IPL 2026 Preview, Biggest Auction Moves & Kohli Legacy Settled | Strategic Timeout | BBC Sport

The Strategic Timeout launches with a look ahead to IPL 2026, hosted by Amber Sandhu and joined by The Traitors 2026 finalist Faraaz Noor and former IPL player Abhishek Jhunjhunwala. The panel reflect on how the competition has evolved from what was once a “massive gamble” into the most influential league in world cricket, with Abhishek sharing first-hand experiences from the early IPL years, including playing alongside Shane Warne and how the tournament proved “life-changing” for domestic players. The episode also previews the 2026 season, breaking down key auction trends, team strengths and the growing focus on uncapped Indian talent. With rising price tags placing immediate pressure on young players, the panel debate whether Virat Kohli’s 2025 title win changes his legacy, assess which teams look strongest, and discuss where the pressure lies heading into the new campaign. 00:00 Intro + Tease 01:25 Faraaz & Cricket 02:23 Early days of the IPL, Parties, Poker & Shane Warne 08:23 IPL money changed everything 13:58 IPL auction 2026 talking‑points 17:23 Which IPL teams are looking strong for 2026 22:31 Kohli’s 2025 legacy & best ever IPL players 26:53 Players to watch 28:25 2026 Predictions Follow more on the BBC Sport app, iPlayer and Sounds. ============= SUBSCRIBE so you never miss out on our best videos ➡️➡️http://bit.ly/1sFodyu ============= Find us here: BBC Sport: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCSport/ X: https://www.x.com/BBCSport/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcsport/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bbcsport #bbcsport [Copy & paste title here]