IPL 2026 runs from 26 March to 31 May with 10 teams and an expanded 84-match schedule. Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter as defending champions, while multiple franchises continue with established leaders.
From long-term appointments to strategic transitions after trades and auctions, captaincy decisions shape the tournament’s competitive balance.
Here is the confirmed IPL 2026 captains list, followed by a detailed, stats-backed breakdown of each leader using officially reported information.
IPL 2026: Who Leads Each Franchise?
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Delhi Capitals | Axar Patel |
| Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant |
| Mumbai Indians | Hardik Pandya |
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer |
| Rajasthan Royals | Riyan Parag |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rajat Patidar |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Pat Cummins |
1. Chennai Super Kings – Ruturaj Gaikwad
CSK confirmed on November 15, 2025, that Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as captain, ending speculation after Sanju Samson’s arrival.
Gaikwad took over from MS Dhoni in 2024 and scored 583 runs that season. His 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury, with Dhoni stepping in temporarily. Across his tenure, Gaikwad has amassed 1,797 runs in 52 matches.
Under Stephen Fleming, CSK views him as their long-term leadership investment.
2. Delhi Capitals – Axar Patel
Axar Patel was officially appointed DC captain in March 2025, succeeding Rishabh Pant. Retained for INR 16.50 crore, he is the franchise’s longest-serving member since 2019.
Before the 2025 season, Axar had played 82 matches for Delhi, scoring 967 runs and taking 62 wickets. He previously served as vice-captain and led once in 2024.
DC aims to build around his all-around stability through the 2025–2026 cycle.
3. Gujarat Titans – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill took charge in 2024 after Hardik Pandya’s departure and guided GT into the 2025 playoffs.
After a learning curve in 2024, his 2025 season drew praise for proactive decision-making. Management considers him a long-term captain and structures the squad around him.
Despite leadership duties, he remains a dominant top-order batter. The 2026 squad includes key names such as Sai Sudharsan and Rashid Khan.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders – Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane was appointed KKR captain on March 3, 2025, with Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain.
He previously captained 25 IPL matches: one for Rising Pune Super Giants in 2017 and 24 for Rajasthan Royals from 2018–2019. Rahane scored 469 runs at a strike rate of 164.56 and an average above 58 in the 2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
His leadership experience includes India’s 2020–21 Test series win in Australia.
5. Lucknow Super Giants – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was unveiled as LSG captain on January 20, 2025, after a record INR 27 crore auction signing. He replaced KL Rahul and committed to giving the franchise “200%”.
LSG had reached the playoffs twice before missing out in 2024. Under Pant, the retained core includes Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mayank Yadav.
His appointment marked a structural shift toward a new leadership phase.
6. Mumbai Indians – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya was appointed MI captain in 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma in what the franchise termed a significant leadership transition.
Despite MI finishing at the bottom in 2024, management confirmed he would continue through 2025 and 2026. Pandya began his IPL journey with MI in 2015, then returned to lead the side.
The squad includes senior players such as Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah.
7. Punjab Kings – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer was appointed PBKS captain in January 2025 after being acquired for ₹26.75 crore, becoming one of the most expensive signings in IPL history.
After leading KKR to a 2024 title, he transitioned to Punjab. Recognised as a top-order batter and experienced leader, Iyer guided PBKS through the 2025 season with improved performances.
He previously captained both Delhi and Kolkata in the IPL.
8. Rajasthan Royals – Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag was officially named RR captain ahead of IPL 2026 following Sanju Samson’s trade. In IPL 2025, he led eight matches when Samson was injured, with RR winning two.
Parag averaged 38.57 during that stint and scored a career-best 95 against KKR. His 2024 season remains his best statistically: 573 runs at an average of 52.09 and a strike rate of 149.21.
Overall, he has 1,566 runs and seven wickets in 84 IPL matches.
9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar was appointed RCB captain on February 13, 2025, replacing Faf du Plessis. Since joining in 2021, he has scored 799 runs in 27 matches. In IPL 2024, he made 395 runs at a strike rate of 177.13.
Retained for INR 11 crore, Patidar is viewed as a long-term leadership option, with head coach Andy Flower highlighting his calm and simple approach.
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins continues as SRH captain for a third consecutive season. He was bought for ₹20.50 crore in 2024, one of the highest bids at the time.
SRH finished runners-up in 2024 before ending sixth in 2025 with six wins, seven losses, and one no-result. The retained core includes Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, while Mohammed Shami was traded, and Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar were released.
IPL 2026 will test both established and newly elevated captains across a longer 84-match format. Each franchise has aligned its strategy around confirmed leadership, setting a defined direction before the season begins.
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