Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a transformative figure in IPL history, becoming the first captain to lead three franchises—Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings—to the playoffs. From ending Delhi’s decade-long title drought to securing Kolkata’s third IPL crown, Iyer has now guided Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 playoffs after an 11-year absence. Despite lacking the fanfare of social media armies or PR hype, Iyer’s calm leadership, strategic acumen, and consistent batting make him a standout captain. This article explores his remarkable journey, key achievements, and what lies ahead for Punjab Kings under his leadership.

Iyer holds the unique distinction of guiding three IPL franchises to the playoffs, a feat unmatched by any other captain. His win rate of 56.35% (40 victories in 71 matches) places him alongside IPL legends like MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir. Unlike many captains who sacrifice personal performance for leadership, Iyer has scored over 400 runs in four of his six seasons as captain, showcasing his ability to balance both roles.

Turning Underdogs into Contenders

Iyer’s hallmark is transforming struggling teams into competitive units:

Delhi Capitals (2018–2020): Took over mid-season in 2018, revitalized a team that hadn’t seen playoffs in eight years, and led them to the 2019 playoffs and 2020 final.

Kolkata Knight Riders (2022–2024): Joined a franchise struggling to reclaim past glory and delivered their third IPL title in 2024.

Punjab Kings (2025): Guided a team absent from playoffs since 2014 to a remarkable turnaround in IPL 2025.

Delhi Capitals: Rewriting History (2018–2020)

Breaking the Playoff Drought

In 2018, Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) were languishing at the bottom of the points table. Under coach Ricky Ponting, Iyer replaced Gautam Gambhir mid-season. Though the team missed the playoffs, Iyer’s leadership laid the foundation for success. In 2019, with a refreshed squad, he led Delhi to their first playoff in seven years, defeating Hyderabad in the Eliminator before losing to Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 2.

In 2020, Iyer’s Delhi Capitals continued their upward trajectory. A thrilling Super Over win against Punjab set the tone, followed by eight league-stage victories. They defeated Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 to reach their first-ever IPL final. Despite a five-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians, Iyer’s leadership had turned a perennial underachiever into a title contender. Shockingly, Delhi released him the following season.

After being let go by Delhi, Iyer was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹12.25 crore in the 2022 mega auction. KKR, despite their two titles, had endured inconsistent seasons. In 2022, Iyer’s batting shone, but the team missed the playoffs. A mid-season injury in 2023 saw Nitish Rana take over, with KKR finishing seventh.

Returning as captain in 2024, Iyer led KKR to a dominant season. Starting with Andre Russell’s explosive batting against Hyderabad, KKR secured nine wins, losing only to Chennai, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Sunil Narine’s all-round brilliance, coupled with Iyer’s tactical field changes, propelled KKR to the final. They dismantled Hyderabad’s batting, bowling them out for 113 and chasing the target in 10.3 overs to clinch their third IPL title. Yet, in a surprising move, KKR released Iyer in the 2024 mega auction.

A Record-Breaking Acquisition

In December 2024, Punjab Kings acquired Iyer for a record ₹26.75 crore, reuniting him with coach Ricky Ponting. Punjab, a team that hadn’t reached the playoffs since 2014, was known for frequent squad overhauls and captaincy changes. Iyer’s arrival, backed by Ponting’s vision, promised a turnaround.

Under Iyer’s leadership, Punjab Kings transformed into a formidable unit in IPL 2025. With consistent performances across batting, bowling, and fielding, Iyer led from the front, inspiring his team to secure a playoff spot. His calm demeanor, ability to read match situations, and strategic field placements have revitalized a franchise long plagued by inconsistency.

Iyer’s captaincy is defined by composure and adaptability. He adjusts his batting to the situation, makes smart fielding changes based on opposition performance, and maximizes team resources. Whether leading underdogs or star-studded lineups, Iyer finds ways to extract victories.

Unlike some captains whose personal form dips under leadership pressure, Iyer delivers with the bat. His ability to score 400+ runs in multiple seasons as captain underscores his dual impact.

Despite his achievements, Iyer remains an unsung hero. Without the hype of social media campaigns or PR machinery, he lets his results speak, earning respect through performance.

With Punjab Kings now in the IPL 2025 playoffs, the question is whether Iyer can lead them to their maiden title. His track record of turning struggling teams into contenders, combined with Ponting’s coaching expertise, makes Punjab a serious threat. As Iyer continues to lead with poise and inspire his squad, fans eagerly await whether he can add another chapter to his remarkable IPL legacy.

Shreyas Iyer’s journey from Delhi Capitals to Kolkata Knight Riders and now Punjab Kings showcases his ability to transform teams and defy expectations. As the first captain to lead three IPL franchises to the playoffs, his 56.35% win rate and consistent batting make him a standout leader. With Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 playoffs, Iyer stands on the cusp of another historic achievement. Can he deliver Punjab’s first IPL title? Only time will tell, but his track record suggests he’s more than capable.

Keywords: Shreyas Iyer, IPL 2025, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL captaincy, playoffs.