IPL 2026: Complete List of Captains and Team Updates

As IPL 2026 approaches, franchises are gearing up for the season with significant captain changes and team updates. With the tournament set to begin on March 28, fans are eager to see how new leadership will impact team performances. Key players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Hardik Pandya are stepping into crucial roles, while others like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer aim to turn their teams' fortunes around. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the captains and their challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 07:58 IST

IPL 2026 Preparations Underway

As the countdown to IPL 2026 begins, franchises are diligently preparing for the upcoming season, which is set to commence on March 28. This edition has already faced challenges due to injuries and player unavailability, prompting teams to seek replacements for those sidelined. Notably, two franchises have appointed new captains ahead of the tournament. Fans are eagerly anticipating the action, so let's take a closer look at the complete list of captains for IPL 2026.

Captain Updates

Ruturaj Gaikwad: After missing IPL 2025 due to an elbow injury, Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to lead CSK once more. He had taken over the captaincy from MS Dhoni prior to IPL 2024, but CSK struggled to qualify for the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025.

Ishan Kishan: Making his debut as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury, Kishan previously led Jharkhand to victory in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will be supported by Abhishek Sharma, a standout performer in the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane will continue his role as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), despite expectations of a leadership change following a disappointing IPL 2025 season.

Hardik Pandya: Leading Mumbai Indians (MI) for the third consecutive season, Pandya has yet to guide MI to an IPL final since taking over from Rohit Sharma.

Rishabh Pant: After joining Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a hefty Rs 27 crore, Pant will once again captain the team, which had a challenging IPL 2025 season with only six wins.

Shreyas Iyer: Iyer played a pivotal role in Punjab Kings' (PBKS) journey to the IPL 2025 final, and the team hopes to secure their first title under his leadership.

Rajat Patidar: Patidar made history by leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first IPL title in 2025. He faces the challenge of replicating that success this season, with Virat Kohli remaining a key player for the franchise.

Axar Patel: Continuing as captain of Delhi Capitals (DC), Patel's leadership saw the team start strong in IPL 2025, but they faltered in the latter half of the season.

Shubman Gill: Appointed as captain of Gujarat Titans (GT), Gill aims to boost the team's performance after their last final appearance following Hardik Pandya's departure.

Riyan Parag: Following Sanju Samson's exit, Parag has been named the full-time captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), a role he has previously held but will now embrace fully for the first time.