IPL 2026: 5 most followed captains on Instagram

The Indian Premier League is not just the biggest T20 league in the world but also a massive platform where cricketers enjoy unparalleled fan following across the globe. Over the years, social media, especially Instagram, has become a key platform to gain popularity and connect with fans beyond the field for the players.

When it comes to captains of the IPL teams, the spotlight is even brighter. Their performances, leadership, and personality often translate into huge digital traction, making them some of the most followed figures in the cricketing world. As fans gear up for IPL 2026, here’s a look at the five most-followed captains on Instagram, who continue to dominate both on the field and in the world of social media.

Here are 5 most followed captains of IPL teams ahead of 2026 season

5.  Ruturaj Gaikwad (5.6 million)

The captain of the five-time IPL winners Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad sits on the fifth place in this prestigious list. The right-hand batter from Maharashtra, Ruturaj enjoys a fan following of 5.6 million on Instagram. Gaikwad is pretty much active on the social media platform, where he shares insights of his personal as well as professional life. He will be gearing up for a successful campaign for his side, as he also aims to make his T20I return to team India.

4. Shreyas Iyer (15.3 million)

The captain of the Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer, is considered one of the most enigmatic personalities in international cricket. The right-hander from Mumbai enjoys a great fan following of 15.3 million on Instagram. Iyer is a former IPL-winning captain, having led the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024. This year, too, he is expected to lead Punjab Kings into the deep end of the tournament after finishing as runner-ups last year.

3. Rishabh Pant (16.3 million)

Arguably the most acrobatic Indian cricketer currently, Rishabh Pant is one of the most followed cricketers on the planet. The left-hander has a staggering 16.3 million followers on Instagram, making him the third-most followed captain ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

The Haridwar-born will be seen leading the Lucknow Super Giants franchise and is gearing up well for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich tournament, with an aim to give the side its maiden trophy. Pant had a poor IPL 2025, in which he scored only 269 runs for his side. This year though, he will be aiming to score more.

2. Shubman Gill (19 million)

The Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill sits at the second position in this list. The current ODI and Test captain of the national side, Gill has a fan following of 19 million on his ‘gram. Gill is one of the most prominent names in Indian cricket currently, and this number justifies the tag. The 26-year-old will aim to lead his side from the front this season, with a focus on claiming the IPL title once again.

1. Hardik Pandya (46.1 Million)

The most followed IPL 2026 captain is Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya. The star all-rounder enjoys a staggering 46.1 million followers on Instagram. The captain of the most successful IPL franchise alongside CSK, Hardik is known for his lavish lifestyle, which he flaunts on his social media accounts. The right-hander is coming off a successful T20 World Cup 2026, where he played a major role in the Indian team’s successful title defence.