The Indian Premier League (IPL) is preparing to launch its 2025 edition amid a glamorous season. Cricket fans everywhere anticipate exciting matches, and role models watch as teams reveal their captains. The announcements made by individual captains already portend another fantastic season. Let’s go through the captains announced for IPL 2025, their resumés, and how justified they are as captains of their respective franchises.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Ruturaj Gaikwad
Chennai Super Kings, always known for its consistency and excellence, has trusted its decision to make Ruturaj Gaikwad the franchise’s captain. The young opening batsman has been an acceptable candidate for CSK in the last few years and has shown tremendous maturity and skills up front. Gaikwad, known for anchoring innings and playing under pressure, has received the captaincy as a testament to the team’s commitment to grooming future leaders.
Gaikwad, who will follow in the footsteps of the legendary MS Dhoni, has the daunting yet inspiring task of upholding the legacy of one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. With his cool demeanour and cricketing mind, he is poised to take CSK to glory.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Virat Kohli
The return of the great Virat Kohli as skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore has brought joy to fans and hope for a long-awaited title. Kohli, who resigned from the captaincy of RCB in 2021, is without a doubt the team’s beating heart. His supreme passion, aggression , and commitment render him a natural battle leader.
Kohli’s never-give-up attitude as the captain could be the x-factor in RCB finally lifting their maiden trophy. His chemistry with the team’s core players and tactical nous make him the perfect candidate for the job in this critical role.
Mumbai Indians (MI): Hardik Pandya
The Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in IPL’s history, will be led by experienced batsman Hardik Pandya in the 2025 season. Pandya succeeds Rohit Sharma as MI captain, who had led the franchise since 2013 and lifted the IPL trophy five times with MI; while he already had an IPL title with Gujarat Titans in 2022, the right-handed bowler’s credentials as an experienced captain are well-documented.
Pandya is the Little Master of the modern-day T20 sensation, a true all-rounder. His attacking style with bat and ball and his ability to keep calm in high-pressure situations will be key in MI’s mission to recover the IPL crown. His leadership style combines fearlessness with strategic fluency and promises to lead the side into a new generation.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Rishabh Pant
In-form wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will lead Lucknow Super Giants. Predominantly aggressive with the bat in hand and unorthodox nature of adequate skill-sets, Pant has been a captain of Delhi Capitals for the past seasons, where he had retained his roles.
LSG’s philosophy matches perfectly with Pant’s fearless brand of cricket, making him the ideal candidate for the position. As skipper, he will have his work cut out, aligning many skills on the side and taking them deep into the tournament. If he has saved his best for LSG, Pant again leads the charge as a devasting game-winner.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Venkatesh Iyer
KKR appointed Venkatesh Iyer as the new captain. The dynamic all-rounder has been integral to KKR’s setup and is known for his destructive batting and useful medium-pace bowling. Iyer’s appointment marks a turn toward youthful leadership and innovation. That ability to adapt to situations and lead by example will be key for KKR’s ambitions this season. In his new role, Iyer will hope to utilise the team’s potential and provide consistent performances.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer
Punjab Kings have appointed experienced campaigner Shreyas Iyer, captain of the side for IPL 2025. Iyer brings leadership experience and tactical insights, having previously taken Delhi Capitals to the finals .
A stable and technically proficient batsman, Iyer’s arrival is expected to bring composure and direction to Punjab Kings, who have largely been a team with varied fortunes. His pep talk to the team ahead of their matches before laying out plans for each match will help PBKS’ aspirations.
Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill, one of world cricket’s most exciting young talents, will lead Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Gill has been a regular performer and mature player; hence, his elevation as captain is a natural progression. Gill is a technically equipped batsman with an eye for big scores, and his captaincy will make him one of the leaders from the front. His experience as a young captain and calmness under pressure in high-stakes situations makes him an intriguing pick for the Titans, who will want to build on the last couple of successful seasons.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Pat Cummins
Sunrisers Hyderabad appointed Pat Cummins as captain for the 2025 season. The Aussie is also said to have an impressive long CV in the international circuit, further bolstering his reputation as one of the world’s finest fast bowlers. Cummins’ demeanour and strategic foresight make him the ideal person to take charge at SRH. As the team looks to rebuild and compete at the highest levels, his experience guiding and mentoring young players will be a huge asset.
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson will continue as the captain of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, as the franchise has stuck with him. Samson has been a dependable captain over the years, with his graceful batting and ability to keep his cool under pressure.
Under his leadership, RR has exhibited an aggressive style, and the team will strive to copy the 2008 title-winning success. Samson’s grasp of the game and his relationship with fellow players make him a key player in the Royals’ organisation.
Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel
Axar Patel has been named as the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025. The Reliable all-rounder, who is known for his consistency in both bat and ball, fills the role that has long defined the Capitals.
As the player who leads from the front, Axar will be pivotal in DC’s campaign. His calmness and cricketing intelligence will play throughout. His poise and ability to get a young team to keep their focus make him the right fit to lead this franchise.
The Road Ahead
IPL 2025 would be a delightful mix of seasoned warriors and newcomers leading their respective charges. Every captain has their style, which befits the tournament’s eclectic blend. As they seek to iron out squad and strategy, emphasis will soon turn to how these talismanic figures galvanise their individuals and define schematics on the pitch. It has been a season of exceptional individuals, collective endeavour, and shrewd management.
