The IPL 2026 season might be the last for some captains who haven’t effectively led their teams. Their leadership issues have impacted their franchises significantly. Here are three captains facing serious challenges.
1. Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Ajinkya Rahane’s appointment as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders raised questions. He no longer leads his domestic team, Mumbai, in T20s and is not in national selection plans. KKR took a gamble that has yielded modest results.
With six wins and six losses this season, KKR is caught in a tight race for playoff spots with only one game left. Rahane’s leadership hasn’t inspired confidence, and his batting performance has dipped, totaling 272 runs at an average of 22.66 and a strike rate of 130.14. He has recorded two ducks and just one half-century, highlighting his difficulties.
2. Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
The Mumbai Indians are out of playoff contention, currently placed ninth with four wins and nine losses. Hardik Pandya hasn’t shown his usual form. His bowling strategies have often puzzled experts, leading to poor results.
In nine matches, Pandya has scored only 172 runs at an average of 21.50 and a strike rate of 128.35. His bowling performance has been disappointing as well, with just four wickets and an economy rate of 11.42. This season has been challenging for a franchise known for its success.
3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Ruturaj Gaikwad has faced difficulties in filling the shoes of MS Dhoni. Some of his decisions have been questionable, such as choosing Matthew Short over Akeal Hosein in a crucial match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, resulting in a narrow 10-run loss. Such errors have characterized CSK’s season.
CSK’s hopes of making the playoffs are no longer in their hands, with only two wins in six away matches revealing gaps in preparation. Gaikwad’s batting has also raised eyebrows, as he has accrued 321 runs in 13 innings at an average of 29.18 and a strike rate of 120.67, with just two fifties. This falls short of the expected standards for a franchise with a history of consistency.