IPL Team Coaches 2026 Full List and Salary Details

Head coaches are involved in every part of the game. They plan match strategies, help players improve their skills, and make key decisions during matches. With tough competition expected in IPL 2026, teams are relying on experienced coaches to lead and support players both on and off the field.

Below is a complete list of IPL 2026 head coaches, showing the leaders who will guide their teams in the upcoming season.

IPL 2026 Head Coaches List

The table below provides a clear look at each IPL team and its appointed head coach for the 2026 season.

Importance of Coaches in IPL 2026

Each IPL coach has their own way of leading the team. They bring valuable experience from international cricket and different strategies to help their teams succeed. 

For example, Stephen Fleming leads Chennai Super Kings with calm and steady guidance, while Ricky Ponting brings an aggressive approach to Punjab Kings. Every coach has a different style that suits their team.

In IPL 2026, matches are expected to be exciting and full of surprises. Coaches are just as important as the players listed in the IPL Players List. Their decisions, leadership, and ability to handle pressure can make a big difference in deciding which team wins the IPL trophy.

Detailed Insights on IPL 2026 Head Coaches

Coaches play a key role in shaping IPL teams. Stephen Fleming is the longest-serving coach in IPL history and has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to great success through consistent performances in live matches. New appointments like Hemang Badani and Rahul Dravid are now focused on rebuilding Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2026.

Let’s take a closer look at their careers and achievements.

Mahela Jayawardene – Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mahela Jayawardene, a famous cricketer from Sri Lanka, became the coach of Mumbai Indians in 2017. Under his guidance, MI won three IPL titles, making it a very successful period for the team. After taking a short break, he returned in 2025 to coach MI again.

Jayawardene is known for his smart strategies and for keeping the team united. His deep knowledge of cricket has helped MI stay one of the top teams. He has also helped players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah improve their game and become world-class stars.

Stephen Fleming – Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Stephen Fleming, a former New Zealand captain, has been coaching Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2009. Over the years, he has built a reputation for consistency, success, and strategic thinking. Known for his calm and composed nature, Fleming has guided CSK to five IPL titles and has played a key role in shaping the team’s winning culture. 

Under his leadership, CSK has reached 10 IPL finals, making them one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. Fleming is also praised for his ability to mentor both experienced players like MS Dhoni and young talents, helping them improve their skills. His guidance ensures that CSK remains competitive and strong in every IPL season.

Abhishek Nayar – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Abhishek Nayar has been appointed as the head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2026. He takes over after Chandrakant Pandit, who led KKR to the 2024 IPL title, stepped down before the new season. Nayar’s appointment marks an important leadership change for the franchise.

Along with Nayar, KKR has updated its coaching staff to strengthen the team. Tim Southee has joined as the new Bowling Coach, Shane Watson is the Assistant Coach, and Dwayne Bravo continues as the team mentor. At the same time, other staff members like Carl Crowe and Ottis Gibson have left the team.

With this new coaching setup, KKR is entering IPL 2026 with a fresh approach. The focus will be on improving player development, enhancing the bowling attack, and building a strong team strategy. Nayar’s leadership and the updated staff aim to make KKR more competitive and ready for success in the upcoming season.

Andy Flower – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Andy Flower, the former captain of Zimbabwe, joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2024. In his first season, he guided the team to the playoffs, bringing them close to winning their first IPL title.

Before RCB, Flower coached Lucknow Super Giants during 2022–2023, showing his skill in building competitive and well-prepared teams. He is known for his analytical approach, focus on mental toughness, and ability to get the best out of players.

At RCB, Flower aims to strengthen the team’s strategy and make the most of their strong batting lineup, led by stars like Virat Kohli. His leadership and experience are expected to help RCB chase their long-awaited maiden IPL trophy in the upcoming season.

Daniel Vettori – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Daniel Vettori, one of New Zealand’s best all-rounders, became the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2024. In his first season, he helped SRH reach the finals, showing his skill in transforming a struggling team into a strong contender.

Earlier, Vettori coached Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2014 to 2018, during which RCB reached the playoffs twice. He is known for his tactical brilliance, particularly in creating strong bowling units and balancing the team’s batting and bowling strengths.

At SRH, Vettori focuses on team balance, player development, and smart strategies. His experience and leadership aim to make Sunrisers Hyderabad a consistent title contender in IPL 2026, helping the team compete at the highest level every season.

Hemang Badani – Delhi Capitals (DC)

Hemang Badani, a former Indian cricketer, has joined Delhi Capitals (DC) as head coach for IPL 2025. This is a fresh start for the franchise, as they aim to build a stronger and more consistent team.

Badani has gained coaching experience in various T20 leagues, including the Lanka Premier League, which has helped him develop modern coaching techniques and strategies. His focus at DC is on player development, team cohesion, and creating a winning culture.

The franchise has shown great potential in past seasons but has struggled with consistency. With Badani’s guidance, DC aims to rejuvenate the squad, improve performances, and compete at the highest level in IPL 2026. His leadership is expected to help both young talents and experienced players reach their full potential.

Ricky Ponting – Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, has taken charge of Punjab Kings (PBKS) as head coach in 2025. Ponting brings years of international experience and coaching expertise, having previously led Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2023 and guiding them to the IPL finals in 2020.

Known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, Ponting is respected for his ability to develop strong, competitive teams. At PBKS, his main goal is to end the team’s long playoff drought.

He plans to build a well-coordinated squad and make the most of star players like Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran. Ponting’s experience, leadership, and strategic insights are expected to strengthen Punjab Kings and make them a serious contender in IPL 2026.

Justin Langer – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Justin Langer, former coach of the Australian cricket team, joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024. He brings a disciplined and focused coaching style, aiming to help LSG win their first IPL title.

Langer is known for creating high-performance environments where players can reach their full potential. His experience in guiding Australia to multiple global victories makes him a highly respected figure in coaching circles.

At LSG, Langer focuses on team strategy, player development, and building a strong culture within the squad. His guidance is expected to improve both individual performances and overall team coordination. With Langer at the helm, Lucknow Super Giants enter IPL 2026 as a serious contender, ready to challenge other top teams and compete for the trophy.

Ashish Nehra – Gujarat Titans (GT)

Ashish Nehra has been a key part of Gujarat Titans (GT) since their debut season in 2022, leading the team to their first IPL title. His energetic and straightforward coaching style has made a big impact on the franchise.

Nehra is known for his ability to create smart bowling strategies and maintain a positive and motivated team environment. He emphasizes simplicity, focus, and execution, which helps players perform at their best.

Since 2022, Nehra has continued to guide GT as one of the top contenders in the IPL, consistently helping the team remain competitive. His leadership, tactical knowledge, and ability to connect with players make him a crucial part of GT’s ongoing success and a coach to watch in IPL 2026.

Kumar Sangakkara – Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Kumar Sangakkara has returned as head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2026, while continuing his role as Director of Cricket. He previously coached RR from 2021 to 2024, during which the team reached the IPL 2022 final and remained consistently competitive.

Under Sangakkara, RR now has a strengthened coaching staff, including Vikram Rathour as Lead Assistant Coach, Shane Bond as Fast Bowling Coach, Trevor Penney as Assistant Coach, and Sid Lahiri as Performance Coach.

With a fresh captain expected in Ravindra Jadeja and a renewed coaching setup, Sangakkara aims to rebuild the team, focus on player development, and guide RR toward achieving their long-awaited second IPL title in 2026. His experience and leadership are key to the franchise’s future success.

Conclusion

The IPL 2026 season is set to be very exciting, and a big part of that will depend on the teams’ head coaches, who work closely with IPL Team Owners to build strong and competitive squads. Each coach brings valuable experience, smart strategies, and leadership. Stephen Fleming leads CSK with calm and steady guidance, while Ricky Ponting uses an aggressive and well-planned approach with Punjab Kings, backed by the vision of their owners.

New coaches like Abhishek Nayar at KKR and Hemang Badani at DC are focusing on team rebuilding, improving players, and new strategies. Experienced coaches like Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Andy Flower continue to guide their teams, keeping them competitive and ready to win.

The skills and leadership of these coaches will play a big role in match strategies, player performance, and the excitement of the IPL 2026 season. Strong coaches will be just as important as the players in deciding which team wins the trophy.