Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has revealed his predictions for the 2026 IPL playoffs even though just one round of matches have been played. Every side have played one match so far, but according to Pietersen the 4 sides to feature in the playoffs are Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). "Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top 4. MI, DC, RR, PUNJAB. This can all change with injuries, etc., but that's how I see it atm," stated Pietersen on an X (Twitter) post. He stated he will stand by his prediction but added it can change quickly due to injuries. Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top 4. MI, DC, RR, PUNJABThis can all change with injuries etc, but that’s how I see it atm. — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 3, 2026 KP Leaves Out RCB - Here's Why Pietersen stated on an X (Twitter) post: My concern with RCB is their middle overs and spinners. And Hazlewood’s fitness. Remember - bowlers win you championships. — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 3, 2026 Missing out from the list and surprising to see is the defending champions RCB, who despite a thumping first win of the season over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could not impress Pietersen. "My concern with RCB is their middle overs and spinners. And Hazlewood's fitness. Remember - bowlers win you championships and believes they could be troubled in their mid overs." Also Read | Abhishek Sharma Handed Hefty Fine by IPL After KKR vs SRH Clash – What Happened? High-Scoring Matches Changing The Game He was also discussing how this IPL is different from any other this season as big scores no longer guarantee victory, with teams comfortably chasing down 200+. "The mad thing, though, about this season, is batters don't know how hard to go in the first innings. What's a good score? Averaging it out, can you actually win most of your games batting first?" 'The toss is as important as your team!' he added and believes everyone is trying to figure out a decent total and hence the toss is vital in this particular IPL. Also Read | Abhishek Sharma Handed Hefty Fine by IPL After KKR vs SRH Clash – What Happened? Big Teams Need Big Changes Big guns Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also came under fire from the former England star as he says they'd need huge changes. "Something would have to change massively for me to consider CSK/SRH/KKR as title contenders," he expressed on X. Something would have to change massively for me to consider CSK/SRH/KKR as title contenders. — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 3, 2026 Six matches have been played now and Rajasthan Royals sit top with an incredible net run rate of 4.171. RCB are second with RR on 2 points, joined by Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. SRH managed their first win, beating KKR, in their second game.