As IPL 2026 nears its playoffs, a poll conducted by TOI Online reveals fan sentiments about the season. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the favorites to win, garnering 39% of the votes. They topped the league table with nine wins, closely followed by Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The standout performer of the season, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals, was overwhelmingly voted as the breakout star, receiving 89% of the votes. Concerns about the tournament's balance between bat and ball were highlighted, with 86% of fans stating that the IPL has become too batting-friendly, as evidenced by a record number of high scores. The poll also noted a shift in viewership, with 43% of fans watching matches on Smart TVs and 27% on mobile devices. Additionally, 54% of respondents expressed that the increasing use of technology in matches disrupts the flow of the game.