IPL 2026 Full List of Captains: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, set to begin on March 28, will feature a mix of new captains and returning leaders across all 10 franchises. Rajasthan Royals will have a new full-time captain in Riyan Parag, who takes over after Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings. Sunrisers Hyderabad will also begin the season under a temporary leadership change, with Ishan Kishan appointed captain as Pat Cummins continues his recovery from injury.
The remaining eight teams have retained their captains from last season, reflecting greater stability compared to the previous year.
Notably, all franchises will start the season with Indian captains, at least until Cummins returns.
Two of the league’s most successful captains — MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who have five IPL titles each — are no longer leading their respective teams. Dhoni will play under Ruturaj Gaikwad at Chennai Super Kings, while Rohit will feature under Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, will aim to retain their title after securing their maiden trophy in 2025.
Full List of IPL 2026 Captains
Chennai Super Kings — Ruturaj Gaikwad
Delhi Capitals — Axar Patel
Gujarat Titans — Shubman Gill
Kolkata Knight Riders — Ajinkya Rahane
Mumbai Indians — Hardik Pandya
Rajasthan Royals — Riyan Parag
Royal Challengers Bengaluru — Rajat Patidar
Sunrisers Hyderabad — Ishan Kishan (interim)
Punjab Kings — Shreyas Iyer
Lucknow Super Giants — Rishabh Pant