Star Indian batter Shreyas Iyer, who is leading Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 match against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, March 25, has joined an exclusive club in IPL history. The 30-year-old right-handed batter from Mumbai has now become only the fifth player to captain three different teams in the tournament.
Before taking charge of PBKS, Shreyas Iyer had an extensive captaincy record, having led Delhi Capitals in 41 IPL matches across three seasons and Kolkata Knight Riders in 29 matches. What sets him apart is that he remains the only captain in IPL history to have played in the final with two different teams.
Four other players have previously led three different franchises in the IPL. Kumar Sangakkara captained Punjab Kings in 13 matches during the 2010 season, Deccan Chargers in 25 matches, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in nine matches in the 2013 season. Former Australian skipper Steve Smith also belongs to this club, having led Pune Warriors India in one match in 2012, Rajasthan Royals in 27 matches, and Rising Pune Supergiant in 15 matches.
Mahela Jayawardene also finds a place on this distinguished list, having captained Punjab Kings in one match of IPL 2010, Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 13 matches in 2011, and Delhi Capitals in 16 matches across two seasons (2012 and 2013). Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane, another Indian cricketer to have led multiple teams, captained Rising Pune Supergiant in one match of IPL 2017 and Rajasthan Royals in 24 matches across the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He made his debut as KKR captain on Saturday, March 22, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens.
With this remarkable feat, Iyer cements his place among the most versatile leaders in IPL history, adding another milestone to his already impressive career.
