Who Are The Captains of IPL 2026?

The 2026 Indian Premier League is finally here. The season kicks off on March 28 and wraps up with the final on May 31. Ten strong teams are set to compete for the trophy. The first match will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad. This year, 84 matches will be played across India. In this article, we'll take a look at the captains and coaches leading each team.

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Full List Of Captains And Coaches In IPL 2026

Here’s the organised list of teams along with their captains and head coaches:

Who Are The Captains Of IPL 2026?

The 2026 season brings together experienced players and new faces in leadership. This year’s captains are Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK), Axar Patel (DC), Shubman Gill (GT), Ajinkya Rahane (KKR), Rishabh Pant (LSG), Hardik Pandya (MI), Shreyas Iyer (PBKS), Riyan Parag (RR), Rajat Patidar (RCB), and Pat Cummins (SRH). These choices followed the 2026 Mega Auction, during which many stars changed teams and took on new captaincy roles.

Who Is The New Captain Of MI In The IPL 2026?

Hardik Pandya will remain the captain of the Mumbai Indians for the 2026 season. Following the major auction, the management chose to keep him as leader to ensure stability. He has a strong squad behind him and the experienced Mahela Jayawardene as head coach. The team hopes to bounce back this year and return to the top of the table.

FOR MORE: IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Full Squad List

Who Will Be The Captain of KKR in 2026?

Ajinkya Rahane has been named captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2026 season, a decision that surprised many fans. After the mega auction reshuffle, KKR picked Rahane for his experience and calm approach on the field. He will work with coach Abhishek Nayar to guide a team that mixes promising young Indian players with strong international finishers, all aiming for a third IPL title.

FOR MORE: IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders Full Squad List

Who Will Be The Captain of GT in IPL 2026?

Shubman Gill will continue as captain of the Gujarat Titans for the 2026 season. The team has put a lot of trust in the young opener, keeping him as their main player after the 2026 auction. With head coach Ashish Nehra's support, Gill is expected to set the tone with his batting and guide a new-look bowling attack as the team aims for another championship.

Who Will Be The Captain of RR in IPL 2026?

Riyan Parag will captain the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 season. After strong performances in domestic cricket and recent IPL seasons, the Royals chose the young all-rounder to lead the team. This move signals a fresh start for RR, with an emphasis on young, bold leadership. Parag will team up with Kumar Sangakkara to guide the squad through the 84-match tournament.

Who Is The Captain Of SRH In 2026?

Pat Cummins will stay on as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026. After leading the team to play bold, attacking cricket last season, the management decided to keep the Australian star in charge. Coach Daniel Vettori will support him as they aim for their second trophy.

Which Team Is Sanju Samson In IPL 2026?

Sanju Samson made headlines at the 2026 Mega Auction by joining the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). After many seasons with the Rajasthan Royals, he now takes on the role of wicketkeeper-batter for Lucknow. Rishabh Pant is the team captain, but Samson is still an important leader and a key player in the middle order.

Who Is The Captain Of CSK 2026?

Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the Chennai Super Kings as captain for the 2026 season. He has settled into the role well, guiding the "Yellow Army" with support from MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming.

WHAT'S NEXT: CSK Squad 2026 IPL: Full Players List, Captain, and Team Details