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The ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) has seen several captains grabbing attention with their leadership, smart tactics, and calm decision-making under pressure. And now, former Mumbai Indians star Mitchell McClenaghan turns the heads by revealing his rankings for the best captains of the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
Mitchell McClenaghan’s list has already created massive discussion among fans because some big names were placed surprisingly low, while a few leaders received huge praise for their performances as captain in the ongoing tournament.
Mitchell McClenaghan ranks Rajat Patidar as best captain of IPL 2026
As the ongoing IPL 2026 heads into the business end, Mitchell McClenaghan was asked to rank the IPL captains of this edition on ESPNCricinfo, and he tried his best efforts to pick the best. He has named the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Rajat Patidar as the best captain of IPL 2026 so far.
Patidar impressed Mitchell not only with on-field decisions but also with the way he handled the team environment and managed players throughout the season.
Mitchell McClenaghan said, “My number one is Rajat Patidar. I think he has been exceptional in the way he's marshalled his troops. Also, a lot of the stuff are also off-field decisions as well.”
Shubman Gill and Pat Cummins shine in McClenaghan’s IPL captain rankings
At number two, McClenaghan picked Shubman Gill after Gujarat Titans’ brilliant campaign this year. He praised Gill for leading from the front, which has helped the Gujarat Titans to become one of the strongest teams for the IPL 2026 title.
The former pacer added, “He’s been outstanding leading from the front. I like to see a captain who leads on the field, and that's definitely Shubman Gill.”
Pat Cummins was placed at number three after guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad strongly this season. McClenaghan was impressed with Cummins’ calm attitude and the respect he commands from players. He said, “Pat Cummins, calm, composed, coming in off the back of Ishan Kishan, doing a great job. He was able to keep that going, and it looks like he demands a lot of respect on the field as well.”
Shreyas Iyer drops to No. 4 after Punjab Kings’ recent struggles in IPL 2026
One of the biggest talking points from Mitchell’s rankings was Shreyas Iyer being placed at number four. Earlier in the season, he was considered the top captain because of his strong leadership and aggressive approach. However, a few poor decisions and the Punjab Kings’ four straight defeats pushed him slightly lower in the rankings.
Speaking of Iyer, the former New Zealand bowler said, "My number four probably would have been a bit higher at the start of the tournament, Shreyas Iyer. I think he looks like he, again, leads from the front and controls his troops, and it's just been a little bit of a dip and fall from their side in a few on-field decisions, but all in all, 90% of the time, he looks like an exceptional leader.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad picked at No.5; Hardik Pandya gets sixth spot
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad grabbed the fifth spot after showing improvement as the tournament progressed. Mitchell added, “He's improved as the season's gone on. His over-deployment and understanding the bowlers and resources that he's got throughout the season have gotten a lot better, and he's getting the best out of players like Jamie Overton and Akeal, so I think there's been some great tactics and great leadership.”
Despite Mumbai Indians’ poor show that saw them losing 8 of 11 games so far, Hardik Pandya placed at number six, while Delhi Capitals’ captain Akshar Patel was Mitchell’s seventh captain for “being a bit braver with your bowling choices” and being able to take wickets and field brilliantly.
Ajinkya Rahane picked above Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane was placed eighth because he has been steady. The New Zealander was impressed with the way Rahane utilized his players and got the most out of his batting unit this season. His number nine was Riyan Parag.
The former MI pacer said that the Rajasthan Royals captain started well at the start of the tournament, but he looked less organized as pressure increased and made some toss blunders. Finally, Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant ended up at number ten in the rankings.
Who has been the best captain so far in #IPL2026? pic.twitter.com/EDFPusHFTa
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 12, 2026
