IPL 2026 continued to drive high search activity on Google, with global IPL-related queries increasing by 80% over the past 60 days, according to the company. Google said fans are increasingly using Search not only for scores and player updates but also for match analysis, understanding cricket rules, and shopping for merchandise.The company noted that AI-powered features, including AI Mode and integrations with BCCI broadcasts, have changed how users interact with Search during matches, with fans asking more detailed and conversational questions as tournaments progress.
Here are four ways IPL fans used Google Search during the 2026 season.
1. Following teams and players
Team loyalty remains a major driver of searches during IPL 2026. “Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged as the most searched IPL team in India this season, followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI),” Google said.Questions about players ranged from career highlights to current involvement to emotional moments in games. Searches included “Is Rohit Sharma playing in IPL 2026?”, “2026 Mein IPL Jasprit Bumrah Kaun Si team mein hai” and “Will IPL 2026 be the last season of Virat Kohli?”Interest also extended to players such as Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Cooper Connolly, and Kartik Sharma.
2. Understanding cricket rules and match situations
Fans turned to Google Search to understand tournament rules, qualification scenarios and cricket terminology. Some of the queries included: “Semi-final qualify Karne Ke Liye Kitne point Chahiye in IPL?”, (“What does 1 demerit point mean in cricket IPL?”), and “What is the DRS timer in cricket?”Google said newer viewers also searched for explanations around basic cricket concepts, including “How long is a cricket pitch?”, “What is the meaning of a leg break in cricket?”, and “Why does 11th guy in cricket not bat?”
3. Analysing player performance and tournament trends
Search activity also reflected interest in statistical analysis and comparisons around player performance. Users searched for queries such as “2026 Ke IPL Mai Ab Tak Kitne players century Bana Chuke Hai” (“Which player has the highest strike rate in the IPL?”) and “Who has the most orange cap in IPL?”Fans are increasingly coming to Google Search to make sense of trends throughout the tournament, such as: “Why are teams scoring so much in the IPL?”Searches also featured cross-sport comparisons with users asking, “Which is harder, F1 racing or cricket?”
4. Buying jerseys and cricket supplies
IPL 2026 also affected shopping-related searches, especially for team merchandise and cricket equipment. Searches on Google, including “IPL jersey price”, “MI T-shirt” and “cricket jersey same day delivery” saw a spike.Queries also covered equipment such as cricket helmets, branded cricket shoes, sunglasses, and English willow kits, indicating interest extending beyond watching matches to purchasing gear.Google said IPL has remained among the most searched sports topics in India since 2020, with the 2026 season continuing that trend as fans used Search for information, analysis and match-related shopping.
