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There are more than a dozen such openers in IPL 2026 who are spitting fire in their own style. Some are dealing only in fours and sixes while some are increasing the tension of the selectors on the basis of strike rate and aggression. At present Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are the permanent openers of Team India, but these two players are also facing tough competition from six other openers.
Punjab Kings’ 25-year-old opening batsman Prabhsimran Singh has scored 287 runs in his six innings played in IPL 2026. If Punjab is considered a hot favorite to become the tournament champion then Prabhsimran Singh is a big reason. With an average of 57.40 and strike rate of 192.61, he has hit 31 fours and 16 sixes and has been impressing the selectors for the last several seasons.
Priyansh Arya, another opening batsman of Punjab Kings and partner of Prabhsimran Singh, is another strong contender to become the opener of the Indian team. Priyansh Arya has scored 249 runs in six innings for Punjab. Has hit 16 fours and 26 sixes with an average of 42.33 and strike rate of 249.01. The clean hitting ability of this left-handed opener can make him the first choice of selectors for tours like Ireland or Zimbabwe.
Only 15 year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi can debut in Team India any time. Suryavanshi, who made India the champion in the Under-19 World Cup, is playing brilliant innings for Rajasthan Royals. In IPL 2026, he has scored 357 runs in eight innings with one century. With an average of 44.62 and strike rate of 234.86, Vaibhav has hit 31 fours and 32 sixes.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal is another opener of Rajasthan Royals. This talented young opener from Mumbai could not be selected in the team of T-20 World Cup 2026. Despite this, he did not lose courage and like every season, this time too he is tearing apart the opposition bowlers. Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 255 runs in eight innings this season. Yashasvi, who has an average of 42.50, strike rate of 153.61, has hit 29 fours and 12 sixes, is knocking on the doors of Team India.
Abhishek Sharma is currently the permanent opener of Team India. After scoring unbeaten 135 runs in 68 balls, he also gave a befitting reply to his critics. He has scored 380 runs with one century in eight innings. Abhishek has a tremendous average of 54.28. With 36 fours and 28 sixes, this brave man of Sunrisers Hyderabad is beating the bowlers at a strike rate of 212.29.
Sanju Samson played an important role in India winning the 2026 T20 World Cup. Who can forget the memorable innings he played in the semi-finals and finals. Sanju is now seen in yellow jersey in IPL 206. Has scored 293 runs in seven innings for Chennai Super Kings, which also includes a century. The plus point with Sanju is that he is a wicketkeeper. This stylish batsman coming from Kerala has hit 31 fours and 15 sixes with an average of 50.67 and strike rate of 169.83.
Just before the T20 World Cup 2026, Shubman Gill was dropped from Team India by the selectors, but Shubman Gill is working hard to make a comeback in Team India. Gujarat Titans captain Gill has scored 330 runs in seven innings. Gill, who hit 30 fours and 14 sixes, may have an average of 47.14, but his strike rate of 148.64 will have to be improved. If Suryakumar Yadav loses both his captaincy and place in the team, then it is possible that Gill may make a comeback.
Sai Sudarshan has already scored a century in IPL 2026. Sudarshan, who has made his Test debut, has the image of a reliable batsman. Sudarshan, who has always impressed the selectors with his consistency, has scored 322 runs in eight innings for Gujarat at an average of 46. The selectors will pay attention to the strike rate of 164.28, 32 fours and 17 sixes, although the tournament is only half over. Sudarshan has more chance to make himself stronger.
