Shreyas Iyer’s IPL captaincy record reached a historic milestone as he became the first-ever player to lead three different franchises into the playoffs.

Different jerseys, same leadership DNA 🧬🫡

Will this be the season Shreyas Iyer takes PBKS all the way? 🤔#TATAIPL | @PunjabKingsIPL | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/poIirhscGM

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 19, 2025

With PBKS qualify for playoffs 2025, the stylish right-hander has not only ended Punjab Kings’ 11-year wait for a knockout berth but also cemented his legacy as one of the most successful leaders in the league’s history. Iyer has now guided Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings into the list of qualified team for IPL playoffs — a feat unmatched by any other captain in the tournament’s storied past.

Shreyas Iyer’s IPL Captaincy Record

Delhi Capitals (2018–2020)：Laying the Foundation

Shreyas Iyer’s journey as an IPL captain began unexpectedly in 2018 when Gautam Gambhir stepped down mid-season due to Delhi Daredevils’ poor performance. Taking over a struggling side as an interim captain, Iyer showed early promise, winning 4 out of 8 matches. Although the team finished last, his leadership potential stood out.

The franchise underwent a major overhaul in 2019, rebranding itself as Delhi Capitals and naming Iyer as full-time captain. Under his leadership, the team flourished, finishing third in the league stage and securing a spot among the qualified team for IPL playoffs for the first time since 2012. Despite falling short in Qualifier 2 against Chennai Super Kings, the season marked a revival for the franchise.

Statement from Delhi Capitals 📝

Shreyas has taken DC to newer heights ever since he took on the role of captain, leading the team to its very first final last year. The franchise will always be there for any assistance and support he may require at any step.#YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/0GoDKIQKqp

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 30, 2021

In 2020, Iyer took the DC one step further. They ended second in the league stage and made it to their maiden IPL final after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2. Though they lost to Mumbai Indians in the final, it remains the franchise’s best campaign to date. Iyer’s calm and composed captaincy style was widely credited for the transformation. His stint with DC solidified Shreyas Iyer’s IPL captaincy record as one marked by steady progress and strong leadership.

Kolkata Knight Riders (2022, 2024)：Redemption and Glory

In 2022, Iyer moved to KKR after being picked up for ₹12.25 crore. His debut season saw inconsistency plague the squad, leading to a 7th-place finish. A back injury kept him out of the 2023 edition, but he returned in 2024 with renewed focus.

That year, Iyer’s leadership was exceptional. KKR topped the table with 9 wins and 2 no-results, marking the first time the team finished first in the league stage. His tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players were instrumental in their dominance.

Always learning, always growing 💪 pic.twitter.com/bdhTfF2csW

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 26, 2024

The playoffs saw KKR maintain their momentum, culminating in a decisive win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. With this victory, Iyer became only the second KKR captain after Gautam Gambhir to lift the IPL trophy and the first Indian captain since Rohit Sharma in 2020 to win the league. His feat of leading two different franchises to an IPL final further elevated Shreyas Iyer’s IPL captaincy record into elite territory.

Punjab Kings (2025)：A Historic Breakthrough

Ahead of the 2025 season, PBKS made a bold statement by acquiring Iyer for a record INR 26.75 crore. Tasked with ending an 11-year playoff drought, Iyer once again delivered. PBKS faced stiff competition but emerged resilient, clinching 8 wins in 12 matches.

𝐒𝐡-𝐈𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐡-𝐈𝐲𝐞𝐫 🦁#ShreyasIyer #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/iXRYtomFIO

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) December 21, 2024

With PBKS qualify for playoffs 2025, Iyer etched his name in the record books as the first-ever captain to take three different teams to the IPL playoffs. His batting was equally impactful — amassing 435 runs at a strike rate of 174.69 — including a match-winning 97 against Gujarat Titans that set the tone for the season. This campaign not only reignited Punjab’s title hopes but also added a remarkable chapter to Shreyas Iyer’s IPL captaincy record, proving his ability to transform teams and inspire belief.

𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦! 🔥#ShreyasIyer #PunjabKings #IPL2025 #GTvPBKS #BasJeetnaHai pic.twitter.com/fIH5ub0iim

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 25, 2025

Together, these three journeys showcase a captain who thrives under pressure, adapts to different team cultures, and consistently elevates his squad. Whether it’s the resurgence of Delhi, the triumph with Kolkata, or the historic turnaround for Punjab, Shreyas Iyer has proven to be a true architect of success in the IPL.

Leading with Legacy

Shreyas Iyer’s trailblazing journey across three IPL franchises stands as a testament to his adaptability, leadership, and cricketing intelligence. From taking charge of a struggling Delhi side and guiding them to their first-ever final, to scripting Kolkata’s title-winning campaign, and now, reviving Punjab Kings’ fortunes as PBKS qualify for playoffs 2025, Iyer has redefined what it means to be a successful T20 captain. With all three teams now part of the qualified team for IPL playoffs under his command, Shreyas Iyer’s IPL captaincy record is not just statistically impressive — it’s historically significant.

Playoffs Calling 📞 🤩

A long wait ends for Punjab Kings as they secure the all-important 𝐐 ❤

Will they clinch a 🔝 2️⃣ finish? #TATAIPL | #DCvGT | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/s12W5GOvwP

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2025

As the 2025 playoffs approach, all eyes will be on how Iyer steers PBKS through the high-pressure knockout stage. Will he script another fairytale run and take PBKS all the way? It will be fascinating to see where PBKS finish this season and whether Iyer can add another remarkable chapter to his already iconic IPL legacy.