Former Team India opener Virender Sehwag made several bold predictions about franchise captaincies after the completion of IPL 2026 group stage. During a rapid-fire discussion, the former batter reviewed the leadership of all 10 teams and suggested major captaincy changes after the end of the IPL 2026 season.
The IPL 2026 group stage ended with several surprising results, forcing franchises to reassess their leadership groups for next season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals qualified for the playoffs, while the remaining teams were eliminated from the tournament.
Hardik Pandya Removed as MI Captain, but Rishabh Pant Retained
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag backed Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant. Despite Lucknow finishing at the bottom of the points table after a disappointing season, Sehwag suggested that the franchise should continue with Pant as captain.
“50-50 hai but keep,” Sehwag said.
Rishabh Pant faced heavy criticism after Lucknow Super Giants managed only four wins and finished tenth in IPL 2026. Pant scored 312 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.36 and a strike rate of 138.05, including one half-century.
Meanwhile, Sehwag backed the removal of Hardik Pandya as Mumbai Indians captain following another poor season. He also suggested replacing Ajinkya Rahane as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders.
Watch the video of the same posted by Cricbuzz on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:
Pant to stay as captain? 👀
Remove Hardik? 🔥
What should teams do after #IPL2026?@virendersehwag answers 🎙️ @GoogleIndia pic.twitter.com/azsKGaJ3i5
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 25, 2026
The former India opener backed the captains who guided their teams to successful campaigns during IPL 2026. Virender Sehwag fully supported Pat Cummins continuing as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad after the franchise secured a top-three finish and qualified for the playoffs.
Virender Sehwag Backs Ruturaj Gaikwad and Axar Patel, Wants Rajasthan Royals to Replace Riyan Parag
Virender Sehwag backed Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue as captain of Chennai Super Kings despite the franchise finishing eighth in IPL 2026. Sehwag believes CSK should continue building around the young opener for the future.
Sehwag also supported Axar Patel continuing as captain of Delhi Capitals after the team narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. Delhi Capitals finished sixth with seven wins from 14 league matches.
However, Sehwag suggested removing Riyan Parag from the captaincy role at Rajasthan Royals despite the franchise qualifying for the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals finished fourth on the points table with 16 points from 14 matches.
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