Head Coaches Of IPL 2026 Teams: On March 26, 2026, the Indian Premier League’s 18th season will begin and teams are currently getting ready through the use of training camps, developing players, and finalizing their plans for this upcoming new season.
Head Coaches of IPL 2026 Teams
1. Mahela Jayawardene – Mumbai Indians
Mahela Jayawardene is back as the head coach of Mumbai Indians. Jayawardene had previously coached Mumbai Indians from 2017 to 2022. During his tenure, he won two IPL championships with the team in 2019 and 2020. His return is considered a move to again make Mumbai a dominant force in the IPL 2026 season.
2. Stephen Fleming – Chennai Super Kings
Stephen Fleming continues to be the longest-serving coach in the history of the IPL with Chennai Super Kings. Fleming has led CSK to five IPL championships. He is also known for keeping a cool environment in the dressing room and developing young players, making him one of the most respected members of the Head Coaches of IPL 2026 Teams.
3. Kumar Sangakkara – Rajasthan Royals
Kumar Sangakkara re-commences as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals. Having previously been associated with the team from 2021 to 2024, Sangakkara guided the Royals to the final of the IPL 2022 and the playoffs in 2024. With the new assignment, he looks to lead the Royals to their second IPL triumph in 2026.
4. Ashish Nehra – Gujarat Titans
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Ashish Nehra re-commences as the head coach of Gujarat Titans. Since the inception of the Titans in 2022, Nehra has been instrumental in forming the team’s strategic outlook. The Titans have already won one IPL title under his leadership and will hope to win another in IPL 2026.
5. Abhishek Nair – Kolkata Knight Riders
Abhishek Nair is appointed as the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders before the start of IPL 2026. Taking over as the head coach of KKR after Chandrakant Pandit’s exit, Nair brings experience from both men’s and women’s leagues. His association with KKR began in 2025, and earlier, he was associated with Gautam Gambhir.
6. Andy Flower – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Andy Flower continues as the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have retained Andy Flower as their head coach for this season after having made him head coach of the team for the 2023 season. His appointment was made after the decision to replace Sanjay Bangar as head coach was made in 2025.
Flower has played an important role in the team’s first title win. As one of the most successful T20 coaches of all time, Flower will look to continue what has become a successful run thus far in his tenure as head coach of the Royal Challengers this upcoming season.
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7. Hemang Badani – Delhi Capitals
In 2026, Delhi Capitals will mostly keep their coaching structure intact. The JSW and GMR groups split coaching duties in 2024, with Hemang Badani appointed as head coach and Vengugal Rao appointed as director of cricket. Former England batsman Ian Bell became assistant coach.
8️. Ricky Ponting – Punjab Kings
Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, took over as the Punjab Kings’ head coach in 2025. With Ponting coaching them, the Kings will be trying for the first time to win an IPL title under captain Shreyas Iyer’s leadership.
9. Justin Langer – Lucknow Super Giants
Justin Langer, who has been the Super Giants’ head coach since IPL 2026, keeps getting renewed despite the poor performances from both teams over the previous two years (2024 and 2025). Langer has a history of using his of having strict discipline to help his teams achieve success and will need to do that for the Super Giants this season if they want to win a title.
10. Daniel Vettori – Sunrisers Hyderabad
In 2023, Sunrisers Hyderabad hired Daniel Vettori to be their head coach. Daniel is an easy-going person who embraces a very relaxed look at life while looking to build a stronger team culture and develop younger players. With Daniel at the helm of the Orange Army, they hope to win their first IPL championship in 2020.
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