Top 5 worst performing captains in IPL 2026

Quite a few captains have failed to deliver with bat in IPL 2026.

Captaincy has always been a challenging task in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. A captain is held accountable for almost everything, and the pressure of leading from the front also makes things difficult.

While some captains thrived under pressure and guided their teams with smart tactics and consistency in IPL 2026, a few others lacked confidence on the field. Their own poor batting or bowling form added even more pressure on the team. In this listicle, let’s take a glance at the top 5 worst-performing captains in IPL 2026.

Top 5 captains with the worst performances in IPL 2026

5. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag was appointed as the full-time captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson’s exit. However, he has struggled to perform at his best. In 11 games, the right-handed batsman has scored 258 runs at an average of 25.80 and a strike rate of 151. While he scored half-centuries in two games, he got out cheaply on most occasions.

4. Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been one of the biggest disappointments this season. Batting as an opener, he has piled up 321 runs in 13 games at a poor average of 29.18. Gaikwad has also struggled with his strike rate, which stands at just 120.67. His slow batting approach has been criticised by many fans.

3. Ajinkya Rahane

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have witnessed another poor season under Ajinkya Rahane. The veteran Indian batter has also struggled with his own form. In 12 games, he has mustered 251 runs at an average of 22.82 and a strike rate of 130. Despite taking the crucial slot of an opener, Rahane has failed to lead from the front.

2. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is the captain of Lucknow Super Giants and his struggles have continued in another season. He scored a fifty at the start and looked in good touch. However, he later struggled to score runs despite changing his batting positions multiple times. With just one fifty in 13 games, the left-handed batsman has scored 286 runs at an average of 28.60 and a strike rate of 140.

1. Hardik Pandya

Many key players of Mumbai Indians have struggled with their form in IPL 2026 and captain Hardik Pandya is one of them. In eight games, Pandya has scored just 146 runs at an average of 20.86 and a strike rate of 136. With the ball, he has clinched just four wickets at an economy of 11.90.

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