IPL 2026: All 10 Indian Premier League team captains gathered in Mumbai on Wednesday for the league’s annual pre-season photoshoot ahead of the 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin March 28. The event, held before every season, marks the start of the tournament build-up and brings together captains from all franchises. Among those present were Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag, along with the remaining team leaders.
Rajasthan Royals will begin the season under new full-time captain Riyan Parag following Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings. Sunrisers Hyderabad will also start with a leadership change, with Ishan Kishan appointed interim captain as Pat Cummins continues to recover from injury.
The other eight teams have retained their captains, reflecting greater stability compared to last season. All franchises are set to begin the tournament with Indian captains, at least until Cummins returns.
The captains for the 2026 season are:Chennai Super Kings — Ruturaj GaikwadDelhi Capitals — Axar PatelGujarat Titans — Shubman GillKolkata Knight Riders — Ajinkya RahaneMumbai Indians — Hardik PandyaRajasthan Royals — Riyan ParagRoyal Challengers Bengaluru — Rajat PatidarSunrisers Hyderabad — Ishan Kishan (interim)Punjab Kings — Shreyas IyerLucknow Super Giants — Rishabh Pant
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The 19th edition of the tournament will begin on March 28 and run until May 31 across multiple venues in India. The opening match will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the schedule for the 2026 season, the 19th edition of the tournament, which will run from March 28 to May 31 across multiple venues in India. The opening match will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.