IPL 2025 Captains List: Who’s Leading All 10 Teams?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to deliver another season of electrifying cricket action. Following the mega auction held on November 24–25, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, all 10 franchises underwent significant reshuffling. A total of 1,574 players registered, out of which 574 were shortlisted, and 204 slots were available, including 70 for overseas cricketers.
Among the biggest takeaways from the auction and team strategies was the announcement of captains for each IPL franchise. The 2025 captaincy lineup brings a fresh mix of experience, youth, tactical brilliance, and some surprising changes that have cricket fans buzzing.
IPL Captains 2025 (Complete List)
| Team | Captain | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | MS Dhoni | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | Shubman Gill | Batsman |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Ajinkya Rahane | Batsman |
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Shreyas Iyer | Batsman |
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Rajat Patidar | Batsman |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Pat Cummins | Fast Bowler |
Now, let’s delve into each captain’s profile and analyze what they bring to the field in IPL 2025.
1. MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
In a nostalgic and strategic twist, MS Dhoni has returned to lead Chennai Super Kings after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with injury. At 43 years old, Dhoni’s decision to don the captain’s hat once more has thrilled CSK fans.
Though his batting contributions might be limited, his tactical intelligence and leadership calmness remain unmatched. Whether it’s field placements or bowling changes, Dhoni continues to be the heartbeat of CSK’s strategy.
2. Axar Patel – Delhi Capitals (DC)
With David Warner stepping down and KL Rahul opting for a senior player role, Axar Patel takes over the reins of the Delhi Capitals. The seasoned all-rounder has been with the franchise for several years and knows the team’s strengths and weaknesses intimately.
Axar is known for cool-headedness, effective spin bowling, and handy lower-order batting—a leadership style that brings balance and resilience.
3. Shubman Gill – Gujarat Titans (GT)
Shubman Gill remains the youngest and most promising captain in IPL 2025. As the face of the Gujarat Titans, he continues to carry the mantle of leadership with class and clarity.
A technically sound batsman with an increasingly mature presence on the field, Gill represents the Titans’ focus on long-term consistency. His leadership will be key in guiding GT’s young squad.
4. Ajinkya Rahane – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
With Shreyas Iyer’s injury and unavailability, veteran Ajinkya Rahane steps up as KKR captain, with Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy. Known for his calm and methodical approach, Rahane brings stability and experience to a youthful KKR squad.
While not as flamboyant as past IPL captains, Rahane’s deep cricketing intellect and calm demeanor make him an underdog leader to watch.
5. Rishabh Pant – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Acquired for a record ₹27 crore, Rishabh Pant is now the face of LSG. Back in form after his injury break, Pant’s appointment reflects the team’s desire to play fearless cricket.
His aggressive style, coupled with bold decisions and explosive batting, gives LSG a dynamic edge. With Pant at the helm, expect thrilling finishes and tactical unpredictability.
6. Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians (MI)
After a short stint with Gujarat, Hardik Pandya returns to Mumbai Indians, not just as a player but as their captain. His charismatic leadership and all-round abilities make him a strong successor to Rohit Sharma.
Pandya brings high energy, sharp cricketing acumen, and the ability to inspire teammates—making MI strong contenders again.
7. Shreyas Iyer – Punjab Kings (PBKS)
One of the most expensive buys of the IPL 2025 auction at ₹26.75 crore, Shreyas Iyer brings hope and leadership to a Punjab Kings side eager for redemption.
Having led KKR to a title in 2024, Iyer comes with recent success. His leadership style—marked by calmness, tactical reading, and batting consistency—could finally turn PBKS into title challengers.
8. Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Sanju Samson continues to lead Rajasthan Royals, with Riyan Parag temporarily stepping in for the first few matches due to Samson’s injury.
Parag’s captaincy debut at 23 years old was notable, with a win against KKR, adding depth to RR’s leadership pool. Now with Samson back, the Royals are bolstered by his composed batting and tactical leadership.
9. Rajat Patidar – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
With Faf du Plessis released, RCB is entering a new era under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. Retained for ₹11 crore, Patidar has proven himself as a dependable top-order batsman.
He also has domestic captaincy experience with Madhya Pradesh, making him a logical choice. This move signals RCB’s shift toward investing in youth and long-term planning.
10. Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, leads Sunrisers Hyderabad in a move that highlights SRH’s push for international class and tactical discipline.
Known for his calmness under pressure and smart decisions, Cummins is expected to bring cohesion and direction to a squad that has underperformed in recent seasons. His dual role as captain and pace spearhead makes him the cornerstone of SRH’s 2025 plans.
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🔚 Conclusion: A Dynamic Mix of Youth, Experience, and Strategy
The IPL 2025 season introduces an intriguing set of captains, each offering a unique leadership style. From veterans like MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane to rising stars like Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar, the captaincy roster is a reflection of the IPL’s ever-evolving nature.
Teams have made bold choices—some prioritizing experience, others embracing young leadership. As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to seeing how these skippers navigate pressure, expectations, and high-octane matches.
Their decisions will shape team fortunes, define iconic moments, and ultimately determine who lifts the IPL 2025 trophy.
