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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season approaches, all ten teams have confirmed their captains for the upcoming tournament. The season is set to kick off on March 22, with several teams featuring new leadership following significant changes during the mega auction.
Key changes and notable captains
Delhi Capitals have appointed Axar Patel as their new captain following the departure of Rishabh Pant, who will now lead Lucknow Super Giants.
Kolkata Knight Riders, the reigning champions, have named Ajinkya Rahane as their captain, replacing Shreyas Iyer, who moved to Punjab Kings.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be led by Rajat Patidar, marking a change from previous seasons under Faf du Plessis.
Here’s an overview of each player appointed as a captain by the franchises for IPL 2025:
1) Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Background: Born on January 31, 1997, in Pune, Maharashtra. He is known for his batting prowess and has been the captain of the Maharashtra cricket team in T20 and List A formats.
Achievements: Gaikwad was the leading run-scorer in the IPL 2021 season and won the Emerging Player of the Season award. He also led India to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.
2) Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)
Background: Born on January 20, 1994, in Anand, Gujarat. He is a left-handed all-rounder known for his slow orthodox bowling and batting skills.
Achievements: Axar was part of India’s squads that won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. He made his T20I debut in 2015 and is known for his consistent wicket-taking ability.
3) Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
Background: Born on September 8, 1999, in Fazilka, Punjab. He is a versatile batter who has represented India across all formats.
Achievements: Gill scored a double century in ODIs against New Zealand in 2023, becoming the youngest Indian to achieve this feat. He also holds the record for the highest individual score by an Indian batter in T20Is.
4) Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Background: Born on June 6, 1988, in Ashwi Khurd, Maharashtra. He is a right-handed batter known for his technical skills.
Achievements: Rahane led Mumbai to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
5) Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)
Background: Born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. He is a wicket-keeper batter known for his aggressive batting style.
Achievements: Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history in 2025. He was part of India’s squads that won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
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6) Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
Background: Born on October 11, 1993, in Surat, Gujarat. He is a right-handed all-rounder known for his fast-medium bowling and middle-order batting.
Achievements: Pandya led the Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in 2022. He was the vice-captain of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup.
7) Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings)
Background: Born on December 6, 1994 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is a right-handed batter known for his leadership roles in the IPL.
Achievements: Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders to title triumph in the IPL 2024 season and is known for his consistent batting performances.
8) Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Background: Born on November 11, 1994 in Pulluvila, Kerela. He is a wicket-keeper batter known for his aggressive batting style.
Achievements: Samson has been a consistent performer in the IPL and has led Rajasthan Royals in previous seasons.
9) Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Background: Born on June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He is a right-handed batter known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Achievements: Patidar rose to prominence with his performances in the IPL, particularly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
10) Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Background: Born on May 8, 1993, in Westmead, Australia. He is an Australian fast bowler known for his leadership roles in international cricket.
Achievements: Cummins has been a key player for Australia and has led the team to World Test Championship 2023 title triumph and the ODI World Cup 2023 glory. He is known for his exceptional fast bowling skills.
