New Delhi: Ajinkya Rahane a senior Indian batsman and captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 made history on Saturday March 22 by becoming the first Indian to lead three different teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The opening match of IPL 2025 featuring KKR against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata marks Rahanes 26th game as a captain in the IPL. Previously he captained the Rising Pune Supergiant in one match during IPL 2017 and led the Rajasthan Royals in 24 matches across IPL 2018 and 2019. Three players – Mahela Jayawardene Kumar Sangakkara and Steve Smith – have previously held captaincy roles for three different teams in the IPL. Kumar Sangakkara led the Punjab Kings in 13 matches during the 2010 season the Deccan Chargers in 25 matches and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in nine matches in the 2013 season. Players to captain three teams in IPL Kumar Sangakkara has played for Punjab Kings (13 matches) Deccan Chargers (25 matches) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (9 matches). Mahela Jayawardene has been with Punjab Kings (1 match) Kochi Tuskers Kerala (13 matches) and Delhi Capitals (16 matches). Steve Smith the former Australian captain has captained Pune Warriors India in 1 match Rising Pune Super Giants in 15 matches and Rajasthan Royals in 27 matches. Ajinkya Rahane has led Rising Pune Supergiants in 1 match Rajasthan Royals in 24 matches and Kolkata Knight Riders in 1 match. Smiths leadership includes one match with Pune Warriors India in IPL 2012 27 matches with Rajasthan Royals and 15 matches with Rising Pune Super Giants. In contrast Jayawardene led Punjab Kings in one match during IPL 2010 Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 13 matches in IPL 2011 and Delhi Capitals in 16 matches over two seasons (IPL 2012 and 2013). Shreyas Iyer the captain of the IPL 2024 winning team will join Rahane in an exclusive group on Tuesday March 25 when he takes the field for the Punjab Kings. Iyer is set to lead the Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 and has previously captained the Delhi Capitals for 41 matches over three seasons as well as the Kolkata Knight Riders for 29 matches in two seasons (IPL 2022 and 2024). The 30-year-old right-handed batsman was acquired by the Mohali-based franchise for Rs 26.75 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. He holds the distinction of being the only captain in IPL history to lead two different franchises to the final and in the 2025 season he aims to be the first captain to secure the IPL title with two different teams.