IPL 2025 Captains: Full List from Hardik Pandya to Axar Patel

Delhi Capitals have officially announced Axar Patel as their captain for IPL 2025, marking a significant shift in leadership as franchises finalize their squads for the upcoming season. Axar, who has been with the Delhi-based franchise for the past six years, was retained for Rs 16.5 crore and will lead the team in their pursuit of the elusive IPL trophy.

While Axar Patel has limited IPL captaincy experience, he has led Gujarat in domestic cricket and served as India’s T20I vice-captain earlier this year. With all captains now officially confirmed, here’s the complete list of team leaders for IPL 2025.

Full List of IPL 2025 Captains:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni ahead of IPL 2024. Under his leadership, CSK finished fifth with seven wins in 14 matches.

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel

Axar Patel has been appointed the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, replacing Rishabh Pant, who exited before the IPL 2025 mega-auction. In IPL 2024, DC finished sixth with seven wins in 14 games.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill assumed captaincy of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 after Hardik Pandya’s move to Mumbai Indians. Gujarat finished eighth last season with five wins in 14 matches, and Gill will look to improve the team’s performance this year.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their skipper for IPL 2025. Venkatesh Iyer will serve as his deputy.

Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant

Lucknow Super Giants named Rishabh Pant as their captain in January 2025 following his record-breaking Rs 27 crore purchase. Under KL Rahul’s leadership in IPL 2024, LSG finished seventh with seven wins in 14 games.

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain ahead of IPL 2024. However, MI struggled last season, finishing at the bottom of the points table. Pandya will aim for a strong comeback in 2025.

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer was appointed Punjab Kings’ skipper in January 2025 after being bought for Rs 26.75 crore in the mega-auction. Punjab finished ninth in IPL 2024, winning only five of their 14 matches.

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has been Rajasthan Royals’ captain since IPL 2021. In IPL 2024, RR secured third place with eight wins in 14 matches but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar was announced as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s new skipper for IPL 2025. Under Faf du Plessis’ leadership in IPL 2024, RCB finished fourth with seven wins in 14 matches but were eliminated in the playoffs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins was named Sunrisers Hyderabad’s captain in March 2024, replacing Aiden Markram. Under Cummins, SRH finished as runners-up in IPL 2024.

With all franchises finalizing their captains, IPL 2025 promises to be a thrilling season with several leadership changes and intense competition on the field.