IPL: 5 Teams that require new captains in IPL 2026

Leadership is just as important in the Indian Premier League as skill. It is a vibrant spectacle. Franchises are assessing captaincy selections in anticipation of IPL 2026 success now that the 2025 season is over.

Although inconsistent and underperforming teams are frequently forced to reevaluate, strong leadership has the power to change a side. Based on captain metrics and team results from IPL 2025, these five teams are probably going to look for new captains for IPL 2026.

Here are the 5 teams that require new captains in IPL 2026:

1. Kolkata Knight Riders

With just five victories in 14 games, KKR fell to eighth place under Ajinkya Rahane, failing to build on their 2024 title victory. Rahane acknowledged that even though he bowled well, "the batting … fell short." Even Rahane was an afterthought as captain by KKR, who forgot to get one in the IPL 2025 auction.

They were eliminated from playoff contention due to their lack of match-winning players and inconsistent play at the crease. Management will probably look for a skipper who can tighten tactics and boost batting confidence, given an underperforming core.

2. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals finished in ninth place with only eight points and were eliminated from the playoffs. The middle order faltered at crucial times, while stand-in captain Riyan Parag struggled as captain Sanju Samson missed many games. When Samson returned, it seemed like he was a placeholder captain, paving the way for Parag to take over.

Despite moments of genius, such as the debut of young Vaibhav Suryavanshi, leadership seems erratic during pivotal moments. The team will probably search for a captain who can be dependable, strategic, and composed under duress. It seems like the RR management has decided to move on from Samson as captain to someone new, probably Riyan Parag.

3. Delhi Capitals

Despite having a great start to the season, the Delhi Capitals finished fifth and missed the playoffs by a slim margin. Although Axar Patel, the stand-in captain, played solidly, there are still concerns regarding his tactical range and late-game choices. But as the going became rough, it appeared that Axar was unable to assert himself as captain and leader.

The challenges of captaincy were exacerbated by injury worries, availability issues, and inconsistent performances from key players. To maximize the potential of their gifted team, DC might look for a more authoritative and seasoned leader.

4. Lucknow Super Giants

LSG only managed six victories from 14 games and finished in seventh place, missing out on the playoffs. The team lacked strategic clarity in crucial situations, and Rishabh Pant's bad form undermined his leadership. Releasing Rishabh Pant will free up INR 27 crores for LSG, and they could buy a new, more capable leader for that price.

LSG will most likely look for a more dependable and strategic captain given the lack of an upward trajectory and leadership that failed to produce results. Someone who can transform close games into victories is essential to their ambition. LSG is in dire need of strong leadership, as even Pant looked flustered under the weight of such a huge amount of money.

5. Mumbai Indians

MI overcame a dismal start to go to Qualifier 2, but their campaign was inconsistent. Hardik Pandya, the captain, came under fire for his poor field strategy, particularly while defending large totals. His strategies and decisions sometimes confused even the best in the MI management.

The decline of senior opener Rohit Sharma also revealed shortcomings in his leadership. To restore strategic balance and better manage mid-game tensions, Mumbai's decision-makers can choose to appoint a captain with more experience. Their best option is to hand over the captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav, who has been leading the Indian team in T20Is with great success.

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