After much hope and anticipation, Delhi Capitals have appointed Axar Patel as their new skipper for IPL 2025. Axar, 31, has been a vital member of the franchise for a period of six years and was retained by the team for ₹16.5 crore. While his leadership experience in IPL is finite, he has captained Gujarat in domestic cricket and has also been appointed as India’s T20I vice-captain in January 2025 with his first assignment being the series against England.
Full list of captains for all 10 teams in IPL 2025
1. Chennai Super Kings – Ruturaj Gaikwad
In 2024, MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain and Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the reigns. His debut season wasn’t great, but CSK have reaped faith in Ruturaj to continue as the skipper for the five-time champions for second-consecutive season.
2. Mumbai Indians – Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya retained Mumbai’s captaincy regardless of a disappointing IPL 2024, where MI finished last. The star cricketer will aim for a turnaround this season with his leadership mindset.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders – Ajinkya Rahane
Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have named the experienced campaigner Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for IPL 2025. Venkatesh Iyer will serve as Rahane’s deputy. The Mumbai cricketer has led Rajasthan Royals in the past.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins led SRH to IPL 2024 final in his debut season as captain. He remains at the helm for the upcoming 2025 edition as well as Hyderabad aim for a trophy lift after nine years.
5. Delhi Capitals – Axar Patel
Axar Patel replaces Rishabh Pant as Delhi Capitals’ captain for IPL 2025. Under Pant, Delhi finished sixth last season with winning seven games off 14. Pant was released by the Capitals ahead of the upcoming edition, and the player became the most expensive cricketer ever auctioned.
6. Gujarat Titans – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill led Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 after Hardik moved to Mumbai Indians. GT had a disappointing season in 2024 after making it to both the finals in 2022 and 2023, The Titans finished eighth, being able to win only five games out of 14. Gill, who is also India’s vice-captain in ODIs now, will look to have an improved show with GT.
7. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis as RCB’s new captain this season. Although Virat Kohli was an option that the franchise mulled their heads over, but the Indore-born Patidar was finally given the nod ahead of the former skipper. Under du Plessis, Bengaluru finished fourth in 2024, losing to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator clash.
8. Punjab Kings – Shreyas Iyer
Ace cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been on a trophy spree since 2024. He has won a total of five trophies (Ranji Trophy 2024, SMAT 2024, Irani Cup 2024, IPL 2024, Champions Trophy 2025) across different forms of cricket in the last year or so. As a result, PBKS have reaped faith in the star cricketer to lead them to maiden title in 2025. He was bought for a whooping INR 26.75 crore by the Kings.
9. Lucknow Super Giants – Rishabh Pant
After his record-breaking INR 27 crore signing, Rishabh Pant also took over as LSG captain after KL Rahul parted ways with the franchise. Nicholas Pooran was the other captaincy option LSG had, but they ultimately turned their heads to Pant for leadership duties as well.
10. Rajasthan Royals – Sanju Samson
Kerala’s Sanju Samson has found his second home in Rajasthan. He made his IPL debut with Rajasthan Royals under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, and also played for and Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) for a couple of years in between. However, once he returned to the franchise in 2018, there has been no looking back for the Trivandrum-born.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
