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IPL 2027: Full list of head coaches for all 10 teams

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RCB's head coach Andy Flower pays emotional tribute to Virat Kohli

Andy Flower, Virat Kohli and Mo Bobat (Source: BCCI/IPL)

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Mr Cricket UAE Staff

Published - 26 Oct 2026, 04:54 PM Read time - 4 mins

The preparations for the Indian Premier League 2027 (IPL 2027) have begun as all the teams have almost finalised their coaching staff for the upcoming edition of the tournament. The IPL governing council has set November 15 as the deadline for all teams to release their list of retained players ahead of the upcoming auction.

As the teams deliberate to finalise their retained players’ list, here’s a look at the head coaches of all ten franchises ahead of the upcoming edition of the tournament:


1. Chennai Super Kings (Zaheer Khan)

Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been appointed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach ahead of IPL 2027. Zaheer has big shoes to fill as he replaces Stephen Fleming, who guided CSK to all of their five IPL titles.

Zaheer brings his vast international as well as IPL experience to CSK, along with fast bowling expertise, as the Yellow Army begin a new chapter.


2. Delhi Capitals (Sourav Ganguly)

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been named Delhi Capitals' (DC) head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Hemang Badani. Ganguly has previously served as DC’s mentor during IPL 2019 and has also been actively involved with the DC team in the Women's Premier League (WPL).

His appointment is in line with the arrangement between DC's co-owners - GMR Sports India Pvt Ltd and Jindal South West (JSW) Sports. Under the franchise's split ownership model, each owner will control franchise operations in alternating two-year cycles.


3. Gujarat Titans (Ashish Nehra)

Ashish Nehra continues to be head coach of Gujarat Titans (GT) for the upcoming season, having joined the franchise since its inception in 2022. Under Nehra, GT have tasted great success, having won the title in their debut season, followed by another appearance in the final in 2023.

GT have failed to qualify for the playoffs just once in their history and again finished as runners-up in the 2026 edition. They will be eager to cross the finishing line in the upcoming season and add another trophy to their cabinet.


4. Kolkata Knight Riders (Abhishek Nayar)

Kolkata Knight Riders have also retained Abhishek Nayar as their head coach ahead of IPL 2027. Nayar was appointed KKR’s head coach ahead of IPL 2026, and despite the team’s seventh-place finish, he will continue in his role as KKR begin a new chapter under a new captain.

Nayar has developed a reputation of being a player-centric coach through his work in domestic cricket as well as the IPL, and KKR will hope to add a fourth trophy to their cabinet under his guidance in the upcoming edition.


5. Lucknow Super Giants (Justin Langer)

Former Australia head coach Justin Langer will continue to coach Lucknow Super Giants. He joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2024, bringing wealth of experience from international and franchise cricket.

With LSG having let go of Rishabh Pant, Langer will have to work with a new skipper as Lucknow aim to get out of their rut after finishing last in 2026. 


6. Mumbai Indians (Kieron Pollard)

Mumbai Indians have elevated Kieron Pollard to head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Mahela Jayawardene. Pollard enjoyed a successful playing career with Mumbai and has also served the franchise as a batting coach.

Touted as a legend of T20 cricket, Pollard has a massive task of bringing MI’s glory days back amid the reported turmoil within the team.


7. Punjab Kings (Ricky Ponting)

Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting will continue to serve as Punjab Kings' head coach for IPL 2027. Ponting joined the franchise ahead of IPL 2025 and guided the team to just their second final, building a strong bond with captain Shreyas Iyer.

Despite a forgettable second half of the 2026 season, Punjab will look to start from scratch and lift their maiden title with Ponting's champion mindset.


8. Rajasthan Royals (Kumar Sangakkara)

Legendary Sri Lanka batter Kumar Sangakkara will continue in his role as Rajasthan Royals' (RR) head coach for IPL 2027. Sangakkara has maintained a long association with the franchise, having been a part of their support staff for a number of years.

His wealth of experience was pivotal to playoffs qualification for RR in 2026. They will aim to go a step ahead in the upcoming season, having last played the finals in 2022.


9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Andy Flower)

Andy Flower continues as head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The former Zimbabwe captain has a successful coaching background, having worked in international cricket and several franchise competitions.

Flower guided RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025, ending an 18-year drought for the franchise and further led them to a successful title defence in 2026. RCB will aim for a hat-trick of titles under his coaching in the 2027 edition.


10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Daniel Vettori)

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori remains associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad as head coach. He took charge ahead of IPL 2024 and guided the team to their third final. After missing out on the playoffs in 2025, SRH made it to the Eliminator in 2026 and will be eyeing their second trophy in the upcoming season.