Who is the best captain in the history of Indian Premier League? This question remains and will remain so. To know the answer, Star Sports went to two former Team India cricketers, Irfan Pathan and Suresh Raina.
Star Sports has shared a video from its official social media account, which contains the opinions of Pathan and Raina. The former cricketer, who is now working as a cricket expert, praised Shreyas Iyer’s leadership skills, but with different views.
Who is the best captain in Indian Premier League?
Irfan Pathan was included among the four successful captains of IPL. Along with Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, who helped Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings claim 5 trophies respectively, are in the list. Pathan also mentioned Gautam Gambhir in the conversation.
According to Pathan, “Shreyas Iyer will have to be there.” The former fast bowling all-rounder replaced MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir and then Shreyas Iyer in his rankings.
Shreyas Iyer has made a rare record as a captain.
Iyer is the only player to captain three different franchises to the final. For this reason, he is considered one of the most influential leaders of the Indian Premier League. Under his leadership, Kolkata Knight Riders won their third league title, and he also defeated Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings to reach the finals. Pathan said that what Iyer has done as a captain is amazing. If he can claim another trophy, he will be the all-time leader in league history.
Irfan Pathan said in the video, “Shreyas Iyer has done a great job as a captain. Taking three different teams to the final is not within the power of any captain. But Shreyas did it. If he wins another title, he will surpass everyone else.”
Suresh Raina also talked about Iyer’s leadership qualities
Like Pathan, Suresh Raina is also charmed by the leadership qualities of Iyer, who is currently the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS). PBKS came to play the final of IPL 2025 season with Shreyas Iyer in front. Going one step further, the former CSK batsman compared Iyer with former Team India captain Mohammad Azharuddin.
“Wherever he (Shreyas Iyer) has gone, he has performed brilliantly as a batsman and done a phenomenal job as a captain. Communication is an important point for every captain; it gives me an Azhar bhai (Mohammed Azharuddin) vibe. Iyer has the special ability to take bold decisions in crucial situations,” Suresh Raina said.
Where? #shreyasiyar Rank among them as captain, #MSDhoni, #RohitSharma & #GautamGambhir? 🤔#IrfanPathan & #SureshRaina Give your verdict! 👀
Watch full episodes of Out or Not Out on JioHotstar! 📺#TATAIPL 2026 👉 #DCvPBKS | Sat, Apr 25, 2:30 pm pic.twitter.com/A1Qk11HRs9
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 25 April 2026
Last season’s runners-up PBKS currently top the points table as the only undefeated team in the IPL 2026 campaign. With 5 wins from 6 matches and one match in Kolkata being washed out due to rain, Iyer & Co. top the charts with 11 points and a net run rate of +1.420. Iyer himself has been in good form for the team, scoring 208 runs in 6 matches and 5 innings at an average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 182.45.
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