IPL Team Coaches List 2026: Franchise Wise Breakdown – durhamccc.co.uk

The Indian Premier League relies on players and strong coaches who develop team strategies and guide performances throughout the season. Head coaches are crucial in building balanced squads and keeping consistency.
Stephen Fleming stands out as the top name. He has coached Chennai Super Kings since 2009 and led them to multiple IPL titles through stability and clear planning. His long-term impact sets a standard in the league.
There are some coaching changes ahead of IPL 2026 that may influence team performances. Abhishek Nayar was recently named head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders after Gautam Gambhir left, while Kumar Sangakkara took over Rajasthan Royals after Rahul Dravid. 
This article provides an overview of IPL head coaches, their continuity, changes, and overall influence on team success.
Check out the table below for the complete list of head coaches of all 10 IPL teams for the 2026 season.
Stephen Fleming has been the head coach of Chennai Super Kings since 2009, shortly after retiring as a player and taking over from Kepler Wessels. Under his guidance, CSK has become one of the most successful IPL franchises, winning five titles and consistently qualifying for playoffs. 
His calm leadership and tactical clarity have helped nurture both young and experienced players. Fleming’s long tenure is marked by stability, clear roles, and strong team culture that has sustained CSK’s high performance over many seasons.
Hemang Badani was named head coach of Delhi Capitals before the IPL 2025 season. A former Indian international batsman, Badani had worked as a fielding coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad, gaining valuable coaching experience and insight into player development. 
Under his leadership, DC aims to improve their consistency and compete for their first IPL title. His role focuses on tactical growth, team balance, and getting the best performance from both young and senior players.
Ashish Nehra has been the head coach of the Gujarat Titans since the team started in 2022. He became the first Indian coach to win an IPL title in his first season. His bold tactics and skill in managing players helped GT win the trophy in 2022 and reach the playoffs in the following seasons. 
Nehra is known for developing bowlers and creating well-rounded teams. His time with the team has led to steady competitiveness. In 2025, the Gujarat Titans reached the playoffs again, highlighting his influence on the franchise’s development.
Justin Langer took over as head coach of Lucknow Super Giants before the 2024 season. He brings a lot of coaching experience, including his successful time as coach of Australia’s national team. 
Under his guidance, LSG have improved competitively. They reached playoff contention in earlier seasons and are building a strong core. Langer’s tactics focus on using both youth and experience.
Mahela Jayawardene returned to coach the Mumbai Indians in 2025 after previously serving as their head coach from 2017 to 2022. During his earlier time with the team, MI won several IPL titles, including in 2019 and 2020. This success highlighted his skill in strategy and leadership. 
Jayawardene is recognized for developing strong batting teams and helping players handle pressure. His return focuses on regaining MI’s strong position and continuing their championship goals in the future.
Abhishek Nayar was named head coach of Kolkata Knight Riders before IPL 2026. He takes over from Chandrakant Pandit after the team had mixed results since their 2024 title win. 
Nayar has been part of KKR’s support staff since 2018, so he knows the franchise well and has strong skills in developing players. He has also coached in the Women’s Premier League and worked with India’s national coaching setup. Nayar aims to rebuild momentum and consistency for KKR in the upcoming seasons.
Ricky Ponting began his role as head coach of Punjab Kings in the 2025 season. He had previously coached Delhi Capitals and was briefly connected to other IPL teams. Ponting is recognized for his tough approach to cricket and his leadership as a prominent Australian player. 
PBKS hopes to end their title drought and enhance consistency under his leadership. Ponting’s experience is expected to support the team in close matches and planning strategies.
Andy Flower is still the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He brings a lot of international coaching experience and strong tactical knowledge to the team. He was appointed in recent seasons after taking on important coaching roles in the IPL and international cricket.
With his guidance, RCB made significant progress and won their first IPL title in 2025. Flower worked on improving both the batting and bowling units. He helped the team turn individual talent into steady performances and finally achieve championship success.
Kumar Sangakkara was named head coach of Rajasthan Royals before IPL 2026, taking over from Rahul Dravid after a challenging 2025 season. As a former Sri Lankan captain and RR director of cricket, Sangakkara offers leadership and strategic insight to refresh the team. 
He focuses on developing young players, building a strong team, and improving game tactics. The Royals are optimistic that his experience will bring performance consistency and lead RR back to playoff contention.
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Daniel Vettori has been the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad since 2023. He brings calm leadership and sharp thinking to the team. The former New Zealand captain focuses on creating strong bowling units and ensuring a competitive edge in all formats. 
Under his leadership, SRH aims to improve adaptability and consistency in their league performance. Vettori’s tactical guidance is crucial for team strategy. He supports both young players and experienced players.
Hey, I am a cricket writer based in London with over 7 years of experience covering everything from county championships to international showdowns. I bring a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, highlighting England’s rising stars and memorable match moments. At DurhamCricket, I deliver weekly coverage that’s honest, insightful, and easy to follow—perfect for fans who live and breathe the game.
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