Mumbai: The conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 league stage has triggered serious introspection among franchises that failed to make the playoffs, with captaincy emerging as a major concern for five teams. Out of the six teams that missed qualification, most have struggled with leadership consistency across the ongoing three-year cycle, raising doubts about their direction heading into the next season.
A combination of poor results, inconsistent performances, and lack of long-term planning has put several high-profile captains under scrutiny. From big-money signings to legacy transitions, franchises now face crucial decisions regarding leadership ahead of IPL 2027.
Rishabh Pant faces uncertain future at Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made headlines when they acquired Rishabh Pant for a staggering ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. However, the investment has not yielded the expected results.
After finishing seventh in IPL 2025, LSG slipped further to the bottom of the table in 2026. Pant’s captaincy has come under heavy criticism, with the team failing to find consistency in both batting and bowling departments.
LSG’s Global Director of Cricket Tom Moody hinted at a possible leadership reset, stating that the franchise would review all aspects, including captaincy. Pant has already stepped down from the role, and reports suggest his place in the squad itself may be under reconsideration.
Hardik Pandya struggles to cement authority at Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians’ decision to appoint Hardik Pandya as captain in place of Rohit Sharma was always going to be a bold move. While Hardik regained fan support during IPL 2025 following his role in India’s T20 World Cup success, the 2026 season has once again exposed cracks.
The presence of multiple senior players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, has complicated the leadership structure. Hardik missed four matches this season, during which other players stepped in as captain, further highlighting instability.
Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom in 2024 and narrowly avoided a similar fate in 2026. With the franchise known for its winning culture, speculation is growing over whether Hardik will continue as captain in the next season.
Ruturaj Gaikwad under pressure amid CSK’s worst phase
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are enduring an uncharacteristic slump after years of dominance under MS Dhoni. Since Gaikwad took over the captaincy in 2024, the team has failed to reach the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
The transition from Dhoni’s era has proven challenging, with Gaikwad struggling to replicate the consistency and tactical acumen associated with his predecessor. His individual form has also dipped, managing just 337 runs in IPL 2026, alongside the lowest powerplay strike rate in the tournament.
With players like Sanju Samson now part of the setup, CSK may consider a leadership change to revive their fortunes.
Ajinkya Rahane faces scrutiny at Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have struggled to build on their IPL 2024 title-winning campaign, finishing eighth in 2025 and seventh in 2026. Captain Ajinkya Rahane, despite his experience, has faced criticism for both his leadership record and batting form.
Rahane’s strike rate of 135 in IPL 2026 has raised questions about his effectiveness in the shortest format. Additionally, his overall win percentage as captain has been among the lowest for players with significant leadership experience.
With Rahane approaching 38 years of age, KKR must decide whether to continue with a short-term approach or invest in a younger, long-term leader.
Axar Patel deals with inconsistency at Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals (DC) have once again fallen short despite promising starts in both IPL 2025 and 2026. Under Axar Patel’s leadership, the team showed early momentum but failed to sustain performance across the season.
Frequent changes in the batting order and underwhelming performances from key Indian bowlers have contributed to their struggles. The lack of a stable playing combination has also reflected on Axar’s captaincy.
With the JSW Group set to take over the franchise’s operations, a strategic overhaul is expected. Questions remain whether Axar will retain the captaincy or if alternatives like KL Rahul will be considered for the role.
A critical phase for IPL franchises
The recurring theme across these teams is the lack of stability in leadership and planning. While some franchises are dealing with transitions, others are grappling with underperformance despite experienced captains.
The IPL’s competitive nature demands both immediate results and long-term vision. Teams that fail to strike this balance often find themselves in cycles of inconsistency, as seen in the current scenario.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 season has not only highlighted on-field performances but also exposed deeper structural concerns within several franchises. Captaincy, often the backbone of team success, has emerged as a key area requiring urgent attention.
As teams prepare for IPL 2027, decisions regarding leadership will play a crucial role in shaping their future. Whether it involves backing existing captains or initiating bold changes, franchises must act decisively to return to contention.