Leading a franchise to an Indian Premier League (IPL) title is one of the most outstanding achievements for any cricketer. From 2008 to 2024, eight cricketers have found their place in the IPL winning captains list. This blog lists Indian and overseas players who have guided franchises to an IPL trophy.
Shane Warne to Shreyas Iyer - List of Successful IPL Captains
Many legendary players have graced the IPL and guided a franchise to an IPL trophy. Shane Warne is the first to do so, while Shreyas Iyer is the latest player to find a place in the IPL-winning captains club.
IPL Winning Captains - 2008 to 2024
In 2008, Shane Warne became the first player to lift the IPL trophy when he guided Rajasthan Royals (RR) to victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the inaugural final. The late Australian cricketer was also the first overseas player to achieve this feat. A year later, another Australian guided his franchise to the coveted trophy. Adam Gilchrist-led Deccan Chargers (DC) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to win the second edition of the IPL.
From 2010 to 2015, three Indian cricketers joined the IPL winning captains list. MS Dhoni took CSK to the title in the 2010 and 2011 editions. Under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won the trophy in 2012 and 2014, while Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) won their first IPL silverware in 2013 and added a second in 2015.
David Warner bucked the trend of Indian captains winning the IPL after leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to the trophy in 2016. However, he is the last overseas player to do so. In the previous eight IPL seasons, only Indian players have guided their respective teams to glory. Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer are the latest to join the list, guiding Gujarat Titans (GT) and KKR to the trophy in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
IPL Winning Captains List - Indian Players
MS Dhoni is the first Indian captain to lift the IPL. Under him, CSK were crowned champions five times. Similarly, Rohit Sharma has guided MI to five IPL crowns. Dhoni and Rohit are the only captains who have led their teams to glory in consecutive seasons.
Rohit Sharma in IPL final
— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) November 10, 2020
2009 - Won
2013 - Won
2015 - Won
2017 - Won
2019 - Won
2020 - Won*#MIvsDC
List of IPL Winning Indian Captains
MS Dhoni - 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023
Rohit Sharma - 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020
Gautam Gambhir - 2014, 2016
Hardik Pandya - 2022
Shreyas Iyer - 2024
MS Dhoni - 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023
Rohit Sharma - 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020
Gautam Gambhir - 2014, 2016
Hardik Pandya - 2022
Shreyas Iyer - 2024
IPL Winning Captains List - Overseas Players
Only three overseas players have captained an IPL franchise to success in the IPL’s history. Warne was the first to do so, Gilchrist captained the Chargers to the title in 2009, and Warner lifted the trophy in SRH colours in 2016.
List of IPL Winning Overseas Captains
Shane Warne - 2008
Adam Gilchrist - 2009
David Warner - 2016
Shane Warne - 2008
Adam Gilchrist - 2009
David Warner - 2016
Concluding Thoughts
Eight players, from Warner to Iyer, have etched their names in IPL history. Rohit, Dhoni, and Gambhir hold the record for captaining their franchises to multiple titles. At the same time, Warne, Gilchrist, Warner, and Hardik were the captains of their respective franchises’ first and only IPL trophies.
FAQs
Who is the first captain to win the IPL?
Shane Warne is the first captain to lift the IPL trophy. He guided Rajasthan Royals to the title in IPL 2008.
Who is the most successful IPL captain?
MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are the most successful captains in the IPL. Both players have won the title five times.
How many overseas players have captained a franchise to an IPL title?
Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, and David Warner are three overseas players who led a franchise to an IPL title.