IPL 2025 is set to get off the ground on March 22, and all teams are ready to tackle the challenges that will come their way. Captains will be at the forefront as they lead their teams towards the ultimate prize.
This season we will see a few new faces leading for the first time, while others continue to hold their positions. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which captain takes his side over the finish line.
But before that, let’s get to know the captains of all teams in IPL 2025.
Chennai Super Kings Captain | Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to lead CSK for the second straight year. He took over the reins from MS Dhoni last season.
Under Gaikwad’s leadership, the five-time champions had a mixed outing last year. CSK missed out on playoff qualification, as they finished fifth with seven wins and as many losses.
Delhi Capitals Captain | Axar Patel
DC were the last IPL franchise to reveal their new skipper for IPL 2025. They have handed the responsibility to Axar Patel.
The left-arm spinner takes over from Rishabh Pant, whom the franchise didn’t retain ahead of the auction. Delhi ended up in the sixth spot last year, with 14 points from seven wins.
Gujarat Titans Captain | Shubman Gill
GT have backed Shubman Gill as their captain for another season. The young Indian batter received the additional responsibility last year after Hardik Pandya’s departure.
Gill guided the Titans to five wins out of 14 games while two matches were abandoned. As a result, GT bowed out with 12 points.
Kolkata Knight Riders Captain | Ajinkya Rahane
Last season’s winners, KKR, have a new captain in place. After Shreyas Iyer’s departure, the franchise named Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain.
Rahane comes with a wealth of captaincy experience, having previously led Rajasthan Royals (RR) for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. KKR have opted for an experienced skipper rather than going with a rookie.
Lucknow Super Giants Captain | Rishabh Pant
After being at the helm of DC for three seasons, Rishabh Pant will don new colours in IPL 2025. LSG spent a staggering INR 27 crore to acquire the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter.
Pant will replace KL Rahul, who led LSG for the last three seasons. The franchise made the playoffs in the first two seasons under Rahul’s leadership before they finished seventh last year.
Mumbai Indians Captain | Hardik Pandya
MI have shown their faith in Hardik Pandya one more time to lead the side in IPL 2025. After all, he is an IPL-winning captain.
The franchise bought back the all-rounder after a trade deal with GT last year. And straightaway handed Pandya the captaincy task. The decision didn’t go well, as MI ended up at the bottom of the points table with four wins.
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Punjab Kings Captain | Shreyas Iyer
PBKS are another team to have an IPL-winning captain at the helm. The franchise has roped in Shreyas Iyer as their new skipper for IPL 2025.
He will be PBKS’ 17th captain in overall IPL history. Last season, Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran stood in as the leaders, while the team finished in the ninth spot.
Rajasthan Royals Captain | Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson continues to be the leader of the pack at RR. He has been the Royals’ skipper since 2021.
Under Samson’s leadership, RR have entered the playoffs twice in the last four seasons. They even made it to the 2022 final, but ended up on the losing side.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain | Rajat Patidar
RCB are the fifth franchise to have a new skipper this season. Since the franchise didn’t retain Faf du Plessis, they needed a new leader.
And RCB went with Rajat Patidar’s name. Patidar doesn’t have vast captaincy experience, but he will have Virat Kohli on his side if he needs any guidance.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain | Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is all set to have another go at the IPL final. Last season, SRH entered the final under his leadership before going down against KKR.
Cummins did a tremendous job last year after the franchise finished at the bottom in IPL 2023. As Cummins took up the mantle, SRH roared loudly and made the playoffs after three seasons.
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