IPL 2025: Top three captains so far

IPL 2025: Shubman Gill shines with 465 runs and 7 wins in 10 matches as Gujarat Titans captain. A look at the top three captains of the season so far.

As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) progresses, three captains have emerged as standout leaders—Rajat Patidar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans (GT), and Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians (MI). Each of them has brought a unique style of captaincy to the tournament, shaping their teams’ performances with composure, vision, and strategic brilliance.

Rajat Patidar, RCB
Rajat Patidar‘s rise as RCB captain was met with initial scepticism due to his injury history and lack of leadership experience. However, he has silenced critics by transforming RCB into a composed and competitive side. Patidar’s leadership is rooted in patience and belief, especially when it comes to backing underperforming players. His calm approach has fostered trust in the dressing room and instilled stability in the team. Tactically, he has shown sharp game sense—using spinners wisely in the middle overs and making timely bowling changes to maintain pressure. 

With the bat, Patidar has led from the front, especially during challenging phases of the innings, often counterattacking spinners and accelerating the scoring rate. A prime example of his impact came when RCB defeated Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk for the first time in 17 years—a landmark win that underlined his leadership credentials. 

Not only that, Patidar then led RCB to a historic win at Wankhede Stadium after a decade. Under his leadership, RCB became the first team to beat KKR at Eden Gardens, MI at Wankhede and CSK at Chepauk in last 13 years. RCB are already one step in the playoffs with eight wins in 11 games. Lastly, they are the current table toppers of the IPL 2025.

Read More: IPL 2025: RCB bowlers’ stellar stats in powerplay (overs 1-6) the bedrock of their success so far

Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has shown how a young, calm, and technically gifted player can evolve into a mature and effective captain. After a bumpy start in 2024, Gill has grown in stature during the 2025 season, leading Gujarat Titans with clarity and composure. His leadership style is inclusive, often encouraging open communication with players and allowing them to express themselves freely. 

Gill’s bond with head coach Ashish Nehra has also proven vital, as the duo have created an environment of continuous learning and tactical awareness. He has been particularly effective in utilizing home conditions and forging strong partnerships with the likes of Jos Buttler and Sai Sudharsan. 

Under his leadership, GT have shown consistency and resilience, bouncing back from setbacks and asserting themselves as strong title contenders. They are currently placed third in the points table with 14 points with seven wins in just 10 games, one game less than higher placed teams RCB and MI.

Read More: Prasidh Krishna: The most improved player on show in IPL 2025

Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians captaincy in 2024 was filled with both pressure and promise. Taking over from Rohit Sharma was never going to be easy, and Pandya faced criticism from sections of fans. However, in 2025, he has remained focused on team development and adaptability. 

Known for his dynamic leadership, Pandya has trusted both experience and youth—backing senior players like Rohit Sharma, who was struggling with form in the first half, while also providing a platform for emerging talents such as youngsters Vignesh Puthur and Ashwani Kumar. 

His flexible approach, often adjusting his own role for the greater good of the team, has paid dividends. Whether it’s stepping up as a finisher, choosing not to bowl when others are doing well, or showing faith in young players during high-pressure moments, Pandya’s captaincy has been about empowering his team and building a balanced unit. 

In the process, Hardik Pandya became the first captain in IPL history to take a five-wicket haul during the game against LSG. After losing three in first four games, MI are on a roll now with six back-to-back wins. 

Together, Patidar, Gill, and Pandya exemplify the evolving nature of IPL leadership—where calmness, collaboration, and strategic thinking matter as much as aggression and instinct. As the tournament continues, their decisions, temperament, and belief in their squads will play a crucial role in determining who lifts the coveted trophy.

Read More: Reasons behind Mumbai Indians’ resurgence in IPL 2025