IPL 2026 Captains Photoshoot Set for March 15 in Delhi: All 10 Skippers to Assemble
All 10 IPL 2026 captains are gathering in New Delhi on March 15 for the official pre-season photoshoot, confirmed by BCCI via Cricbuzz.
This is the moment every cricket fan waits for before the tournament explodes into action. Before the first ball is bowled in the IPL 2026 season starting March 28, the cameras will roll and the 10 skippers will pose together for what is traditionally one of the most viral moments of the pre-season.
What Is the IPL Captains Photoshoot?
Every year before the IPL starts, BCCI organizes an official photoshoot where all franchise captains get together, pose with the trophy, and give fans a first proper look at the faces leading their teams into battle. It is a tradition, but it is also a marketing moment that sets social media on fire.
This year is extra special. The March 15 photoshoot in Delhi is happening on the same day as the NAMAN awards ceremony, where five ICC trophy-winning Indian teams are being honored. That makes March 15 a massive day for Indian cricket overall.
All 10 IPL 2026 Captains at the Photoshoot
Here is a look at all 10 skippers expected to show up in Delhi:
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rajat Patidar |
| Chennai Super Kings | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Mumbai Indians | Hardik Pandya |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Shreyas Iyer |
| Delhi Capitals | Rishabh Pant |
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer |
| Rajasthan Royals | Riyan Parag |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Pat Cummins |
| Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant |
One name stands out, Pat Cummins of Sunrisers Hyderabad is the only overseas captain in the entire league this season, which adds a global flavor to what is already a star-studded lineup.
Why This Photoshoot Matters More Than You Think
It is easy to look at a photoshoot and think it is just a PR exercise. But for cricket fans, this is the first confirmation that the IPL season is genuinely around the corner. The images from this shoot get used across broadcast promos, social media campaigns, billboard advertisements, and official match programs throughout the entire season.
Interested in tracking your favorite team through the tournament? Browse the full IPL 2026 team squads to see who’s playing under each captain.
What Comes After the March 15 Photoshoot
BCCI has a packed calendar before the first match on March 28:
- March 15 in Delhi: Official captains photoshoot plus the NAMAN awards ceremony
- March 25 in Mumbai: Full captains and coaches meeting with BCCI, where new rules and key updates for IPL 2026 will be discussed
- March 28 in Bengaluru: Season opener, expected to be RCB vs CSK at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
The March 25 meeting is significant because the board usually uses it to align everyone on rule changes, playing conditions, and any new developments for the season. The agenda has not been revealed yet, but those updates will directly affect how teams prepare and how captains approach the tournament.
The Social Media Storm That Always Follows
When the official photoshoot images drop, cricket Twitter and Instagram go completely wild. Every fan picks apart the expressions, jersey fits, and body language of their favorite captain. Some read too much into who stood next to whom. Others just save the photos as wallpapers.
This year the buzz will be even louder because so many of these captains are in new chapters of their careers:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad leading CSK for the first time as an established captain
- Riyan Parag stepping up as the face of Rajasthan Royals
- Rishabh Pant returning to Delhi Capitals after his time at LSG
- Hardik Pandya carrying the weight of Mumbai Indians’ expectations again
Want to keep up with all the latest updates as IPL 2026 builds up? Check out the latest IPL 2026 updates for everything you need in one place.
IPL 2026 Key Pre-Season Dates
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Captains Photoshoot | March 15 | New Delhi |
| NAMAN Awards Ceremony | March 15 | New Delhi |
| BCCI Captains and Coaches Meeting | March 25 | Mumbai |
| IPL 2026 Season Opener | March 28 | Bengaluru |
The countdown to IPL 2026 is real now. When those photoshoot images land on March 15, the season officially feels like it is here.
For live match coverage once the action begins, watch IPL 2026 live streaming and never miss a moment of the action.
FAQs
When is the IPL 2026 captains photoshoot? The official IPL 2026 captains photoshoot is scheduled for March 15, 2026 in New Delhi, as confirmed by BCCI via Cricbuzz.
Who are the captains appearing in the IPL 2026 photoshoot? All 10 franchise captains including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Pat Cummins and others are expected to attend.
What else is happening on March 15 alongside the photoshoot? The NAMAN awards ceremony honoring five ICC trophy-winning Indian teams is also taking place in New Delhi on the same day.
Is Pat Cummins the only foreign captain in IPL 2026? Yes, Pat Cummins of Sunrisers Hyderabad is the only overseas captain in IPL 2026.
When does IPL 2026 actually start? IPL 2026 begins on March 28, 2026, with the opening match expected to be RCB vs CSK in Bengaluru.
What happens at the BCCI captains and coaches meeting on March 25? The BCCI will meet all IPL captains and coaches in Mumbai on March 25 to discuss rule changes and key updates for the IPL 2026 season.
