IPL 2025: Key Captains to Watch Out for This Season

KKN Gurugram Desk | The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to begin, and cricket fans are gearing up for an exciting season ahead. As the countdown to the new season starts, discussions about the players leading their respective teams are bound to intensify. With captains such as Axar Patel, Rajat Patidar, Rishabh Pant, and Ajinkya Rahane taking the helm, all eyes are on how these leaders will perform. Who holds the strongest records? Which captains are stepping up for the first time? Read on to find out.

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Leadership Journey

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has been an integral part of the team since his IPL debut in 2020. With a remarkable record of 2380 runs in 66 matches, including two centuries, he is one of the most consistent performers for CSK. His stellar performance in 2021, where he scored 635 runs and won the Orange Cap, was a crucial factor in the team’s IPL title win. Under his leadership, CSK will look to reclaim the IPL trophy once again, with former captain MS Dhoni providing support.

Gaikwad’s leadership qualities were evident last season, and his consistent performance with the bat will be vital for CSK’s success in IPL 2025. With the backing of experienced players and the legacy of Dhoni, Gaikwad has the potential to lead his team to victory.

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel Takes Over the Captaincy

Axar Patel, known for his all-round capabilities, will lead the Delhi Capitals (DC) for the first time in IPL 2025. A key player in India’s recent victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy, Axar has shown his prowess both with the bat and ball. Having started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians in 2013, he played a crucial role in Punjab Kings’ journey to the final in 2014, taking 17 wickets.

Now, as the leader of DC, Axar will be looking to guide the team to its maiden IPL title. His leadership style, combined with his ability to turn matches with both bat and ball, makes him a captain to watch closely in the upcoming season.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill Leads the Charge

Shubman Gill, one of India’s brightest young stars, will take on the role of captain for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Gill was a standout performer for the team in the previous season, scoring a record 890 runs with four centuries. His performance in the 2024 Champions Trophy further cemented his reputation as a top-class batter.

Gill’s leadership is expected to be dynamic and aggressive, drawing from his experience in international cricket. Having joined Gujarat Titans in 2022, he has already established himself as a key player, and his captaincy will be crucial in the team’s quest for another successful season.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane Takes the Helm

Ajinkya Rahane, the veteran batsman known for his calm and composed demeanor, will captain Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. With over 4600 runs in 185 IPL matches, Rahane is one of the most experienced players in the league. Despite being a steady performer for various IPL teams, including Mumbai Indians, Rahane will be making his leadership debut for KKR this season.

Rahane’s leadership will be tested as he takes on the responsibility of leading a team that has high expectations. His experience and tactical awareness could play a pivotal role in guiding KKR to the top once again.

Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant’s Leadership Evolution

Rishabh Pant, the wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a key player for Delhi Capitals in previous seasons. However, for IPL 2025, he will be donning the captain’s hat for Lucknow Super Giants. Pant has accumulated over 3200 runs in 111 IPL matches and has consistently impressed with his explosive batting. His aggressive approach with the bat and his leadership in international cricket will be valuable assets to Lucknow.

Pant’s leadership journey is evolving, and IPL 2025 will provide an excellent platform for him to showcase his skills in guiding a new team to success. His ability to inspire the squad will be crucial, as Lucknow aims to make a strong impact under his leadership.

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya Continues to Lead

Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder for Mumbai Indians, is set to continue his role as captain in IPL 2025. Pandya has been a vital part of Mumbai Indians’ success in previous seasons, having played 137 matches and contributed significantly with both bat and ball. Known for his match-finishing abilities, Pandya’s leadership was instrumental in guiding India to several victories, including the Champions Trophy.

With Mumbai Indians aiming to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season, Pandya’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the team remains competitive. His calm approach under pressure and his knack for making bold decisions could lead the team to another IPL title.

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer’s Consistency and Leadership

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Punjab Kings, will bring his experience and consistency to the forefront in IPL 2025. Iyer has played 116 matches in the IPL, scoring over 3000 runs with a solid strike rate. After a successful season with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, Iyer’s leadership proved to be effective, leading KKR to victory in that season’s IPL.

Now, with Punjab Kings, Iyer will focus on building a strong team and driving them towards IPL glory. His tactical insights and ability to anchor the innings will be key in Punjab’s journey.

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson’s Leadership and Batting Prowess

Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper-batsman from Rajasthan Royals, is one of the most consistent performers in the IPL. With over 4400 runs in 168 matches, Samson has demonstrated exceptional skill, making him a crucial player for his team. His leadership abilities have been put to the test in the past seasons, and IPL 2025 will see him continue to lead Rajasthan Royals with great responsibility.

Samson’s contributions as a batsman, along with his leadership qualities, make him a strong captain for Rajasthan Royals as they aim to claim their second IPL title.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Rajat Patidar’s Leadership Shift

Rajat Patidar, a promising talent in Indian cricket, will take on the responsibility of leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025. Patidar’s aggressive batting style and match-winning ability were on full display in the 2024 season, where he scored 395 runs at a blistering strike rate of 177. This made him one of the standout performers of the season.

Given his growing reputation in the IPL, RCB’s decision to hand over the captaincy to Patidar marks a significant shift. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure will be closely watched throughout the season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins Leads as the Sole Foreign Captain

Australian cricketer Pat Cummins will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025, making him the only foreign player to take up the captaincy of an IPL team this season. With 515 runs and 38 wickets in 58 matches, Cummins has proven himself as an all-rounder capable of delivering in all aspects of the game.

His leadership will be crucial for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they look to improve their standing in the league. With Cummins’ vast international experience, he is well-equipped to manage the team and drive them toward success.

The IPL 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one, with a mix of seasoned captains and new leaders stepping into the spotlight. From Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership of Chennai Super Kings to Pat Cummins leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, the season will offer plenty of excitement and intense competition. Fans will be keen to see how these captains manage their teams and lead them to success in one of the world’s most popular cricket leagues.

As these leaders take charge of their respective teams, their performances will be critical in shaping the direction of the season. Whether it’s the established stars or the new captains, IPL 2025 is set to showcase some of the finest cricketing talents and provide fans with unforgettable moments.