The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is gearing up to be the biggest cricketing festival ever! Since its inception in 2008, IPL has evolved into a global phenomenon that unites players, fans, and franchises from all over the world. Each season brings new excitement — thrilling matches, breathtaking catches, and unforgettable performances.
For IPL 2026, the format remains competitive and entertaining, featuring 10 powerhouse teams representing various Indian cities. These teams are stacked with international stars and emerging local talent. Let’s explore the complete team list, updated squad details, captains, and player profiles for the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
How Many Teams Will Play in IPL 2026?
There will be 10 teams competing in IPL 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the structure will remain the same as the previous two seasons (2022–2025).
Each team will play 14 league matches — seven at home and seven away. The top four teams from the points table will qualify for the playoffs, leading to the grand finale.
IPL 2026 Teams List:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Coach: Stephen Fleming
Home Ground: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Team Overview:
The “Yellow Army” is known for its consistency and discipline. After the legendary MS Dhoni’s retirement, Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the team into a new era, focusing on young talent combined with seasoned players.
Key Players:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Deepak Chahar
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Moeen Ali
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Captain: Hardik Pandya
Coach: Mark Boucher
Home Ground: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Team Overview:
The five-time champions are always title favorites. Under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, MI blends experience with young energy. Their lineup boasts powerful hitters and world-class pacers.
Key Players:
- Hardik Pandya
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Ishan Kishan
- Tim David
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Captain: Faf du Plessis
Coach: Andy Flower
Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Team Overview:
RCB fans are known for their passion and loyalty. Despite coming close many times, they’re still chasing their maiden IPL title. With a star-studded lineup, 2026 might finally be their year.
Key Players:
- Virat Kohli
- Faf du Plessis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Mohammed Siraj
- Cameron Green
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Coach: Chandrakant Pandit
Home Ground: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Team Overview:
Two-time IPL champions KKR have re-emerged as one of the most balanced sides. Their blend of spin attack and explosive batting makes them serious title contenders.
Key Players:
- Shreyas Iyer
- Andre Russell
- Sunil Narine
- Rinku Singh
- Venkatesh Iyer
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Captain: Sanju Samson
Coach: Kumar Sangakkara
Home Ground: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Team Overview:
The inaugural IPL champions continue to impress with their young core and dynamic leadership. RR’s focus on Indian youngsters and strong bowling gives them an edge.
Key Players:
- Sanju Samson
- Jos Buttler
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Trent Boult
- Ravichandran Ashwin
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Captain: Pat Cummins
Coach: Daniel Vettori
Home Ground: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Team Overview:
SRH have transformed into an aggressive and balanced side under Pat Cummins. They rely on their fiery pace attack and strong middle order.
Key Players:
- Pat Cummins
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Abhishek Sharma
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Rahul Tripathi
Delhi Capitals (DC)
Captain: Rishabh Pant
Coach: Ricky Ponting
Home Ground: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Team Overview:
Delhi Capitals have become a young and energetic unit led by the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. They are aiming to secure their first IPL trophy.
Key Players:
- Rishabh Pant
- Prithvi Shaw
- David Warner
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Captain: KL Rahul
Coach: Justin Langer
Home Ground: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
Team Overview:
The Lucknow franchise has shown consistency since their debut. With a combination of stylish batting and strong all-rounders, they are expected to make deep runs again.
Key Players:
- KL Rahul
- Marcus Stoinis
- Nicholas Pooran
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Quinton de Kock
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Captain: Shubman Gill
Coach: Ashish Nehra
Home Ground: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Team Overview:
Champions in their debut season, GT have quickly earned respect for smart tactics and youthful energy. With Shubman Gill’s leadership, the team focuses on balance and adaptability.
Key Players:
- Shubman Gill
- Rashid Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Sai Sudharsan
- Mohammed Shami
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Home Ground: PCA Stadium, Mohali
Team Overview:
Despite having some of the most explosive batters, Punjab Kings are still searching for their first title. They’ve made smart changes for 2026 to build a more balanced side.
Key Players:
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Sam Curran
- Liam Livingstone
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jitesh Sharma
IPL 2026 Format & Schedule Highlights
- League Format: Double Round Robin
- Playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, Final
- Venues: Matches across 10 cities
- Expected Start Date: March 2026
- Final Venue: Ahmedabad (tentatively)
Each franchise will play 7 home and 7 away matches, ensuring fans across India get to enjoy live cricket action.
IPL 2026 Rising Stars to Watch
Every IPL season introduces new heroes. Here are some young talents to keep an eye on in 2026:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR): Promising opener with elegant stroke play.
- Tilak Varma (MI): Consistent middle-order performer.
- Rinku Singh (KKR): Finisher with a fearless attitude.
- Abhishek Sharma (SRH): Explosive left-handed all-rounder.
- Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Smart leg-spinner with great control.
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