Find the complete details on the new captains of IPL 2025 and the expectations franchises have from them. KKR and Delhi Capitals have also announced their new captains.
With the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) set to begin in just around a week, all ten franchises have confirmed their captains for the 2025 season. Notably, five of the ten teams will be led by new skippers, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in their quest for success.
It is never easy for a player to step into a new team, adapt to its culture, and take on leadership responsibilities right away. However, three of the five new captains for IPL 2025 are also fresh additions to their respective franchises this season. Let’s take a closer look at the five new captains set to lead in IPL 2025.
Rishabh Pant (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) record spending of INR 27 crore at the mega auction made it clear that Rishabh Pant was their choice for captaincy. With the wicketkeeper-batter’s inclusion, the franchise is set to attract a massive fan following in the new season. The southpaw previously led Delhi Capitals for four seasons, barring 2023, when he was sidelined due to a fatal accident.
Alongside Pant, retained Nicholas Pooran and newly-signed David Miller form a formidable middle order for Lucknow in IPL 2025. Zaheer Khan, who mentored a young Pant in 2016 at Delhi, views the left-hander’s arrival as a key tactical advantage for an already well-balanced squad.
“One thing we will stress on is a never-say-die attitude. ‘You fight till the last ball.’ That’s what I emphasize. Performances will come and go, but are you fighting enough? Are you giving your 100% on the field? And that is something you can control as an individual,” Pant stated in a media interaction.
Despite missing an entire year, Pant showed no signs of rust on his return. The 27-year-old smashed 446 runs in 13 innings last season at an impressive strike rate of 155.40. LSG will be hoping for their new skipper to continue his red-hot form in 2025.
Read More: IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Squad complete analysis, Probable playing XI
Rajat Patidar (RCB)
Amid widespread speculation about Virat Kohli’s potential return as captain, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Rajat Patidar as their new leader. The Madhya Pradesh batter, who has been with the franchise since 2021, becomes the eighth captain in RCB’s history.
Head coach Andy Flower emphasised Patidar’s “simplicity and calmness” as key attributes for the role. The right-hander is known for his aggressive stroke play against spinners in the middle overs. He was in sublime form during the SMAT 2024, amassing 428 runs at a staggering strike rate of 186.08.
Patidar also made a significant impact in IPL 2024, scoring 395 runs at a blistering 177.13 strike rate, ensuring RCB’s momentum through the middle phase. However, leading a marquee franchise like RCB will come with added pressure.
“If I talk about my way of captaincy, I’m not that much expressive, but at the same time, I’m aware of the situation of the matches. So I think for me, it’s important to back my players and stand with them and give the sort of involvement where they feel relaxed and confident,” Patidar shared during the captaincy announcement.
Read More: IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad complete analysis, Probable playing XI
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) wasted no time in appointing Shreyas Iyer as their new captain after securing him for INR 26.75 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. Iyer reunites with his former Delhi Capitals coach, Ricky Ponting, as they look to steer Punjab towards their maiden title.
Iyer’s recent form underlines his importance to the 2014 runners-up. Leading Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, he showcased his leadership skills while scoring 345 runs, including a century, at a blistering strike rate of 188.52.
Ponting has praised Iyer’s captaincy mindset and his ability to deliver under pressure. Notably, this season marks a rare instance where the captain of the defending champions does not continue with the title-winning franchise.
“The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title,” Iyer stated in a media release. Punjab struggled for stability in their batting lineup last season, and Iyer’s experience and consistency could be the key to their success in 2025.
Read More: IPL 2025: Punjab Kings squad complete analysis, Probable playing XI
Ajinkya Rahane (KKR)
Despite strong speculation that Venkatesh Iyer would take over as captain, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) surprised many by appointing Ajinkya Rahane as their new leader for IPL 2025.
“I think we have an excellent and balanced squad. I look forward to working with everyone and taking up the challenge of defending our title,” Rahane stated in a team release.
KKR secured Rahane at his base price of INR 1.5 crore in the accelerated round of the auction’s second day. His first stint with KKR in 2022 was underwhelming, with just 133 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 103.90. However, he revived his T20 game with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2023, amassing 326 runs at a strike rate of 172.48.
After an average 2024 season, CSK released him, but his resurgence in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024—where he topped the run charts with 469 runs at 164.56—convinced KKR to bring him back. Likely to be given a free hand in the powerplay, Rahane’s captaincy experience and leadership qualities make him an asset to KKR, a franchise that has traditionally favoured India skippers.
Read More: IPL 2025: KKR squad complete analysis, Probable playing XI
Axar Patel (DC)
India’s left-arm spin all-rounder, Axar Patel, who has been with the Delhi Capitals since 2019, was their top retention at INR 16.50 crore for the 2025 season. Captaincy isn’t a regular responsibility for the southpaw, but he recently led Gujarat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25. After Rishabh Pant’s exit, Axar is Delhi’s most experienced player, having featured in 82 games over six seasons.
“I have grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side again,” Axar expressed in a DC statement.
Last season, he made vital all-round contributions, scoring 235 runs at nearly 30 while also taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.65. The experience of Mitchell Starc, Faf du Plessis, and KL Rahul will provide valuable support to Axar in his new leadership role.
The 31-year-old enters the season after playing a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, making crucial contributions batting at No. 5 and picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 4.35.
Among IPL’s original eight franchises, DC remain one of the three yet to win a title. Axar, along with the new team management, will aim to change that in 2025.
Read More: IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals squad complete analysis, Probable playing XI
