Shreyas Iyer has carved a niche for himself in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by joining an exclusive club of cricketers who have led three different franchises.
This remarkable achievement places him in the company of legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Steven Smith, who have previously captained multiple IPL teams.
Iyer’s inclusion in this elite list is not just a testament to his leadership qualities but also to his resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of cricket.
Iyer’s journey in the IPL began with the Delhi Daredevils, now known as the Delhi Capitals, where he debuted in 2015.
His initial years were marked by learning and growth, but it was in 2018 that he was thrust into the captaincy role.
Despite a challenging first season at the helm, Iyer’s leadership saw the Delhi Capitals transform from bottom dwellers to playoff contenders.
His tenure with Delhi was highlighted by leading the team to their first-ever IPL final in 2020, showcasing his ability to inspire and manage a team under pressure.
The 2021 season saw Iyer miss out due to injury, giving way to Rishabh Pant’s captaincy. However, Iyer’s return to leadership came with a move to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022.
The initial seasons with KKR were less fruitful, but Iyer’s resilience shone through. In 2024, he led KKR to a championship win, proving his mettle as a captain who could turn fortunes around.
This victory made him the eighth captain in IPL history to lift the coveted trophy, a testament to his strategic acumen and motivational leadership.
Now, as the captain of Punjab Kings for the 2025 IPL season, Iyer has not only joined but also redefined the elite list.
His journey from Delhi to Kolkata, and now Punjab, is a narrative of growth, setbacks, and triumphant comebacks, capturing the essence of the IPL’s dynamic environment where players are often tested by the cruel hands of fate and their own capabilities.
Across his captaincy stints, Iyer has led his teams in 71 matches, securing 40 wins which translates to a win percentage of 56.35%.
This statistic places him among the top echelons of IPL captains in terms of success rate.
His leadership has been characterized by a blend of tactical nous and the ability to foster a team spirit that transcends individual performances.
Iyer’s journey is not just about numbers; it’s about the moments he has created, the strategies he has implemented, and the legacy he continues to build.
Shreyas Iyer’s Overall Batting Performance as a Player
Beyond his captaincy, Iyer’s batting has been a significant part of his IPL narrative.
Emerging as the IPL’s Emerging Player of the Year in 2015, his prowess with the bat has only grown over time.
With 3,127 runs in 116 matches at an average of 32.23 and a strike rate of 127.47, Iyer has been a consistent performer.
His ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed has made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the league, with 21 fifties to his name.
As a captain, Iyer’s batting statistics are equally commendable. In 71 matches as a leader, he has scored 2,145 runs at an average of 32.24 and a strike rate of 125.70, with 12 half-centuries.
This dual role of leading from the front with the bat and from behind with strategy has been central to his success.
His performances have often been critical in setting up or chasing down totals, showcasing his ability to perform under the additional pressure of captaincy.
Shreyas Iyer’s journey through the IPL is not just about personal accolades but also about how he has managed to adapt, learn, and lead through diverse challenges.
His record as a captain who has led three different IPL franchises to varying degrees of success is a narrative of perseverance, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As he now takes the helm at Punjab Kingsall eyes will be on Iyer to see if he can add another chapter to his already storied IPL career, potentially leading Punjab to their maiden IPL title or at least continuing his trend of making significant playoff impacts.
