The IPL 2025 is set to be exciting, with a mix of experienced and new captains. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead Chennai Super Kings, and Virat Kohli is back as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore. This season is sure to have some intense matches and great leadership!

Let’s see the confirmed and speculated captains for IPL 2025 teams, along with insights into their leadership profiles and potential strategies.
List of IPL 2025 Captains for All Teams
Team | Captain | Status |
---|---|---|
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Confirmed |
Delhi Capitals (DC) | KL Rahul / Axar Patel* | Speculated |
Gujarat Titans (GT) | Shubman Gill | Confirmed |
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Venkatesh Iyer* | Speculated |
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Rishabh Pant | Confirmed |
Mumbai Indians (MI) | Hardik Pandya | Confirmed |
Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Shreyas Iyer | Confirmed |
Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Sanju Samson | Confirmed |
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Virat Kohli* | Speculated |
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Pat Cummins | Confirmed |

(*Speculation awaiting official confirmation)
Captain Profiles: Leadership Insights for IPL 2025
1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings – CSK)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹18 crore
- Coach: Stephen Fleming
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy from the legendary MS Dhoni in IPL 2024, continues to lead CSK in 2025. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing acumen, Ruturaj has been a reliable performer at the top order. With Dhoni still part of the squad as a mentor and player, Gaikwad will benefit from his guidance as he aims to secure CSK’s sixth IPL title.
2. Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings – PBKS)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹26.75 crore
- Coach: Ricky Ponting
Shreyas Iyer, the IPL 2024-winning captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, has now been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings. His ₹26.75 crore price tag makes him one of the most expensive players in IPL history. With his proven leadership skills, Iyer is expected to transform the fortunes of Punjab Kings, a team that has struggled to find consistency in previous seasons.
3. Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians – MI)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹16.35 crore
- Coach: Mahela Jayawardene
After taking over the reins from Rohit Sharma in IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya continues to lead Mumbai Indians. Although MI had a challenging season in 2024, Pandya’s leadership potential remains undisputed. With a strong core of players including Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik will aim to steer MI back to its championship-winning ways.
4. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore – RCB)
- Status: Speculated
- Price: ₹21 crore
- Coach: Andy Flower
Virat Kohli’s return as captain of RCB is one of the most anticipated developments of IPL 2025. Having stepped down in 2021, his comeback is seen as a move to revitalize the team’s title aspirations. Kohli’s leadership, combined with his unmatched batting skills, makes RCB a formidable contender for the championship.
5. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants – LSG)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹27 crore (highest-paid player in IPL 2025)
- Coach: Justin Langer
Rishabh Pant was the most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, and his appointment as LSG’s captain reflects the team’s confidence in his leadership abilities. Known for his fearless cricket and quick decision-making, Pant will be a crucial figure as LSG seeks their first IPL title.
6. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans – GT)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹16.5 crore
- Coach: Ashish Nehra
Shubman Gill continues as captain of Gujarat Titans for IPL 2025. Despite a challenging 2024 season, where GT finished eighth, Gill’s batting consistency and leadership qualities remain invaluable. The team is banking on Gill to rebuild and lead them to better results this season.
7. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals – RR)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹18 crore
- Coach: Rahul Dravid
Sanju Samson has been leading Rajasthan Royals since 2021 and remains at the helm in IPL 2025. His calm approach and ability to nurture young talent have made RR a competitive team. After reaching the playoffs in IPL 2024, Samson will look to lead RR to their second IPL title.
8. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH)
- Status: Confirmed
- Price: ₹18 crore
- Coach: Daniel Vettori
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins leads SRH as the only foreign captain this season. His leadership was instrumental in SRH’s journey to the IPL 2024 finals. With a mix of experienced and young players, Cummins aims to guide SRH to glory in 2025.
9. Venkatesh Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR)
- Status: Speculated
- Price: ₹23.75 crore
- Coach: Chandrakant Pandit
Venkatesh Iyer is speculated to lead KKR after Shreyas Iyer’s move to Punjab Kings. His experience as vice-captain and occasional captain in previous seasons makes him a natural choice. Iyer’s all-round abilities and aggressive mindset will be key for KKR.
10. KL Rahul / Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals – DC)
- Status: Speculated
- Price: ₹14 crore (KL Rahul)
- Coach: Hemang Badani
KL Rahul’s move to Delhi Capitals is a strategic one. With his proven record as a leader and batsman, Rahul is expected to take over the captaincy. However, Axar Patel’s growing influence in the team has also sparked discussions about a dual captaincy arrangement.
What to Expect in IPL 2025?
The IPL 2025 season brings a mix of established leaders and emerging captains, each with unique strategies and goals. From Ruturaj Gaikwad’s CSK to Rishabh Pant’s LSG, every team is well-prepared to compete for the coveted trophy. With thrilling matches, strategic captaincy, and star-studded lineups, IPL 2025 promises to be an unforgettable season.
👉 IPL 2025 Schedule & Venue – Check Complete Details Here

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