Watch: Axar Patel smashes two stunning sixes off Shreyas Iyer in IPL 2026 captains’ meet

The IPL 2026 captains’ photoshoot has confirmed a historic first, as all 10 teams will start the season with Indian captains.

In past seasons, most captains were Indian, but there was always at least one overseas captain, like Shane Warne, Pat Cummins, Faf du Plessis, or David Warner. This year, the change became official when Ishan Kishan was named the captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad, replacing the injured Pat Cummins. The photoshoot confirmed that all teams now have Indian leaders.

During this event, Axar Patel amazed fans by hitting two sixes in a row off a ball from Shreyas Iyer. Even though the captains’ meeting was mainly an off-field gathering, this fun moment quickly got attention on social media. It showed that Patel can impress fans even outside a real match.

Watch the special video here: 

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IPL 2026 Captains’ Photoshoot Marks Start of Tournament

The IPL 2026 captains’ photoshoot is a traditional event that happens every year and marks the start of the tournament preparations. The photoshoot features all team leaders in their jerseys and shows both unity and competition ahead of another exciting season. Captains like Axar Patel, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Riyan Parag gathered with other captains, representing all 10 teams in the league.

Rules and Discussions at the Captains’ Meet

During the IPL 2026 captains’ photoshoot, several rules were discussed, including two bounces per over, checks on bat size, and replacing the ball if it is lost or not fit for play. One important rule allows the team bowling second to ask for a ball change once after the 10th over, which helps deal with dew in evening games. The Decision Review System (DRS) has also been improved to include reviews for height-based no-balls and wide balls outside the off stump using Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology.

See also -IPL 2026: All 10 captains assemble in Mumbai ahead of new season

Controversy Over the Impact Player Rule

The BCCI confirmed that the Impact Player rule will remain in place until the 2027 season, even though many captains have reservations. Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel recently shared his opinion, saying he does not like the rule as an all-rounder. Former India captain Rohit Sharma has also criticized it. According to PTI, most IPL captains at the meeting in Mumbai expressed concerns about the rule, but the BCCI said it can only be reviewed after the 2027 season.

Axar Patel said in a press conference, “I don’t like this rule because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, we picked all-rounders for their batting and bowling. Now, the team may choose only a batter or bowler, so all-rounders are less important. Rules are rules, but personally I don’t like it.”

Other players, including Hardik Pandya and foreign stars like Glenn Phillips, have also raised concerns that the rule could reduce opportunities for all-rounders and affect the future of international cricket.

Fans React to Axar Patel’s Stunning Sixes Over Shreyas Iyer

Fans were quick to react on social media after Axar Patel hit two back-to-back sixes off Shreyas Iyer during the IPL 2026 captains’ meet. Many praised Patel’s timing and power, calling the shots “amazing” and “unbelievable.” Cricket lovers shared clips of the moment across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, making it go viral within hours. Even though it was a fun, off-field event, fans treated it like an exciting highlight, showing how much anticipation there is for the upcoming IPL season.