The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 19th edition, with the tournament slated to commence on March 28. As franchises finalise their squads, the air is thick with anticipation and strategic manoeuvring. Teams are diligently addressing player injuries, managing potential absences, and securing crucial replacements. A significant development for the upcoming season is the confirmed leadership for each of the ten franchises, with two teams opting for a change in captaincy. This shake-up in leadership signals a renewed drive for success and a fresh approach to the lucrative T20 competition.
Confirmed Captains for IPL 2026
The upcoming IPL season will see a mix of familiar faces and new leaders at the helm of their respective franchises. Here’s a comprehensive look at who will be captaining each team:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to resume captaincy duties for the Chennai Super Kings. He returns to lead the side after a stint on the sidelines for most of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. Gaikwad took over the captaincy from the legendary MS Dhoni prior to the IPL 2024 season. However, the franchise has faced challenges in recent years, failing to reach the playoffs in both the 2024 and 2025 editions under his leadership. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Gaikwad to regroup and steer CSK back into contention.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane will once again don the captain’s armband for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite a somewhat underwhelming performance in the 2025 season, the franchise has shown faith in the seasoned former India vice-captain to lead them in IPL 2026. Rahane’s experience and tactical acumen will be crucial as KKR aims to improve on their previous campaign.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Ishan Kishan
In a notable shift, Ishan Kishan is poised to make his IPL captaincy debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad. This decision comes as Pat Cummins is sidelined due to a back injury. Kishan, who recently captained Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the 2025-26 season, brings a winning pedigree to the role. He will be supported by Abhishek Sharma, who will serve as his deputy.Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya will be leading the Mumbai Indians for the third consecutive season. He initially took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma upon his return to the franchise. Despite the change in leadership, Mumbai Indians are still striving to clinch their first IPL title under Pandya’s command. The pressure will be on to deliver a championship performance this year.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, a high-profile acquisition for Rs 27 crore, will continue his tenure as the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants. Pant’s team experienced a challenging IPL 2025, managing to secure only six victories. He will be tasked with revitalising the franchise’s fortunes and guiding them to greater success in the 2026 season.Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has been instrumental in Punjab Kings’ resurgence, leading them to their second-ever IPL final in 2025. This achievement reignited the franchise’s aspirations of lifting their maiden IPL trophy. Iyer also has a proven track record as a title-winning captain, having guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL championship in 2024.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar will be at the helm for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He captained RCB to their historic first IPL title in 2025. With the influential Virat Kohli still a key player in the squad, Patidar faces the significant challenge of maintaining the team’s winning momentum and building on their recent success.Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar Patel
Axar Patel is set to continue as the skipper for the Delhi Capitals. The team had a strong start to IPL 2025, but their form dipped in the latter half of the season, ultimately finishing with 15 points. Adding to the changes, the franchise’s mentor, Kevin Pietersen, has departed, leaving a void in their strategic setup.Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill will lead the Gujarat Titans, a role he takes on following his recent appointment as India’s captain in Test and ODI formats. With his confidence soaring and his leadership credentials bolstered, GT fans have reason to be optimistic about stronger performances. The team has not reached an IPL final since the departure of Hardik Pandya, and Gill’s leadership is expected to guide them back to championship contention.Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Riyan Parag
Following the departure of Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag is stepping up to take over as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026. Parag has been a consistent member of the RR squad since 2019 and possesses prior experience as an interim skipper, making him a well-prepared choice for the permanent role. His elevation signifies a new era for the Royals.
