The IPL 2026 is upon us. Every team is ready with a roadmap to lift the trophy.
Some people who work behind the scenes will be the masterminds behind the strategies. We are talking about the head coaches.
So, who are the head coaches of all teams in IPL 2026? Here’s a full list.
Chennai Super Kings
Head Coach: Stephen Fleming
Stephen Fleming and CSK have an unbreakable bond. He has been their head coach since 2009.
And guess what? He will turn up in that role for another year. That’s 16 seasons with CSK, making him the longest-serving head coach in the IPL. His record looks pretty much safe!
While Fleming’s record is safe, he will be eager to break the chain of average seasons this year.
Delhi Capitals
Head Coach: Hemang Badani
After a ‘what could’ve been a season’, Hemang Badani returns as head coach of Delhi Capitals. He has been part of the other teams owned by the franchise in ILT20, MLC and now The Men’s Hundred.
Notably, Badani guided Dubai Capitals to a title triumph in the ILT20 2025 season. So, he would like to imitate something similar with Delhi in IPL 2026.
Gujarat Titans
Head Coach: Ashish Nehra
The ‘Nariyal Man’ will have another go with Gujarat Titans in 2026. He has been a visible force behind GT’s strong performances, always screaming, passing on some info to players and the captain on the boundary ropes.
And this year won’t be any different either. So, watch out for Nehra delivering a masterclass while sipping coconut water!
Kolkata Knight Riders
Head Coach: Abhishek Nayar
Kolkata Knight Riders have got a new head coach this season. Abhishek Nayar, who has been a part of the franchise for several seasons, takes over from Chandrakant Pandit.
Nayar was also the head coach of UP Warriorz in WPL 2026, where he looked completely off colour. Now, it will be interesting to see how he works out his way with KKR.
Lucknow Super Giants
Head Coach: Justin Langer
Despite an average season last year, Lucknow Super Giants have retained Justin Langer. This will be his third season with the franchise.
In the last two seasons, with Langer at the helm, things haven’t really worked out for LSG. So, this year, the Australian has a big task cut out for himself.
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Mumbai Indians
Head Coach: Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene returned last year and improved Mumbai Indians’ performance by a mile. They made it to Qualifier 2.
Although MI failed in the Qualifier, they will aim for the final and, hopefully, add their sixth title to the trophy cabinet.
Punjab Kings
Head Coach: Ricky Ponting
First season with Punjab Kings last year. Big expectations. And he did wonders with captain Shreyas Iyer.
Punjab qualified for their first IPL final after more than a decade! Sure, they failed to win the whole thing, but their outing last season showed the genius of Ponting. Hopefully, he lays his hands on the trophy this year.
Rajasthan Royals
Head Coach: Kumar Sangakkara
After a poor 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals have brought back Kumar Sangakkara as their head coach for IPL 2026. The Sri Lankan replaces Rahul Dravid in the job.
While Sangakkara was part of RR as the Director of Cricket last year, he perhaps lesser control. Now that he is back as head coach, he will look to turn things around along with their new captain, Riyan Parag.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Head Coach: Andy Flower
Andy Flower is a master at turning a stone into gold. That’s what he did last year with RCB.
The Zimbabwean helped the franchise complete their long-awaited dream – lift the IPL trophy. And that too in some style! Now Flower will aim to defend the title and make it two in two this year.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Head Coach: Daniel Vettori
After the high of 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad came crashing down in 2025. Their batters fired up, but there was not enough fuel to enter the playoffs.
But this season, Daniel Vettori will chalk out a solid strategy along with Ishan Kishan, who has been in superb form of late, and Pat Cummins.
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