The 2026 IPL season will feature a diverse mix of experienced internationals and rising stars at the helm, reflecting the depth of leadership talent in Indian cricket.
IPL (PC: IPLT20.COM)
For the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), all ten franchises will be led by Indian captains, including Ishan Kishan, who is set to lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the initial few games in Pat Cummins’ absence. This marks a significant moment for domestic leadership in the tournament.
The season will feature a diverse mix of experienced internationals and rising stars at the helm, reflecting the depth of leadership talent in Indian cricket.
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The TEN Captains have assembled in Mumbai
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Here’s a look at how the captains have fared since last year’s IPL and what they bring into the new season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will once again be led by Rajat Patidar, whose maiden season as captain turned into a fairytale as he guided the franchise to its first IPL title. Patidar also captained Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title and took over leadership duties for Madhya Pradesh. However, a knee injury and a dip in form during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy slowed his momentum. Now fully fit, he will look to rediscover his touch and defend RCB’s crown.
Punjab Kings
At Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer returns with unfinished business. He led PBKS to the final last season, producing one of the standout innings of the playoffs with an unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2. But injury troubles followed, including a spleen injury in Australia, limiting his appearances. With something to prove after missing out on India’s T20 World Cup squad, Iyer will be keen to lead from the front.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has remained a central figure in India’s white-ball setup, playing key roles in the ICC Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. Known for his finishing ability and versatile bowling, Hardik led MI to the playoffs last year and will now aim to guide the franchise to its first final since 2020.
Gujarat Titans
For Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill enters the season with a point to prove. After being dropped from India’s T20 World Cup squad despite once being seen as a long-term T20 leader, Gill will hope the familiar batting-friendly surfaces of Ahmedabad help him rediscover his best form.
Delhi Capitals
All-rounder Axar Patel continues as captain of Delhi Capitals after playing a vital role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has often gone under the radar, but his match-winning spell in T20 World Cup the final showed his value. After DC narrowly missed the playoffs last season, Axar will look to build consistency as a leader.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
At Sunrisers Hyderabad, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan arrives in top form. Having scored heavily in domestic T20s and led Jharkhand to the SMAT title, Kishan forced his way back into India’s T20I side and even played a key role in the T20 World Cup triumph. With regular captain Pat Cummins missing the early matches, Kishan could shoulder added responsibility.
Lucknow Super Kings
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant will be looking for a fresh start after a difficult IPL last year. Injuries and inconsistent form disrupted his season, though a brilliant century late in the tournament showed glimpses of his best. With fitness returning, Pant will aim to rediscover rhythm and lead LSG’s push for a deeper run.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane takes charge of Kolkata Knight Riders in what could be a crucial season in his career. A strong domestic T20 campaign kept him in contention, but having not played competitive cricket since December, questions remain about match readiness as KKR look to bounce back from a disappointing season.
Rajasthan Royals
At Rajasthan Royals, young all-rounder Riyan Parag steps into full-time leadership. After impressing during a short stint as stand-in captain last year and finishing among RR’s leading run-scorers, Parag endured a slump in domestic T20s. Still only 24, the Royals will hope their long-term investment in him pays off.
Chennai Super Kings
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings continue to back Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain after MS Dhoni handed over the reins in 2024. Injury curtailed his IPL campaign last year, but Gaikwad has been in prolific form in domestic cricket, including centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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