IPL 2026 preparations are in full swing as franchises continue to finalize their squads ahead of the 19th edition, set to begin on March 28. Teams are managing injuries, player absences, and signing replacements, with two franchises making changes in captaincy. Here’s a look at the confirmed skippers for each team.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad returns as CSK captain after missing most of IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury. He replaced MS Dhoni before IPL 2024, though CSK failed to reach the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025 under his leadership.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane will once again captain KKR. Despite a below-par 2025 season, the franchise has backed the former India vice-captain to lead in IPL 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Ishan Kishan
With Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back injury, Ishan Kishan will make his IPL captaincy debut for SRH. Kishan, who led Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in 2025-26, will be assisted by Abhishek Sharma.
Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya returns as MI captain for the third straight season. Although he replaced Rohit Sharma upon his return, Mumbai Indians are still chasing their first title under his leadership.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, signed for Rs 27 crore, will continue as LSG captain. Pant’s side struggled in IPL 2025, winning only six matches, and he will aim to turn their fortunes around in 2026.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer led PBKS to their second IPL final in 2025, reviving the franchise’s hopes of a maiden IPL trophy. He had also guided KKR to the IPL title in 2024.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar will captain RCB after leading them to their first IPL title in 2025. With Virat Kohli still in the squad, Patidar faces the challenge of sustaining their winning momentum.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar Patel
Axar Patel will continue as DC skipper. The team began IPL 2025 strongly but lost form later in the season, finishing with 15 points. Their mentor, Kevin Pietersen, has left the franchise.
Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill will captain Gujarat Titans following his appointment as India’s Test and ODI captain. With confidence high, GT fans can look forward to stronger performances, as the team has not reached an IPL final since Hardik Pandya’s departure.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Riyan Parag
After Sanju Samson’s exit, Riyan Parag takes over as RR captain for IPL 2026. Parag has been with the team since 2019 and has prior experience as interim skipper.
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