IPL is not just about the popularity of players, it is also about the people behind the scenes who shape the success of each franchise: the coaches. The coach is the brain behind the strategy, the motivator in the dressing room and the creator of every winning combination. As IPL 2025-26 approaches, all ten franchises have finalised their head coaches and most of them are veterans of the game.
In this detailed blog, let us explore the complete list of IPL 2025-26 team coaches, their salaries, background and achievements.
Coaches in IPL are not just guides, they are also planners, motivators and sometimes psychologists. They bridge the gap between management expectations and players’ performance. In competitive tournaments like the IPL, matches are often decided by a fine line, and the coach’s strategy and adaptability can turn the tide in the team’s favour.
From team selection and field placement to educating young talents, coaches play many roles so that each player can perform at their best. Let’s now take a look at all 10 franchises of IPL 2025-26 and their head coaches, along with their annual salary packages.
| IPL Team | Head Coach |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Stephen Fleming |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Chandrakant Pandit |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Ricky Ponting |
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Rahul Dravid |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Andy Flower |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | Hemang Badani |
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | Ashish Nehra |
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Justin Langer |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | Mahela Jayawardene |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Daniel Vettori |
| Coach | Team | Estimated Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Fleming | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | ₹4-5 Crore |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Mumbai Indians (MI) | ₹4 Crore |
| Ricky Ponting | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | ₹3.5 Crore |
| Rahul Dravid | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | ₹5 Crore |
| Ashish Nehra | Gujarat Titans (GT) | ₹2.5-3 Crore |
| Chandrakant Pandit | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | ₹2 Crore |
| Daniel Vettori | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | ₹2.5 Crore |
| Hemang Badani | Delhi Capitals (DC) | ₹1.5 Crore |
| Justin Langer | Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | ₹4 Crore |
| Andy Flower | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | ₹3.5 Crore |
Salary: ₹4-5 crore
When you think of successful IPL coaches, one name comes to mind, Stephen Fleming. He is a former New Zealand captain and has been leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2009 and is considered one of the best minds in T20 cricket.
Under Fleming’s calm and composed leadership, CSK has won the IPL title five times and reached the final ten times. And indeed it is a record in IPL history that is worth telling to children and grandchildren. His healthy relationship with players like MS Dhoni has created a stable team atmosphere in IPL history.
Salary: ₹2 crore
None other than Chandrakant Pandit, the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders and their 2024 championship win. He is famous for his discipline and no-nonsense coaching style. After joining KKR in 2023, Pandit brought his domestic cricket experience to the franchise. He has one rule and that is to focus on consistency and fitness.
His approach blends two things, traditional Indian cricket and modern analysis. In short, he is one of the most respected Indian coaches in the domestic and IPL circuits.
Salary: ₹3.5 crore
After a successful spell with Delhi Capitals, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting is now the coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2025. Known for his match-winning mentality and approach, Ponting brings decades of experience and leadership to the team.
Under Ponting’s leadership, Delhi Capitals have transformed into some serious and dangerous contenders. Punjab, who are aiming to win their maiden IPL title under his great leadership, will also hope to achieve a similar feat.
Salary: ₹5 crore
The “Wall” of Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid, will return to the IPL in 2025 as the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR). Having served as the head coach of the Indian national team, Dravid’s strategic mind and calm nature make him a perfect fit for RR. His life revolves around one philosophy and that is to nurture India’s young talent rather than getting stuck with old talent.
Dravid’s focus on fundamentals, data strategy and player development could help Rajasthan become a balanced team in IPL 2025.
Salary: ₹3.5 crore
Former Zimbabwe captain and one of the great, fierce coaches of modern cricket, Andy Flower joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2024. Under his leadership, RCB finally found consistency and managed to win the trophy in IPL 2025.
Flower’s analytical mindset and experience in global leagues like PSL, ILT20 and The Hundred make him a strategic asset for RCB. This is how the team will continue their quest for a second IPL title.
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Salary: ₹1.5 crore
Former Indian cricketer and analyst Hemang Badani has taken over as the new head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2025. He is known as a technical-minded player and observer of the game in his time. Badani’s coaching philosophy focuses on building team confidence and long-term planning.
Delhi is counting on his fresh ideas and strategic vision to rebuild the team and bring back consistency after a few weak seasons.
Salary: ₹2.5-3 crore
Former Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra has been a game-changer for Gujarat Titans since he joined as the head coach for Gujarat Titans in 2022. His collaborative approach with Hardik Pandya led to GT winning the title in their debut season. And thus, it is one of the most successful IPL debuts ever.
Known for his sense of humor and high cricket IQ, Nehra’s understanding of the T20 league is making GT competitive every year. His flexible coaching style and calm nature earn him admiration and respect.
Salary: ₹4 crore
Former Australian head coach Justin Langer brings a winning mentality to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He joined the team in 2024, Langer runs on three words, discipline, fitness and mental strength! This is because he has been the pillar that has helped Australia win the trophy many times under his coaching.
LSG is hoping that his structured and intense training methods will lead them to their IPL title. Langer’s focus on team bonding and mental preparation has already improved LSG’s consistency.
Salary: ₹4 crore
Mahela Jayawardene is one of the most successful IPL coaches, and has guided Mumbai Indians (MI) to three IPL titles. After a short break, he is back to help MI regain their strength and rule the IPL tournament.
Jayawardene’s calmness, approach and focus on player development have played a big role in shaping stars like Yadav, Bumrah and Ishan. His return is expected to rekindle MI’s golden era.
Salary: ₹2.5 crore
Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori took over the leadership of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2024. And of course, without waiting for any time, he quickly made an impact and took the team to the final. Known for his strategic mindset, Vettori’s coaching is balanced with his calm and strategic planning.
SRH is expected to be a strong contender under his guidance as they aim to take a step forward in IPL 2025-26.
The highest-paid coach in IPL 2025-26 is Rahul Dravid, who coaches Rajasthan Royals (RR) and gets a salary of ₹5 crore per season.
Stephen Fleming, head coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), holds the record for winning the most IPL titles as a coach with five trophies.
For the 2025 season, Ricky Ponting (Punjab Kings) and Hemang Badani (Delhi Capitals) are the new coaching additions.
IPL coaches typically earn between ₹1.5 crore and ₹5 crore per season, depending on their experience, success rate and market demand.
Coaches are important because they shape the team’s vision, create strategies and effectively manage the roles of players.
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