It's quite evident there has been a change in how matches are being won and lost in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Although death overs have continued to be an exciting aspect the first six overs of both innings now largely determine the result of the games. The two Powerplays has come into play significantly this season. Teams are trying to win the game early and in many instances the result of the matches is decided before the middle overs even commence. Brad Haddin assistant coach of Punjab Kings has noted this change and quoted Haddin Said: "What we are seeing is a trend throughout the tournament and how impressive most teams at the top have been in the first six overs It's so hard to stop teams now with the way they're playing the first six overs. That's why Powerplay is becoming decisive and many games are being decided within the two Powerplays in the two innings." Haddin also Added: "You've obviously got the replacement player to come in so you can juggle whether that's an extra batter allowing your top order to go harder than they have done in the past". Also Read | DC vs RCB Match 39 Result: Who Won Yesterday’s IPL Match? Full Highlights & Awards Aggressive Batting Changes the Game A large factor for this trend to come about is because of the new impact player rule which gives each team the advantage of adding an extra batter. Batters now feel free to go all out from the get go. This sort of aggressive mindset has made it very tough for the bowlers to find solutions and it has led coaches to identify new ways of breaking momentum. Haddin said "From a coach's point of view, you've got to keep trying to find ways where you can slow the scoring down It can be about picking wickets. It can be about getting the batter to hit you in the area that you want him to hit." Rajasthan Royals bowler, Sandeep Sharma agrees and states, "Powerplays are becoming so crucial that matches are often decided within those opening phases of both innings." A tournament wide trend It is also significant to note that this is a tournament wide trend rather than just a couple of teams. Nearly every team playing the IPL 2026 season is adopting this new aggressive style of play and turning the first six overs of the game into high impact phases. Sharma added: "The first six overs have turned into a decisive phase this tournament with teams consistently excelling and making it tough for bowlers to respond." With this trend expected to continue as the tournament progresses it's clear that the teams who win the power play battle are the teams who will be on top at the end of IPL 2026.