Top 9 Captains with the Most IPL Title Wins

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most competitive T20 franchise league in the world, attracting fans globally. It has produced some of cricket’s finest leaders. This article highlights the captains with the most IPL titles—an elite list featuring only Indian and Australian skippers who’ve led teams to glory.

9. Rajat Patidar – 1 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Rajat Patidar etched his name in IPL history by becoming the ninth captain to win the prestigious IPL trophy. Leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in his debut season as captain, Patidar guided the team to their maiden title in 2025. RCB finished second in the league stage and carried their momentum into the playoffs, defeating Punjab Kings in both Qualifier 1 and the Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Under his leadership, RCB finally ended their 18-year title drought.

8. Hardik Pandya – 1 (Gujarat Titans)

Hardik Pandya made a stunning entry into the IPL in 2015 with impactful all-round performances for Mumbai Indians (MI), where he played until 2021. However, in 2022, he was released by MI and picked up by the newly formed Gujarat Titans (GT).

Appointed as GT’s captain, Hardik defied all odds by leading the debutant franchise to their maiden IPL title in their very first season. Under his leadership, GT clinched victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With this triumph, Hardik became only the second captain after Shane Warne to lead a team to an IPL title in their debut season.

7. David Warner – 1 (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

David Warner has always been a fierce competitor on the cricket field, and his leadership qualities shone brightly during his tenure with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). As captain, Warner consistently led the team to the playoffs and notably guided SRH to their maiden IPL title in 2016.

In a memorable final, SRH defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to lift the trophy. While that season is often remembered for Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 973 runs, Warner’s own contribution was equally impressive—scoring 848 runs and playing a pivotal role in SRH’s title triumph.

6. Adam Gilchrist – 1 (Deccan Chargers)

Deccan Chargers remain the only IPL champions who are no longer part of the tournament. The franchise featured in the league’s first five seasons before being discontinued. However, they left a lasting legacy by clinching the IPL title in the second edition in 2009.

Under the dynamic leadership of Adam Gilchrist, the Chargers scripted a remarkable turnaround from finishing last in 2008 to lifting the trophy a year later. In the final, they defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to claim their maiden—and only—IPL championship.

5. Shane Warne – 1 (Rajasthan Royals)

The late Shane Warne etched his name in IPL history by becoming the first-ever captain to lift the coveted trophy. He led Rajasthan Royals (RR) to glory in the inaugural 2008 season, making it a memorable and groundbreaking campaign.

Serving as both captain and coach, Warne inspired a relatively underdog squad—lacking many international stars apart from himself and Shane Watson—to punch above their weight. His leadership brought out the best in every player, and against all odds, Rajasthan Royals emerged champions in the very first edition of the IPL.

4. Shreyas Iyer – 1 (Kolkata Knight Riders)

It took a decade, but Kolkata Knight Riders finally ended their IPL title drought in 2024 under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. After their last triumph in 2014 with Gautam Gambhir, KKR saw several captaincy changes, none delivering the ultimate prize—until Iyer stepped in.

Under his astute captaincy, KKR turned into a dominant force throughout the season and went on to lift the IPL trophy. With this victory, Shreyas Iyer became the eighth captain overall and second KKR skipper to lead the team to an IPL title.

3. Gautam Gambhir – 2 (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Only three captains in IPL history have won the trophy more than once, and Gautam Gambhir is proudly one of them. The former Indian opener led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two IPL titles—first in 2012 and again in 2014.

In 2012, KKR defeated the mighty Chennai Super Kings in the final. Two years later, they chased down another massive target to beat Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2014 final. Remarkably, both title wins came while chasing scores above 190, showcasing KKR’s grit and Gambhir’s exceptional leadership in pressure situations.

2. Rohit Sharma – 5 (Mumbai Indians)

Rohit Sharma is the most successful captain in IPL history, winning five titles with Mumbai Indians. He led MI to victories in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Taking charge mid-season in 2013, Rohit turned the team’s fortunes around and built a legacy of dominance and consistency.

1. MS Dhoni – 5 (Chennai Super Kings)

MS Dhoni, with five IPL titles as captain, is widely regarded as the most successful IPL leader. He led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Across 13 seasons, CSK reached the playoffs 12 times and played in 10 finals under Dhoni’s calm leadership.

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