The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its 2025 season, promising another thrilling chapter in cricket’s most exciting T20 tournament. Following the mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24-25, 2024, teams have reshaped their squads and strategized for the upcoming season. With 1,574 players initially registered and 574 shortlisted for the auction, franchises had 204 slots to fill, including 70 for overseas players.
This article will provide a complete look at the captains leading their respective teams into IPL 2025. We’ll explore the complete list of skippers, their acquisition prices, and the roles they’re expected to play in their franchises’ quests for glory.
IPL Captains 2025 (Complete List)
The captaincy landscape for IPL 2025 features a mix of familiar faces and exciting new appointments. Some teams have opted for continuity, while others have made bold changes in leadership.
Let’s take a closer look at the men who will be calling the shots on the field this season.
| Team | Captain | Price | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant | ₹27 crore | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer | ₹26.75 crore | Batsman |
| Rajasthan Royals | Sanju Samson | ₹18 crore | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Pat Cummins | ₹18 crore | Fast Bowler |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | Virat Kohli | ₹21 crore | Batsman |
| Mumbai Indians | Hardik Pandya | ₹16.35 crore | All-rounder |
| Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill | ₹16.50 crore | Batsman |
| Chennai Super Kings | Ruturaj Gaikwad | ₹18 crore | Batsman |
| Delhi Capitals | KL Rahul & Axar Patel | ₹16.5 crore | Batsman & All-rounder |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Venkatesh Iyer | ₹23.75 crore | All-rounder |
Now, let’s dive deeper into each captain’s profile and what they bring to their respective teams.
1. Rishabh Pant – Lucknow Super Giants
Rishabh Pant takes the reins at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after a record-breaking ₹27 crore acquisition. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman brings his explosive batting and leadership experience to a team eager to make its mark.
Pant’s aggressive style and ability to change the game in a matter of overs make him a valuable asset for LSG. His appointment signals the franchise’s intent to play an exciting brand of cricket.
2. Shreyas Iyer – Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings have placed their faith in Shreyas Iyer, securing his services for a whopping ₹26.75 crore. Fresh off leading Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL victory in 2024, Iyer brings a winning mentality to a team hungry for success.
His calm demeanor and tactical acumen, coupled with his ability to anchor the innings, make him an ideal leader for Punjab’s blend of youth and experience.
3. Sanju Samson – Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson continues to lead Rajasthan Royals, a role he’s held since 2021. The stylish wicketkeeper-batsman has been a consistent performer for the franchise and will be looking to guide his team to their second IPL title.
Samson’s elegant batting and improved leadership skills make him a key figure in Rajasthan’s plans for the season.
4. Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad
In a bold move, Sunrisers Hyderabad have appointed Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins as their captain. Known for his strategic mind and ability to lead by example, Cummins brings international captaincy experience to the Sunrisers.
His presence is expected to bolster both the bowling attack and the team’s overall tactical approach.
5. Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bangalore
Virat Kohli makes a much-anticipated return to the Royal Challengers Bangalore captaincy. One of the most successful batsmen in IPL history, Kohli’s leadership and passion for the game are unmatched.
His return to the helm has sparked excitement among RCB fans, who hope this will be the year their team finally clinches the elusive IPL trophy.
6. Hardik Pandya – Mumbai Indians
All-rounder Hardik Pandya takes charge of the Mumbai Indians, bringing his dynamic playing style and emerging leadership skills to the five-time champions.
Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his energetic presence on the field, makes him an exciting choice to lead one of the IPL’s most successful franchises.
7. Shubman Gill – Gujarat Titans
Young batting sensation Shubman Gill continues as captain of the Gujarat Titans. His appointment reflects the franchise’s faith in nurturing young talent and building for the future.
Gill’s elegant batting and growing maturity make him an intriguing choice to lead a team that has quickly established itself as a formidable force in the IPL.
8. Ruturaj Gaikwad – Chennai Super Kings
Ruturaj Gaikwad takes over the captaincy from the legendary MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings. The stylish opener has been groomed for this role, having been a key player in CSK’s recent successes.
Gaikwad’s calm temperament and ability to play long innings make him well-suited to lead the five-time champions into a new era.
9. KL Rahul or Axar Patel – Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals have yet to officially announce their captain for the 2025 IPL season. The franchise has two strong candidates: KL Rahul and Axar Patel, both of whom bring valuable skills and experience to the team.
KL Rahul, an accomplished top-order batsman with previous IPL captaincy experience, could be a strong choice to lead the side. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen make him well-suited for the role.
Alternatively, Axar Patel, an all-rounder who has been with the franchise for several seasons, is another potential candidate. His familiarity with the team culture and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game could make him an appealing option for the captaincy.
10. Venkatesh Iyer – Kolkata Knight Riders
All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer steps into the captaincy role for Kolkata Knight Riders. His impressive performances in recent seasons and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game have earned him this opportunity.
Iyer’s appointment represents KKR’s focus on developing homegrown talent and building a team for the future.
Conclusion: IPL Captains For 2025 Edition Have Been Announced
The IPL 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with a diverse group of captains leading their teams into battle. From experienced leaders like Virat Kohli to emerging talents like Shubman Gill, each skipper brings a unique style and approach to the game.
The mix of Indian and international captains reflects the global nature of the IPL and the different leadership philosophies at play. Some teams have invested heavily in their captains, as seen with the record-breaking acquisitions of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, while others have chosen to promote from within their existing ranks.
As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these captains navigate the challenges of T20 cricket, manage their star-studded squads, and handle the pressure of leading in the world’s most competitive cricket league. Their decisions on and off the field will play a crucial role in determining which team lifts the coveted IPL trophy at the end of the season.
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