Team-wise head coaches of IPL 2026

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 26. While the IPL schedule is yet to be announced, franchises are already gearing up. Many have already begun their camps, with head coaches fine-tuning the new recruits. Some of the franchises will have new faces on their side. While Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants will look to end their IPL trophy drought, a few franchises have also strengthened their coaching staff, hoping to get their hands on the title again.

All ten franchises have confirmed their head coaches ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Each coach will bring a blend of international experience and tactical acumen to lead their respective sides. Abhishek Nayar will make his full-time coaching debut, while some of the seasoned coaches will look to make their mark in the IPL again. There will be a number of high-profile coaches such as Andy Flower, Stephen Fleming, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Ricky Ponting, among others.

Team-wise head coaches for IPL 2026

Kumar Sangakkara: Rajasthan Royals

After former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid departed from the Royals’ camp, Rajasthan Royals reappointed Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach. The former Sri Lanka will be seen guiding the side again after previously serving in the role from 2021 to 2024. Under his leadership, RR reached the IPL 2022 final and returned to the playoffs in 2024.

Abhishek Nayar: Kolkata Knight Riders

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar returned to the KKR camp in IPL 2025. Later on, after the departure of Chandrakant Pandit, Nayar was appointed as the head coach of the Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026. Previously, Abhishek Nayar assisted Gautam Gambhir in the coaching role in KKR and was also seen guiding the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Andy Flower: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will continue with Andy Flower as their head coach, who was initially signed in 2023. Flower, who replaced Sanjay Bangar as the RCB head coach, helped the Bengaluru-based franchise lift their maiden title in 2025. Probably, the best coach in franchise T20 league history, Flower, will look to replicate the same in the upcoming edition with the likes of Mo Bobat, Dinesh Karthik and a few others by his side.

Hemang Badani: Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals will continue with similar faces like that in IPL 2025, in the upcoming edition of the tournament. Undergoing a one-of-a-kind reshuffle in 2024, the DC co-owners in JSW and GMR groups divided the responsibilities, with Hemang Badani being named the head coach and Venkugal Rao being named the Director of Cricket. Furthermore, they have roped in England great Ian Bell as assistant coach, adding to the experienced lineup.

Ashish Nehra: Gujarat Titans

The Gujarat Titans have former India cricketer Ashish Nehra as their head coach. Nehra, who has been with the side since its inception ahead of IPL 2022, has helped the team grow across departments, being instrumental in shaping team’s strategy and performance.

Ricky Ponting: Punjab Kings

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will continue with former Australian cricketer and one of the greats of the game, Ricky Ponting as their head coach, who was appointed ahead of IPL 2025. Ponting, with his guidance, will look to help the Shreyas Iyer-led side seal their maiden IPL title this season.

Justin Langer: Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) recently announced the retention of Justin langer as head coach ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise opted to stick with Langer despite a fall in the team’s performance in 2024 and 2025. Speaking of Australia, Langer is known for his good work ethic and discipline and will look to end LSG’s wait for an IPL title.

Daniel Vettori: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have also looked forward to Daniel Vettori, who was roped in 2023. Vettori, who is known for his calm and composed nature, focuses on team balance and the need to support young players and will look to end the Orange Army’s wait for IPL victory.

Stephen Fleming: Chennai Super Kings

The longest-serving head coach in the IPL, Stephen Fleming, has been with the CSK since shortly after his retirement. He has led CSK to five IPL title wins and boasts of an easy approach while maintaining a calm atmosphere in the dressing room.

Mahela Jayawardene: Mumbai Indians

Former Sri Lanka cricketer, Mahela Jayawardene, returned to the Mumbai Indians in 2025 as their head coach. Having previously coached the franchise from 2017 to 2022, where they won two titles in 2019 and 2020, was crucial in the team regaining their form.

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