KKN Gurugram Desk | In a record-setting moment during the ongoing IPL 2025 season, Shreyas Iyer has accomplished what no other captain has done in the league’s 17-year history — guiding three different franchises into the IPL playoffs.
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On Sunday, Punjab Kings, under Iyer’s leadership, defeated Rajasthan Royals by 10 runs in a high-scoring thriller to secure their berth in the playoffs. This achievement not only strengthened Punjab’s position in the tournament but also etched Shreyas Iyer’s name in IPL history.
Match Recap: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2025
The crucial match took place on Sunday, where Punjab Kings posted a commanding 219/5 in their 20 overs. In response, Rajasthan Royals gave a spirited chase but fell short, scoring 209/7, handing Punjab a 10-run victory.
Key Performances – Punjab Kings:
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Nehal Wadhera: 70 runs off 37 balls
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Shashank Singh: 59* runs off 30 balls (Not Out)
Key Performances – Rajasthan Royals:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal: 50 runs off 25 balls
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 40 runs off 15 balls
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Dhruv Jurel: 53 runs off 31 balls
Despite a solid start, Rajasthan Royals couldn’t maintain the momentum, and Punjab’s death-over bowling ensured they emerged victorious.
The Historic Feat: Shreyas Iyer, The Captain With a Unique IPL Record
With this victory, Shreyas Iyer became the first captain in IPL history to guide three different teams to the playoffs:
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Delhi Capitals – Playoffs in 2019 and 2020
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Kolkata Knight Riders – Playoffs in 2023
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Punjab Kings – Playoffs in 2025
This feat highlights Iyer’s leadership adaptability, consistency, and ability to inspire different squads across franchises.
Other Captains Who Have Led Multiple Teams – But Not Like Iyer
While Iyer stands alone in his achievement, four other players have captained three different franchises in the IPL. However, none of them has taken all three teams to the playoffs. They include:
| Captain | Teams Led | All Teams in Playoffs? |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | Rajasthan Royals, Pune Warriors, RPS | ❌ |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Punjab Kings, Deccan Chargers, SRH | ❌ |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Punjab Kings, Kochi Tuskers, Delhi Capitals | ❌ |
| Ajinkya Rahane | Rajasthan Royals, RPS, KKR | ❌ |
| Shreyas Iyer | Delhi Capitals, KKR, Punjab Kings | ✅ |
This makes Shreyas Iyer’s feat unparalleled in IPL history.
A Look Back: Iyer’s Captaincy Across Franchises
Delhi Capitals (2019, 2020)
Shreyas Iyer rose to prominence as Delhi’s captain, where he:
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Took the franchise to the playoffs in 2019
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Led Delhi to their first-ever IPL final in 2020
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Established a strong core with youngsters like Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant
Kolkata Knight Riders (2023)
After moving to KKR:
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Iyer successfully rebuilt the team dynamic
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Guided them to a playoff spot despite injury concerns
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Earned praise for his tactical acumen
Punjab Kings (2025)
Joining Punjab in 2025, Iyer:
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Revived a team that hadn’t qualified for playoffs in years
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Brought stability to their top-order and tactical direction
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Now leads a young and aggressive squad into the playoffs
Player Reactions and Team Response
Post-match, Shreyas Iyer said in the press conference:
“It’s a proud moment. Every team has its strengths, and to be able to help them reach this stage is a reflection of teamwork. I credit the coaching staff, support team, and the boys for believing in our plans.”
Punjab’s head coach echoed the sentiment:
“Shreyas brings calmness and clarity. His ability to back players and adapt in crunch moments makes him stand out as a captain.”
Impact on IPL 2025 Playoff Scenario
With Punjab qualifying, the current IPL 2025 playoff teams are:
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Gujarat Titans
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Mumbai Indians
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Punjab Kings
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(One slot still open at the time of writing)
Punjab’s entry has also knocked out teams like Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, depending on net run rate and other results.
The Strategic Mastermind: What Makes Iyer’s Captaincy Special?
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership is often described as:
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Calm under pressure
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Data-driven decision-making
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Strong man-management skills
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Backs young players and builds confidence
Analysts credit him for turning around matches with astute bowling changes and field placements.
Public and Expert Reaction
Social Media Buzz
Fans flooded social media with hashtags like:
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#ShreyasIyerTheLeader
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#PunjabKingsInPlayoffs
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#IPL2025Records
Expert Comments
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, while speaking to a sports channel, said:
“He’s a thinking captain. To do this across three franchises in different phases of IPL shows his maturity and leadership growth.”
Iyer’s Stats as IPL Captain (As of May 2025)
| Team | Seasons Captained | Matches | Wins | Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Capitals | 2018–2020 | 41 | 23 | 2 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2022–2023 | 28 | 14 | 1 |
| Punjab Kings | 2025 | 14* | 9 | 1 |
| Total | — | 83 | 46 | 3 |
*Note: Stats updated until league stage of IPL 2025
What’s Next for Iyer and Punjab Kings?
Heading into the playoffs, Punjab will look to maintain their momentum and chase their first-ever IPL title. Iyer’s experience of taking Delhi to the final in 2020 could prove vital.
Punjab Kings have never won an IPL trophy and were last in the finals back in 2014. With Iyer at the helm, fans believe this could be the year.
Shreyas Iyer’s record of leading three teams to the IPL playoffs isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a testament to the evolution of leadership in T20 cricket. In a league where consistency is rare and pressure is immense, Iyer has proven to be a true modern-day tactician and a reliable leader.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on him once again — not just for his batting, but for the calm, calculated leadership that now defines him.
