From MI To CSK: IPL 2027 Captains Of All Teams Predicted Before Auction

Predicted captains of all 10 teams ahead of IPL 2027. [Source - X.com]

The IPL 2027 season is fast approaching, with all 10 franchises gearing up for another thrilling edition of the world's biggest T20 league. While several teams may retain their captains, others could see leadership changes.

With the mini-auction around the corner and squad movements already making headlines, captaincy will be an interesting aspect to follow. We predict who could lead all 10 franchises in IPL 2027.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar is expected to continue as RCB captain in IPL 2027. He has done a good job since taking over and led the franchise to back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026.

RCB are unlikely to make any changes to their leadership after two successful seasons under Patidar. The management will want to maintain stability and give him the opportunity to continue as captain.

Gujarat Titans – Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is expected to continue as Gujarat Titans captain in IPL 2027. Since taking charge in 2024, he has also become the team's leading batter and remains central to their plans.

Gill led Gujarat Titans to the IPL final last season, further strengthening his position as captain. With his performances with the bat and leadership, the franchise is unlikely to look for another option.

Rajasthan Royals – Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag is expected to continue as Rajasthan Royals captain in IPL 2027. There have been questions at times over whether Yashasvi Jaiswal or other senior players should take over, but Parag has made a strong case to retain the role.

• Led RR to the playoffs in his first season as full-time captain after Sanju Samson's departure, finishing third in the league stage.
• Has a 45.45% win rate as captain.
• Has shown courage in making some tough calls during the season.
• Made smart tactical decisions on the field and got results against some of the IPL's biggest teams.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad – Ishan Kishan

Sunrisers Hyderabad could face a tricky captaincy situation ahead of IPL 2027, with Ishan Kishan emerging as a possible option to lead the side instead of Pat Cummins.

• Cummins remains SRH's first-choice captain but could have limited availability due to Australia's Ashes tour of England after IPL 2027.
• Australia may look to manage his workload, especially with his injury concerns in recent years.
• Cummins also arrived late last season, raising questions over his availability.
• Kishan captained SRH in Cummins' absence last season and is likely to get the nod if the Australian misses games.

Mumbai Indians – Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians could turn to Rohit Sharma again for the captaincy role in IPL 2027, with Hardik Pandya reportedly set to move to Punjab Kings. The former five-time IPL-winning captain could be the right choice for the franchise.

• Rohit is expected to return as MI captain after Hardik's reported move to PBKS.
• At 39, he could bring his experience back into the leadership group.
• With the next mega auction still a year away, MI could use IPL 2027 to groom a younger captain.
• Tilak Varma is one possible long-term option, but Rohit could lead the side for now.

Kolkata Knight Riders – Rinku Singh

KKR is likely to enter IPL 2027 without a settled captain after Ajinkya Rahane's retirement. 

• Rahane's retirement has left KKR with a vacancy in the captaincy role.
• KKR could target an experienced leader at the auction or explore trade options like Yashasvi Jaiswal from Rajasthan Royals.
• Rinku Singh is the strongest in-house option and could be considered for his first full-time captaincy role.

Lucknow Super Giants – Nicholas Pooran

Lucknow Super Giants also have a captaincy vacancy ahead of IPL 2027 after Rishabh Pant was traded to Delhi Capitals. 

• Nicholas Pooran could be the frontrunner among the current players.
• Mitchell Marsh is another option, given his experience of leading teams.
• Aiden Markram could also be considered, having captained South Africa and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
• LSG may still prefer to bring in an experienced Indian captain through the auction or a trade deal.

Delhi Capitals – KL Rahul

Axar Patel has been Delhi Capitals' full-time captain since 2025, but his position could come under question ahead of IPL 2027. 

• There have been strong rumours around Axar Patel's possible trade, although no major progress has been reported in the talks so far.
• KL Rahul could emerge as the frontrunner, having recorded a 50% win rate as an IPL captain.
• Rishabh Pant is another option after returning to DC, but his recent captaincy stint at LSG did not go as planned.
• Rahul's experience and leadership record could make him a safer choice to lead Delhi in IPL 2027.

Punjab Kings – Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is expected to retain his role as Punjab Kings' captain in IPL 2027. He led the franchise to their first IPL final in 11 years in 2025 and has a 56.44% win rate as captain in his IPL captaincy career.

Hardik Pandya could be a major addition to the squad, but Iyer is unlikely to lose his role. His recent success with PBKS and experience as a trophy-winning captain make him the preferred choice.

Chennai Super Kings – Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to continue as CSK captain in IPL 2027. Despite the five-time champions failing to reach the playoffs since 2024, the franchise is likely to back him and give him more time.

With the next mega auction still a year away, CSK are unlikely to make a captaincy change just yet. Gaikwad is expected to lead the side for at least another season, with the franchise backing him to turn things around.

Conclusion

While RCB, GT and PBKS appear settled with Rajat Patidar, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, teams like KKR, LSG, MI and DC face bigger decisions, with leadership changes possible ahead of IPL 2027.

(IPL 2027 predicted captains)

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