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As the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) is set to find its champion on May 31, the focus has already shifted to the next season, with many franchises facing big captaincy decisions. Ahead of the title clash, Aakash Chopra shared his views on which captains should remain and which teams might need a fresh start in IPL 2027.
The IPL 2026 final is scheduled to take place on Sunday (May 31) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad between defending champions Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Shubman Gill-captained Gujarat Titans (GT).
Shreyas Iyer gets strong support despite PBKS collapse in IPL 2026
Ahead of the summit in Ahmedabad, Aakash Chopra was asked to share his views on which franchises should move on from their current captains ahead of the IPL 2027 mega auction on CREX.
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Aakash Chopra feels Shreyas Iyer deserves full support despite Punjab Kings’ disappointing performance this season. PBKS lost momentum badly and missed the playoffs after six consecutive defeats, but Chopra believes Iyer has already shown what he can do by leading the franchise to the IPL final last year.
Iyer, who has been in great form with the bat this season, is the only captain to take three different franchises to the IPL final, and Chopra just said, “Support him, man.”
Aakash Chopra says Sanju Samson should be made captain of CSK in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings may have to face a tough decision. The five-time IPL champions are struggling badly under Ruturaj Gaikwad and have not reached the playoffs since 2023. Questions are increasing about Gaikwad as captain, Aakash Chopra feels that CSK may have to think about Sanju Samson.
“It’s really tough. Sanju Samson is ready. Maybe CSK should turn to Sanju,” the cricket pundit said. Despite a spectacular turnaround this season, there is a high possibility of Ajinkya Rahane being sacked as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
KKR have failed to make the IPL playoffs under Rahane’s captaincy and Chopra believes the franchise “needs a new captain” to turn its fortunes around. On the other hand, Pat Cummins should remain with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the next cycle as well.
Pat Cummins remains SRH’s undisputed captain, but Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are not safe
The Australian superstar has made SRH one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament, leading the team to the IPL final in 2024 and again to the playoffs this season. Speaking about Cummins’ prospects, Chopra said: “Obviously, SRH will retain him.”
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Mumbai Indians (MI) will take a big decision soon. Hardik Pandya has failed to deliver results due to constant pressure and perceived lack of support from the players, and Chopra feels MI may consider looking for a new leader. He said, “MI needs a new captain.”
The situation of Delhi Capitals is also similar. After another disappointing campaign, questions have already been raised over Axar Patel’s future as captain. Chopra said, “Continuing bad seasons.” Delhi Capitals may get a new captain in place of Akshar.
Riyan Parag gets support from Aakash Chopra after impressive season
However, Aakash Chopra has praised Riyan Parag for the way he captained Rajasthan Royals in his first season as full-time captain. Despite mid-season controversies, Parag led Rajasthan Royals to the IPL 2026 playoffs and also made it to Qualifier 2 by leading from the front.
The commentator believes that Parag should retain his job in the 2027 season. “They reached the playoffs and Qualifier 2. You can keep them,” he said.
Should franchises continue to support their captains or look for a change?
Our CREXpert analyzes the seasons of some captains and shares his opinion on what their franchises should do next.#AakashChopra #RuturajGaikwad #HardikPandya #CricketMatlabCREX pic.twitter.com/RzqmD6BqK4
– CREX (@Crex_live) May 30, 2026