IPL 2026 begins tomorrow, and all eyes are not just on the players but also on the captains who will shape the season. Leadership often decides tight matches, and this year features a strong mix of experience, comeback stories, and new responsibility across all ten teams. Some captains enter the tournament with recent trophies, while others face pressure to prove themselves after inconsistent runs.
The captaincy battle this season feels more open than ever. Several players have recently returned from injury or limited game time, while others are stepping into leadership roles with high expectations. With form, fitness, and pressure all in play, IPL 2026 promises an exciting test of tactical thinking and decision-making from the dugout.
Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Rajat Patidar enters IPL 2026 after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a historic breakthrough. His numbers may not look strong, with 113 runs in 7 innings at an average of 16.14 and a strike rate of 136.14, but his impact goes beyond statistics.
Under his calm leadership, RCB finally secured its maiden IPL title in 2025. He also continued his leadership rise by guiding Central Zone to a Duleep Trophy win and earning captaincy roles at the domestic level. However, a knee injury and a dip in form during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy slowed his progress. Now fully fit, Patidar will aim to repeat his success and prove that his first title was no coincidence.
Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings)
Shreyas Iyer returns to IPL captaincy after a quiet period in T20 cricket. He has not played any T20 matches since IPL 2025, which puts him under the spotlight.
Despite that, his recent IPL campaign was impressive. He led Punjab Kings with confidence and played a match-winning knock of 87 not out in 41 balls in Qualifier 2. However, injury setbacks followed, including a spleen injury, which kept him away from action and major selections. With no recent T20 game time, Iyer enters IPL 2026 with something to prove. He previously captained Kolkata Knight Riders and led them to the IPL title in 2024.
Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
Hardik Pandya remains one of the most experienced and successful leaders in this group. His all-round numbers speak clearly, with 563 runs in 33 innings at a strike rate of 167.06 and 22 wickets at an economy of 8.89. He led the Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in 2022.
He has stayed active across major tournaments, including the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup, and T20 World Cup. Under his leadership, the Mumbai Indians reached the playoffs last season. However, questions remain about his role. Will he continue as a bowling option with the new ball or focus on finishing with the bat? His decisions will be key to Mumbai’s chances.
Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
Shubman Gill continues to develop as a leader. He scored 291 runs in 15 innings with an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137.26.
Gill has experienced ups and downs in international cricket. He moved in and out of India’s T20 setup, but the IPL gives him a familiar platform. Playing on flat pitches in Ahmedabad may help his batting, but adaptability will be tested when conditions change. This season will be important for his growth as both a player and a captain. He has not won any IPL title as a captain so far. This season gives him another chance to prove his leadership skills and take Gujarat Titans forward.
Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)
Axar Patel stands out for his quiet but impactful style. He scored 167 runs in 23 innings at a strike rate of 119.28 and took 26 wickets with an economy rate of 7.74.
He played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup win, especially with a match-winning spell of 3 for 27 in the final. His all-round contribution makes him valuable in pressure situations. However, the Delhi Capitals had an inconsistent run under his leadership last season. This time, Axar will look to finish matches better and lead with confidence.
Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Ishan Kishan has been in exceptional form. He scored 1049 runs in 23 innings at an average of 47.68 and a strike rate of 202.11.
His journey has been impressive, moving from being out of the national team to becoming a key player again. He also captained Jharkhand to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. His explosive 25-ball 54 in the World Cup final further boosted his reputation. With Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kishan may also take on leadership duties early in the season. He is currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, but this is a temporary role. Once Pat Cummins returns, Kishan will step down from captaincy. Still, this is a big opportunity for him to showcase leadership skills.
Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)
Rishabh Pant comes into IPL 2026 after a difficult run. He has not played T20 cricket since IPL 2025.
Last season, he scored 269 runs in 14 innings, although a late unbeaten century showed his potential. Injuries disrupted his rhythm, including a fractured foot and a side strain. Despite this, he continues to be a key figure in Indian cricket. For the Lucknow Super Giants, Pant’s form and fitness will be crucial.
Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Ajinkya Rahane brings experience, with 391 runs in 10 innings at an average of 48.87 and a strike rate of 161.57.
At 37, this season could be one of his final chances in the IPL. His recent form in domestic cricket was strong, which earned him another opportunity. However, he has not played competitive cricket since December. KKR will rely on his experience, but consistency will be a key concern.
Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)
Riyan Parag steps into a full-time captaincy role after earlier trials. He scored 53 runs in 6 innings with an average of 8.83 and a strike rate of 74.64 in recent outings.
He showed promise while leading Rajasthan Royals last season in Sanju Samson’s absence. However, his form dipped afterward. He has shown glimpses of talent, including a 69-run knock for India A. At just 24, he represents a long-term investment for the Rajasthan Royals.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Ruturaj Gaikwad continues as Chennai Super Kings captain. He scored 6 runs in 1 inning with a strike rate of 75.00 in his limited recent outing.
He led CSK in previous seasons with mixed results. Injuries affected his campaign last year, but his current form in domestic cricket is strong. With three centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he looks in good touch. CSK has shown trust in his leadership for another season.
Who Is the Best Captain in IPL 2026?
The answer depends on what you value most in a leader. Hardik Pandya stands out for experience and proven success. Rajat Patidar already has a title under his belt, which gives him a strong edge.
Shreyas Iyer also brings big-match experience, while Axar Patel and Shubman Gill represent steady, evolving leaders. Younger captains like Riyan Parag and Ruturaj Gaikwad are still building their leadership identity.
As IPL 2026 begins tomorrow, the captain who manages pressure, adapts quickly, and delivers in key moments will rise above the rest. The season is set to test not just skill, but leadership at its highest level.
