Shreyas Iyer to Make History as First Indian Cricketer to Captain Three IPL Teams
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer is set to create history by becoming the first Indian player to lead three different teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 30-year-old batsman from Mumbai has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings for the 2025 season, scheduled to begin on March 21. Iyer’s leadership credentials are already well established, having guided Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title in 2024. He was signed by Punjab Kings for a staggering ₹26.75 crore during the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah in November 2024.
With this appointment, Iyer becomes the 17th captain in Punjab Kings’ history. His earlier stints as captain include leading Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2020 and KKR in 2022 and 2024. Notably, under his captaincy, Delhi Capitals reached the finals in 2020, and KKR secured the championship in 2024, making Iyer the only captain in IPL history to take two different teams to the final.
Before Iyer, only two cricketers—Mahela Jayawardene and Steve Smith—had captained three IPL franchises. Jayawardene led Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, and Delhi Capitals during his IPL career, while Smith captained Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals. Iyer now joins this elite list, cementing his place among the most versatile leaders in IPL history.
The announcement of Iyer as Punjab Kings’ captain for 2025 was made during a popular television reality show by Bollywood actor Salman Khan, adding a layer of excitement for fans. Iyer’s leadership record speaks volumes about his strategic mindset and ability to inspire teams. With 38 wins out of 70 matches as captain, he stands as the sixth most successful captain in IPL history, trailing only legends like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and David Warner in terms of victories.
MS Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiants, holds the record for the most IPL wins as a captain with 133 victories, followed by Rohit Sharma with 87, and Gautam Gambhir with 71. Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion in this prestigious list highlights his effectiveness as a leader in one of the most competitive cricket leagues in the world.
Iyer is also among the select group of Indian captains to win an IPL title, a club that includes MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Hardik Pandya. With his achievements, Iyer continues to set benchmarks for future Indian cricketers aspiring to lead IPL franchises.
In addition to his leadership skills, Iyer’s batting prowess has made him a key player in the league. Over the years, he has consistently delivered under pressure, earning the respect of his teammates and the cricketing community. His appointment as Punjab Kings’ captain adds a new dimension to the team, which will also benefit from the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting. The former Australian captain joined the franchise in August 2024 and brings a wealth of experience to the table.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, fans are eager to see how Iyer and Ponting will work together to build a championship-winning team for Punjab Kings. With Iyer’s proven track record and Ponting’s tactical acumen, the franchise has a strong foundation to make a serious bid for the title.
Iyer’s journey in the IPL reflects his ability to adapt and excel in different roles, both as a player and as a leader. His story is a testament to the evolving nature of cricket and the opportunities it provides for players to showcase their skills on a global platform. As he takes on the challenge of leading Punjab Kings, cricket enthusiasts across the world will be watching closely, hoping for another memorable season in the IPL.