Most Wins as Captain in IPL – The Most Successful Captains of IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL), started in 2008, has grown into the most popular T20 cricket league in the world. Over the years, we have seen many great captains leading their teams to victory, using their talent, leadership, and smart tactics. Some captains have enjoyed incredible success, winning multiple titles and keeping their teams strong year after year. Here’s a look at the most successful captains in IPL history, highlighting those who have secured the most wins and championships, showing their true impact on the league.

The Most Successful Captain in IPL History

MS Dhoni:

When discussing the most successful captains in IPL history, MS Dhoni’s name is always at the forefront. Having led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), Dhoni is widely regarded as the most successful captain in the league’s history.

Dhoni has led his team to an impressive 133 wins out of 226 matches, giving him a win rate of 59.37%, the best among captains who have led more than 50 games. Despite his immense success, Dhoni also finds himself on the list of Captains with Most Losses in IPL History, a testament to his longevity and leadership across many seasons.

MS Dhoni’s Captaincy Stats:

• Matches as Captain: 226
• Wins: 133
• Win Percentage: 59.37%
• Trophies: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), is close to Dhoni in terms of success. Like Dhoni, Rohit has also won five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020), sharing the record for the most trophies.

With 87 wins in 158 matches, Rohit has a win percentage of 56.32%, placing him among the top captains in IPL history.

Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Stats:

• Matches as Captain: 158
• Wins: 87
• Win Percentage: 56.32%
• Trophies: 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)

Gautam Gambhir:

Gautam Gambhir is another captain who has led his team to multiple IPL titles. After taking over as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2011, Gambhir transformed the franchise into a powerhouse, guiding KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His aggressive leadership style and ability to rally his players in difficult situations were key to KKR’s success during his tenure.

With 71 wins in 129 matches, Gambhir’s win rate of 55.42% is impressive. His contribution to KKR’s success ensures his place among the most successful captains in IPL history.

Gautam Gambhir’s Captaincy Stats:

• Matches as Captain: 129
• Wins: 71
• Win Percentage: 55.42%
• Trophies: 2 (2012, 2014)

Shreyas Iyer

Although relatively new to the captaincy scene, Shreyas Iyer has made a mark with his leadership skills. Iyer has captained both Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders and took each team to the IPL final. In 2024, Iyer led KKR to their third IPL title, solidifying his reputation as a talented captain.

With 38 wins from 70 matches and a win rate of 54.28%, Iyer has shown that he has the potential to become one of the most successful captains in IPL history.

Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy Stats:

• Matches as Captain: 70
• Wins: 38
• Win Percentage: 54.28%
• Trophies: 1 (2024)

David Warner

Among overseas captains, David Warner stands out as one of the most successful. He guided Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to their first IPL title in 2016 and is known for his bold and attacking captaincy. Along with leading the team, Warner has been a reliable performer with the bat, and his leadership was key to SRH’s success.

Warner has captained both Delhi Capitals and SRH, winning 40 out of 83 matches, with a win rate of 49.39%. While his win percentage is slightly lower than some of the other top captains, his influence on the league is still strong.

David Warner’s Captaincy Stats:

• Matches as Captain: 83
• Wins: 40
• Win Percentage: 49.39%
• Trophies: 1 (2016)

Captains with the Highest Winning Percentage in IPL History

While the number of wins is crucial, the winning percentage is a key indicator of a captain’s consistency. Some of the captains with the highest winning percentages in IPL history include:

1. MS Dhoni – 59.37%
2. Rohit Sharma – 56.32%
3. Gautam Gambhir – 55.42%
4. Shreyas Iyer – 54.28%
5. David Warner – 49.39%