Shreyas Iyer is statistically one of IPL's most succesful captains. He reached the final with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, and even lifted the trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders not too long ago.

Although this season did not particularly finish off the way PBKS and Iyer would have hoped for, his leadership experience and recent form with the bat in T20 cricket cannot be overlooked. 

Sanju Samson is in the form of his life. After a difficult period ahead of the T20 World Cup earlier this year, he found form in the later stages of the tournament, and ended up as the Player of the Tournament. 

He also had a pretty good outing with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, despite the franchise's poor run overall.

While he wasn't the captain at CSK, he brings valuable leadership experience from his time with Rajasthan Royals, where he led the franchise for multiple seasons and even guided them to a final.

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Rajat Patidar is yet to make his debut for the Men in Blue in the shortest format, but has done wonders with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as captain in the last two IPL seasons.

He first guided RCB to their first title, and then defended it successfully this year. With the bat, Patidar had an explosive impact for most of the season, smashing 501 runs in 15 matches. 

Capitalizing on his form and captaincy instinct could be a fine move for the Indian team moving forward in T20 cricket.

He first guided RCB to their first title, and then defended it successfully this year. With the bat, Patidar had an explosive impact for most of the season, smashing 501 runs in 15 matches. 

Capitalizing on his form and captaincy instinct could be a fine move for the Indian team moving forward in T20 cricket.