The IPL has seen many cricketers leading their team. However, there are only a few players who have proven themselves as the most successful captains in IPL. These captains not only led their teams to many victories but also made themselves special with their leadership skills, clever strategies and ability to stay calm under pressure.
The 2025 IPL season is all set to begin it’s 18th season on March 22 with the opening match between KKR vs RCB at the Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. In this article, we will mention all the captains who shone while playing as captain.
Most Successful Captains in IPL History
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MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is not only the most successful captain in IPL History, but he is also a global cricket icon. Dhoni is known for his ability to turn the match in his favour. He has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to 5 IPL titles. Over the years, he has captained CSK and Rising Pune Supergiants and won 133 out of 226 matches. His win percentage in IPL is 58.85%. Be it his smart decision-making or his ability to stay calm in moments of pressure, Dhoni has left an impact that hardly anyone else has been able to.
Rohit Sharma
Next up is Rohit Sharma, who turned Mumbai Indians (MI) into a winning machine. Rohit’s captaincy has been amazing, as he led MI to 5 IPL titles. Under his leadership, MI played 158 matches and won 87 of them, making their win percentage 55.06%. Though he handed over the captaincy to Hardik Pandya in 2024, Rohit’s record and his influence as a captain still remains strong. His ability to make the team stand up in crucial moments will always be remembered.
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Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir led the KKR from 2011 to 2017, left a deep impression with his captaincy. One of India’s finest opening batsmen, Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles and established himself as one of the most successful captains in IPL. Under his leadership, KKR played 129 matches and won 71 matches. His win percentage is 55.04%, which shows how efficient he was in taking crucial decisions in moments of pressure.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s is not just a name in the cricket, but he is the face of the RCB team. Virat is known for his batting excellence and Kohli also captained Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a long time. Under his captaincy, RCB played 143 matches and won 66 of them. Although RCB could not win the IPL title under his leadership, the passion and energy in his captaincy cannot be denied. His win percentage is 46.15%, and his position as the highest run-scorer in IPL history reflects his consistency and hunger for success.
David Warner
David Warner is the only overseas player on this list and there is a good reason for it. Warner, who captained Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals, proved his leadership qualities. Under his leadership, his teams played 83 matches and won 40 matches, giving them a win percentage of 48.19%. Warner is not only one of the successful captains in IPL but also one of the most successful overseas batsmen in IPL history, known for his aggressive play and ability to lead from the front.
These captains not only made their teams successful but also shaped the legacy of IPL through their leadership. As we head towards another exciting season, their achievements remind us of what it takes to be a true leader in the world of cricket.
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