The IPL 2026 season features 10 teams led by a mix of young Indian captains and experienced international leaders. Below is the official captaincy list used in IPL 2026.

🏏 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as CSK’s long-term captain after MS Dhoni’s exit from leadership duties.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Opening Batter
• Leadership Style: Calm, structured, transition-focused
• Status: Full-time CSK captain in IPL 2026

🏏 Mumbai Indians (MI) – Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya leads MI as the main captain, with occasional leadership rotation when required.

📊 Key Info

• Role: All-Rounder
• Leadership Style: Aggressive, tactical match-ups
• Note: MI has used alternate captains in some matches (injury/rotation cases)

🏏 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar is the official captain of RCB in IPL 2026 after taking over in the recent cycle.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Top-order Batter
• Leadership Style: Calm under pressure
• Achievement: Led RCB into a strong competitive phase in recent seasons

🏏 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane continues as KKR’s experienced leader.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Top-order Batter
• Leadership Style: Tactical and stabilizing
• Support: Rinku Singh serves as vice-captain

🏏 Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins is SRH’s main captain, with Ishan Kishan stepping in during his absence.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Fast Bowler
• Leadership Style: Aggressive bowling-first approach
• Rotation: Kishan captained early matches when Cummins was unavailable

🏏 Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar Patel

Axar Patel leads DC as full-time captain in IPL 2026.

📊 Key Info

• Role: All-Rounder (Spin)
• Leadership Style: Balanced and tactical
• Strength: Spin control + lower-order hitting

🏏 Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer leads PBKS after joining as a high-profile captaincy signing.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Middle-order Batter
• Leadership Style: Calm, playoff-focused
• Achievement: Has led multiple franchises into playoff contention

🏏 Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag is the official young captain of RR in IPL 2026.

📊 Key Info

• Role: All-Rounder
• Leadership Style: Aggressive, young leadership approach
• Note: One of the youngest full-time IPL captains

🏏 Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill continues as GT’s long-term captain.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Opening Batter
• Leadership Style: Technical, structured planning
• Strength: Top-order consistency

🏏 Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant leads LSG as their attacking wicketkeeper-captain.

📊 Key Info

• Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
• Leadership Style: Ultra-aggressive, high-risk strategy
• Strength: Fast scoring + fearless decision-making

📊 IPL 2026 Captains Table