![3 IPL Franchises Shreyas Iyer captained [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780553544908_ShreyasIyerIPLCaptain.jpg?type=hq)
3 IPL Franchises Shreyas Iyer captained [Source: AFP]
Shreyas Iyer is becoming one of India’s strongest middle-order batters in the modern era, with his selection across formats almost imminent. Not only that, according to reports, Iyer could soon be appointed as India’s T20I captain, thus replacing Suryakumar Yadav.
Interestingly, Iyer is a senior figure with years of experience as a player as well as a captain. Apart from leading Mumbai in domestic cricket, Shreyas has an elite captaincy record in the IPL as well.
In the IPL, Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy journey began in 2018, and in the next 8 years, he achieved a rare record that not even the biggest names in the tournament could do. On that note, let’s see how many teams Shreyas Iyer has captained in his glorious IPL career.
Delhi Capitals (2018-2021)
Back in IPL 2018, Shreyas Iyer donned the captaincy hat for the very first time. Mid-season, Gautam Gambhir stepped down from captaincy of Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Iyer replaced him.
Although Delhi finished at the bottom of the table, the franchise saw enough leadership potential to hand him the role permanently. In 2019, Shreyas led Delhi to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
Not only that, under Iyer’s leadership, Delhi Capitals played its maiden IPL final in 2020. However, in 2021, Shreyas Iyer sustained a shoulder injury while playing for India, which ruled him out for the season.
Also Read - Why Shreyas Iyer Doesn't Deserve India's T20I Captaincy
Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant replaced him as Delhi’s captain. But after the tournament was postponed due to the Covid pandemic, Iyer became fit to play when the season resumed later that year.
Yet, DC decided to continue with Pant as captain, and Iyer eventually took an exit to enter the IPL 2022 mega auction pool.
Kolkata Knight Riders (2022-2024)
In the IPL 2022 mega auction, KKR picked up Shreyas Iyer for INR 12.25 crores and named him captain. However, that year, Iyer struggled to fit into the setup as KKR finished at the seventh position on the points table.
Moreover, in IPL 2023, Shreyas was again ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury, and Nitish Rana filled his shoes for that year. But in 2024, KKR’s fortunes truly changed.
With 9 victories, KKR finished at the top of the table in IPL 2024 and stormed into the final. They went on to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad to win their third IPL title, making Shreyas Iyer only the second captain after Gautam Gambhir to lead KKR to championship glory.
However, despite a title-winning campaign, Iyer had differences with the KKR management over retention, and after failing to reach a middle ground, the captain entered the IPL 2025 mega auction pool yet again.
Punjab Kings (2025-Present)
In the IPL 2025 mega auction, Shreyas Iyer went to Punjab Kings, who shelled out INR 26.75 crores to grab his services. Naturally, Iyer was handed the captaincy hat.
He was tasked with rebuilding the franchise alongside head coach Ricky Ponting, and the duo’s synergy worked wonders.
PBKS qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and finished at the top of the league standings in 2025.
Iyer then guided the franchise to the IPL final, narrowly missing out on the title after a close defeat to RCB. Even in IPL 2026, PBKS started well by winning the first 6 games before falling short in the playoff race.
Regardless, Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy record in the IPL suggests that he is a potent captain who has all the tools to succeed as India’s T20I captain in the future.
Also Read - 3 Options Better Than Shreyas Iyer To Captain India In T20Is
