Shreyas Iyer made IPL history by becoming the first captain to guide three different franchises to the playoffs.
Shreyas Iyer Sets New IPL Record Leading Three Teams to Playoffs
Shreyas Iyer made history in IPL 2025 by leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the playoffs, ending the franchise’s 11-year wait. This milestone made Iyer the first captain ever to guide three different IPL teams into the playoffs. His previous two successes came with Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Iyer first captained Delhi Capitals, breaking their playoff drought and leading them to the 2020 final. After missing the entire 2023 season due to a back injury, he made a remarkable comeback by captaining KKR to the IPL title in 2024, helping revive a struggling franchise. Despite this success, KKR released him ahead of the 2025 mega auction. Punjab Kings then acquired him for a hefty INR 26.75 crore, entrusting him with the captaincy. Iyer repaid the faith by steering PBKS to a long-awaited playoff berth.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar highlighted Iyer’s crucial leadership role, criticizing how Iyer was overlooked for credit after KKR’s championship win. Gavaskar argued that the captain’s on-field leadership is pivotal, not the influence of off-field mentors like Gautam Gambhir, contrasting it with the praise Ricky Ponting has received this season for coaching PBKS. This recognition marks a turning point in appreciating Iyer’s leadership impact in IPL.
A season to remember for Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is enjoying a stellar season both internationally and in the IPL. Coming into IPL 2025, he was in great form after shining in the Champions Trophy, where he was India’s leading run-scorer and second overall, amassing 405 runs in 11 innings at an average of 50.62, including four fifties. His outstanding performances in Dubai earned him the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for March.
Iyer maintained this momentum in the IPL, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 174.70, with four half-centuries. His leadership helped Punjab Kings reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014—the only season they previously made the IPL final. PBKS secured their playoff spot after a thrilling 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, combined with Gujarat Titans’ win over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, confirming Punjab’s place among the top four teams this season.
