their all-round talent. Azmatullah Umarzai added more balance with both bat and ball. Young pacer Xavier Bartlett is expected to play a key role in the bowling unit alongside Marco Johnson and Arsdeep Singh in the absence of Lockie Ferguson.Delhi Capitals (DC)
- David Miller
- Pathum Nissanka
- Langi Ngidi
- Tristan Stubbs
Delhi’s batting looks stronger with Patham Nissanka likely to open the innings with KL Rahul. The middle order will be spearheaded by South Africa’s explosive pair of David Miller and Tristan Stubbs. Having embarked on a title-winning campaign with RCB last season, Lungi Ngidi has added strength to the pace attack alongside T Natarajan and Mukesh Kumar.Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Jose Butler
- Jason Holder
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada.
GT has a well-balanced overseas core. Jos Buttler anchors the top order along with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. Jason Holder’s inclusion provides all-round stability, likely to replace Glenn Phillips as the seven-bowling all-rounder. The bowling attack will revolve around world class performers Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Aidan Markram
- Nicholas Puran
- Mitchell Marsh
- Enrich Nortje
LSG’s top order is likely to have Aidan Markram and Mitchell Marsh once again offering aggression and consistency. Nicolas Puran remains the key finisher in the middle order, while Enrich Nortje’s pace has added tremendous strength to the bowling attack, as Lucknow lacks other foreign pace options.Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Shimron Hatmire
- Jofra Archer
- Donovan Ferreira
- Nandre Burger
With Sanju Samson absent, captain Ryan Parag will rely heavily on Shimron Hetmyer to fulfill the duties, while Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack. Donovan Ferreira brings versatility as a tough all-rounder. Between Adam Milne and Nandre Berger, Berger is more likely to feature, bolstering the pace unit.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Travis Head
- Heinrich Klassen
- Liam Livingstone
- Bryden Carrs
SRH face early challenges with skipper Pat Cummins unavailable for the opening matches, with Ishan Kishan serving as captain. Travis Head and Henrik Klaasen will be key in the batting line-up, while Liam Livingstone adds power-hitting depth along with his spin abilities. Pat Cummins and Ishan Malinga are unlikely to feature in the opener, with Bryden Carrs expected to fill the void in the bowling department.
