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All 10 Teams to Feature Indian Captains in IPL 2026: Before the start of IPL 2026, news has emerged from the cricketing world that has doubled the excitement of fans. Due to an injury sustained by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) regular captain Pat Cummins, a 'remarkable coincidence' has now unfolded this season, something that has never occurred before in the 18-19 year history of the IPL.
Pat Cummins Ruled Out; Ishan Kishan to Lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026
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The start of the season has proven to be somewhat challenging for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team's star leader, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of the tournament's opening matches due to an injury. In his absence, the team management has appointed Ishan Kishan as their 'temporary' captain. Meanwhile, the young sensation Abhishek Sharma has been entrusted with the responsibility of vice-captaincy.
10 Teams, 10 Indian Leaders: The Remarkable Coincidence in IPL 2026
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With Ishan Kishan stepping up as captain, a new chapter has been added to the IPL 2026 record books. For the first time in the tournament's history, the captains of all 10 teams taking the field will be Indian players.
A look at the statistics from the past few years reveals the following:
- In 2024: Faf du Plessis (RCB) and Pat Cummins (SRH) were the two overseas captains.
- In 2025: Pat Cummins was the sole overseas captain playing in the tournament.
- In 2026: With Cummins ruled out, only Indian faces will now be seen in the trophy photoshoot.
Also Read: PSL 2026: Full List of Australian Players in Pakistan Super League 11
IPL 2026 All Teams Captains List: Meet the Indian Leaders of Every Franchise
This time around, Indian leadership is set to dominate the IPL. View the list of captains for all teams here
| Team Name | Captain Name |
|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | Hardik Pandya |
| Chennai Super Kings | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Ishan Kishan (Stand-in) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rajat Patidar |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill |
| Delhi Capitals | Axar Patel |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant |
| Rajasthan Royals | Riyan Parag |
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer |
Also Read: IPL 2026: 5 Players Who Played for the Most Teams in IPL History
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): The Only Team to Never Have an Overseas Captain
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On this special occasion, it is only fitting to mention the Chennai Super Kings. In the history of the IPL, CSK is the only team that has never appointed an overseas player as its captain to date.
From the very beginning, Mahendra Singh Dhoni led the team, and in his absence, Suresh Raina took charge. Subsequently, Ravindra Jadeja, and now Ruturaj Gaikwad, are carrying this tradition forward. While all other franchises have, at some point, placed their trust in overseas captains, CSK has always remained steadfast in its commitment to 'Indian leadership'.
Also Read: FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Schedule: Team India Groups, Match Dates, and Venues
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