In every IPL-winning team, there is always a key leader – the team captain. The well-known best IPL captains, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir, are ranked at what positions? Hurry and learn about these top captains and discover how powerful they are. The legendary captains’ introduction is right here.
Top 10 Best Captains in IPL History
The common traits of IPL captains are: making the right decisions at crucial moments to turn the game around, calmly analyzing the situation and motivating the team, handling pressure when the team is behind, uniting the team, and having unbeatable skills! Besides the well-known Dhoni and Sharma, who could be the captains to watch out for in future IPL seasons? Let’s find out below!
MS Dhoni
Born in 1981, 43-year-old Dhoni is a legendary IPL figure known for his calm and humble style! Being around him gives a sense of comfort and ease, as he never lets the weight of captaincy create pressure on others.
Captaincy Traits: No matter how tough the challenges are, Dhoni always finds the most effective and quick solutions. He ensures a trailing match atmosphere doesn’t affect the team’s morale. His ability to handle pressure, turn games around, and perfectly manage players and strategies sets him apart from other captains.
Dhoni’s Little Tips
- The only captain to win all three ICC trophies: 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2011 ICC World Cup, and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
- Led CSK to 5 IPL titles: 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
- Most matches as IPL captain: Currently holds the record with 226 matches, 133 wins, and a win percentage of 58.85%.
- Most ODI wins as a captain (200 matches).
- 73 ODI half-centuries, ranked among the top 10 players.
- The player with the most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in IPL, with over 300 catches and 38 stumpings.
- Known more for his wicketkeeping skills than batting.
- Famous for delivering under pressure and earning the title “The Finisher” for his clutch performances.
- Nicknamed “Captain Cool” for his incredible calmness and ability to handle pressure.
- Adored by CSK fans, who call him “Thala” (meaning “leader” in Tamil), symbolizing his strong leadership.
Rohit Sharma
Born in 1987, Rohit Sharma is now 37 years old. The Indian government has honored him with various awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan in cricket.
Known for his simple yet elegant batting style, fans call him the “Hitman” for his incredible ability to hit sixes effortlessly.
Rohit is a captain who adapts quickly to all formats of cricket—Test, ODI, and T20—and has created numerous records in each format.
He has also led Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL titles, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills.
Sharma’s Little Tips
- Led MI to 5 IPL titles： 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, earning the nickname “Captain Marvel.”
- National Awards： Arjuna Award in 2015, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2020, and Padma Shri in 2022.
- The player with the most sixes in T20I history.
- Hit 16 sixes in a single ODI match.
- The only cricketer to score 3 double centuries in ODIs (209, 264, 208).
- Holds the highest individual ODI score of 264 against Pakistan in 2014.
- Scored over 50 runs in three consecutive T20I matches.
- Holds the record for the highest T20I individual score: 118* (not out).
Gautam Gambhir
At 43, Gautam Gambhir, though retired, has become an active social worker. He has initiated several charitable projects, such as founding a foundation, feeding the poor, supporting martyrs’ families, promoting environmental conservation, and advancing education in India. He is also involved in politics as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
However, don’t forget his remarkable cricket records from 2003 to 2018, especially in Test matches： ICC World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011. Named ICC Test Player of the Year in 2009. Led KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.
Gambhir’s Little Tips
- Gambhir led KKR to 2 IPL titles: in 2012 and 2014.
- In KKR’s 129 matches, he won 71, with a win rate of 55.42%.
- Players and fans affectionately call Gambhir “Gauti.”
- He helped India win their first T20 World Cup in 2007.
- Gambhir earned the nickname “Mr. Dependable” for his ability to score crucial runs in key moments.
- In 2008, Gambhir was the first IPL player to score 100 runs in a match.
- In 2009, he achieved his highest score in Test cricket: 206 runs.
- He is the only player to score 50+ runs in 15 consecutive Test matches.
- The title “The Big Match Player” was earned for his match-winning performances in the 2011 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup finals.
Shane Warne
Shane Warne, born in 1969 in Australia, will be 56 years old in 2025. In 1993, Warne gained worldwide attention for his “Ball of the Century,” a spinning delivery that earned him the nickname “The Magic on the Field.”
Warne’s personal honors are impressive, including being named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1994 and 1997, being chosen as one of the ICC’s Best Players of the Century in 2000 (ranked fourth), and being inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2013. After retiring, Warne continued to influence the cricket world as a commentator, coach, and cricket ambassador. In 2018, he joined RCB as a mentor, once again participating in the IPL.
Warne’s Little Tips
- In the 2008 IPL season, Warne successfully led Rajasthan Royals (RR) to win the championship.
- In 1993, he delivered the iconic “Ball of the Century,” a spinning delivery that became famous as one of the best balls ever bowled.
- In the 1999 ICC World Cup final, Warne took 4 wickets and was named the “Player of the Match.”
- In Test cricket, Warne became the first player to take 700 wickets (708 wickets in total).
- His leg-spin bowling technique earned him the titles “The King of Spin” and “The Magician,” highlighting his magical bowling abilities.
- Warne’s personality and charisma earned him the nickname “Hollywood,” making him a global cricket icon.
- Warne was a master of psychological warfare, using subtle tactics to manipulate batsmen’s emotions and disrupt their focus.
David Warner
David Warner, born in 1986 and 38 years old, is an Australian player and still the highest-scoring foreign player in IPL history. He was selected as one of the top T20 batsmen globally without participating in first-class domestic cricket.
Warner is the only foreign player to have won four Orange Caps in IPL. As of the 2024 IPL, he has scored over 6,300 runs, ranking second in IPL history. Besides being active in the IPL, he frequently interacts with fans through social media, earning widespread support with his humor and approachable personality.
Warner’s Little Tips
- David Warner led SRH to their first IPL title in 2016.
- In 2009, he became the first player to transition from the youth team to the national team directly.
- His 335 runs (not out) in a Test match rank among the top three highest scores by an Australian, just behind Matthew Hayden (380) and Bill Ponsford (336).
- Warner has won the Orange Cap 4 times: 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
- He usually plays the role of a stable and quick-scoring opening batsman.
- In the 2019 ICC World Cup, Warner scored 647 runs, the second-highest of the tournament.
- He won the 2021 T20 World Cup with Australia and was named Player of the Tournament.
- Early in his career, Warner was known for his aggressive style and was nicknamed “Bull” and “The Pocket Dynamite.” Later, due to his improved emotional control and maturity, he earned the nickname “The Reverend.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, aged 36, was born in 1988 in India. With over 25,000 runs in international cricket, he holds world records and has broken several ODI records, including quickly reaching the 8000, 9000, and 10,000-run milestones. His outstanding performance led commentator Harsha Bhogle to say: “Kohli makes you think of traditional batting, but with the explosive power of modern cricket. He is a bridge between two eras.”
As a key batsman, even Steve Smith has said that Kohli is the toughest batsman to face because his batting style can always find a way to break through and never wastes a single ball bowled to him.
Kohli’s Little Tips
- Virat Kohli has not yet led RCB to an IPL title.
- Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, accumulating over 8000 runs.
- In 2016, he scored 4 centuries and a total of 973 runs, which is still the highest runs in a single IPL season.
- Test Cricket： Kohli has 29 centuries (including 7 double centuries) with a highest score of 254* (not out). He ranks just behind Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
- ODI： Kohli has 48 centuries, making him one of the top three players with the most centuries in ODIs.
- His cover drive is considered one of the most beautiful shots in modern cricket.
- The titles “King Kohli,” “Chase Master,” and “Run Machine” are all high praises for Kohli’s incredible chasing abilities.
- The young Kohli became famous on the field when MS Dhoni called him “Cheeku,” which became widely known.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar was born in 1973 in India and is now 51 years old. His 24-year cricket career spanned two generations, and he is widely regarded as the “God of Cricket” and a beacon for the cricket world, often seen as a source of national pride. He holds several world records：Total international runs: 34,357 runs (Test: 15,921 runs, ODI: 18,436 runs).Record for 100 international centuries (Test: 51 centuries, ODI: 49 centuries).He was the first player to score an unbeaten 200 runs in an ODI.
He was the first athlete to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Despite these titles, Tendulkar never became arrogant; instead, he won the love of global fans with his humility and impeccable on-field behavior. He became a role model for many modern cricketers, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, inspiring the next generation of Indian cricketers.
Tendulkar’s Little Tips
- This legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar led India to win the ICC World Cup in 2011.
- In the IPL, he won 30 out of 51 matches, with a win rate of 58.82%.
- Tendulkar was the first player to score a double century in an ODI (2010).
- In the 2010 season, he won the Purple Cap for being the highest run-scorer with 618 runs.
- He holds the record for most Test and ODI appearances: 200 Tests (world record) and 463 ODIs (most by any player).
- He has the most centuries in history: 51 centuries in Tests and 49 centuries in ODIs.
- His ODI career run record stands at 18,426 runs, a record that remains unbroken.
- He was the first player to score over 30,000 international runs and finished with a total of more than 34,000 runs in his career.
- Tendulkar’s most famous title is “God of Cricket”, due to his outstanding achievements in cricket history and worldwide admiration.
- Despite his small stature, he was known for his destructive batting abilities and earned titles like “Little Master,” “Master Blaster,” and “The Run Machine.”
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya, 31 years old in 1993, led GT to their first IPL title at the age of 29 with a fearless and confident attitude. Stylish and confident, he is known for his fashion sense as well! Even his senior, MS Dhoni, said, “Hardik is the kind of player who can create miracles in any situation. His all-round ability is something every team desires.”
Pandya’s Little Tips
- Hardik Pandya led the Gujarat Titans to their first IPL title in 2022, showing exceptional leadership in their debut season. As the new captain of GT, the title “Captain Hardik” highlights his leadership skills.
- He played mainly for Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2021, helping the team win five IPL championships.
- Hardik is known for his quick scoring and powerful lower-order batting abilities.
- He is an all-rounder, with skills in batting, bowling, and fielding, making him a versatile player of the younger generation.
- At under 30 years old, Hardik earned the nicknames “Kung Fu Pandya” and “Game Changer” for his ability to quickly change the game with his dynamic and all-round performances.
Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist, who will turn 53 in 2025, is a legendary wicketkeeper-batsman in the cricket world. He helped Australia win three ICC World Cups in 1999, 2003, and 2007. He was the first wicketkeeper in Test cricket to complete 400+ dismissals and holds the record for the most dismissals in ODIs with 472.
At the age of 41 in 2012, Gilchrist played his last international cricket match, officially retiring from Test and ODI cricket to focus on T20 formats. After retiring, he continued to contribute to cricket as a commentator and involved himself in charity work.
Gilchrist’s Little Tips
- Adam Gilchrist led the Deccan Chargers to the IPL title in 2009.
- 2007 World Cup： His 149 runs off just 104 balls helped Australia easily win the World Cup.
- He was the first wicketkeeper to hit 100 sixes in ODIs.
- He was also the first wicketkeeper to complete 100 catches in both Tests and ODIs.
- Gilchrist was the first all-rounder to score over 5000 runs and take 400 catches in Test and ODI cricket.
- He was known as the “Walking Assassin” because he would walk off the field voluntarily even before the umpire made a decision, showing great sportsmanship.
- Due to his aggressive batting style, which could quickly change the course of a game, he earned the nickname “The Destroyer.”
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble, born in 1970 in India, is now 54 years old. He retired in 2008, ending his 18-year cricket career (1990-2008). His remarkable achievements include：In 1999, Anil Kumble became the player who took 10 wickets in a single Test match that year. He ranks fourth in the world for ODI wickets, with 337 wickets. He also ranks fourth in the world for Test wickets, with 619 wickets.
Anil Kumble has received numerous awards in international cricket：In 1996, he was selected as “Best Cricketer of the Year” by Arjuna Award and Wisden Cricket Yearbook. Padma Shri 2005, Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coach 2009, 2011 Padma Bhushan, ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2015, and has been named the best Test player many times.
Kumble’s Little Tips
- Test Cricket： In 1999, he set the record for taking 10 wickets in a single innings (another player to achieve this was Jim Laker in 1956).
- Gentleman on the Field: In a 2008 controversial match against Australia, he calmly and gracefully handled the team’s difficult situation.
- Anil Kumble, also known as “Jumbo”, earned this nickname for breaking through batsmen’s defenses with his fast-paced spin bowling.
- The Silent Assassin: This nickname reflects how he could destroy the opposition’s batting lineup quietly, without drawing attention.
The captain with the most IPL championships
- No. 1: Rohit Sharma – 5 titles
- No. 2: MS Dhoni – 5 titles
- No. 3: Gautam Gambhir – 2 titles
- No. 4: Shane Warne – 1 title
- No. 5: Hardik Pandya – 1 title
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Rohit Sharma ( MI )
In the five IPL titles won, Mumbai Indians showed tactical flexibility. In the 2015 and 2020 finals, the team had strong batting performances, but in other finals, they showed resilience in defending low scores, especially in 2017 and 2019. Rohit Sharma’s leadership was crucial in staying calm while chasing big targets or defending low totals.
- Number of titles： 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020).
- Championship Scores：
- 2013 IPL Final (vs CSK): Scored 148/9 (Won by 23 runs, defending a low total).
- 2015 IPL Final (vs CSK): Scored 202/5 (Rohit Sharma scored 50 off 26 balls).
- 2017 IPL Final (vs RPS): Scored 129/8 (Won by a narrow margin of 1 run, defending a low total).
- 2019 IPL Final (vs CSK): Scored 149/8 (Won by 1 run, a thrilling finish).
- 2020 IPL Final (vs DC): Scored 157/5 (Rohit Sharma’s 68 helped MI win comfortably).
- Personality Traits：
- Calm and tactically brilliant captain.
- Excellent at reading the game and making changes at key moments.
- Motivates young players in the team and focuses on team performance.
- Key Performances：
- Led MI to become the most successful team in IPL.
- Often contributes key strategies and crucial runs in finals, like in the 2015 final, where he scored over 50 runs.
MS Dhoni ( CSK )
MS Dhoni’s leadership has been crucial to CSK’s success in IPL finals. His guidance in various match situations helped CSK win five titles. His tactical sharpness and ability to lead under pressure helped CSK overcome many challenges. Whether it’s attacking aggressively or chasing a target, CSK has shown strong adaptability in different situations.
- Number of Titles: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023).
- Championship Scores：
- 2010 IPL Final (vs MI): Scored 164/5 (CSK won by 22 runs, first IPL title).
- 2011 IPL Final (vs MI): Scored 205/5 (CSK won by 58 runs, second IPL title).
- 2018 IPL Final (vs KKR): Scored 169/5 (CSK won by 8 wickets, third IPL title).
- 2021 IPL Final (vs KKR): Scored 192/3 (CSK won by 27 runs, fourth IPL title).
- 2023 IPL Final (vs GT): Scored 171/5 (CSK won by 5 wickets, fifth IPL title).
- Personality Traits：
- Calm and decisive decision-maker, excellent at controlling pressure situations.
- Exceptional tactical ability, skilled at making changes at key moments.
- Known for encouraging and stabilizing young players.
- Key Performances：
- Led CSK to the playoffs four times and ultimately won the title.
- In the 2021 playoffs, played a key role with quick runs, which were crucial in the title win.
Gautam Gambhir ( KKR )
Gambhir’s leadership was crucial in these two finals. Although his personal batting contributions were not much, his tactical decisions ensured that KKR successfully won the championship under high-pressure situations.
- Number of Titles: 2 (2012, 2014).
- Championship Scores：
- 2012 IPL Final (vs CSK): Scored 192/5 (KKR won by 5 wickets, their first title). Gambhir contributed 32 runs (24 balls) in the chase.
- 2014 IPL Final (vs KXIP): Scored 200/7 (KKR won by 3 wickets, their second title). Gambhir contributed 27 runs (14 balls) under pressure during the chase.
- Personality Traits：
- Aggressive and attacking captain style.
- Sticks to strategies and emphasizes teamwork.
- Self-motivated in the game, which positively influences the team’s performance.
- Key Performances：
- In the 2012 final, he laid the foundation for the team’s victory with quick runs.
- In the 2014 season, he led KKR to a 9-match winning streak.
Shane Warne ( RR )
Shane Warne, with his unique tactical thinking and player management, led Rajasthan Royals to victory in the final, successfully chasing down a target of 165 against CSK.
- Championships: 1 (2008).
- Championship Score：
- 2008 IPL Final (vs CSK): Scored 164/7 (Rajasthan Royals won by 3 wickets, securing the first-ever IPL title). Although Warne did not have a significant batting contribution in the match, his tactical leadership played a key role in RR’s victory.
- Personality Traits：
- A tactical mastermind, skilled at winning with underdogs.
- Experienced, excels at guiding young players.
- Builds confidence within the team, even when the squad is underrated.
- Key Performances：
- Led the underdog Rajasthan Royals to victory in the inaugural IPL season.
- Great at utilizing the potential of young players like Ravindra Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan.
Hardik Pandya ( GT )
Hardik Pandya’s all-round performance in the 2022 final was crucial to Gujarat Titans’ success. He not only led the team with confidence to complete the match but also played a key role in both attack and defense, helping GT successfully chase the target and ultimately win their first IPL title.
- Championship wins: 1 (2022).
- Championship score：
- 2022 IPL Final (vs RR): Scored 100/3 (in 18.1 overs, shortened due to rain), Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets, successfully chasing the revised target of 131.
- Personality traits：
- Dynamic and inspiring leadership style.
- As an all-rounder, contributes in multiple aspects of the game.
- Emphasizes team unity.
- Key performance：
- Led the debut team GT to victory as captain in the 2022 season.
- All-round performance in the final (contributed 3 key wickets and 34 runs) secured the win.
