Shreyas Iyer: The IPL Captain Taking Three Franchises to Playoffs

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Every team always first looks to sign the great captain, but in the past, many have failed to do that, especially for the Punjab Kings. However, Shreyas Iyer, the proven captain, made the franchise qualify for the playoffs after 11 years of drought.

Shreyas Iyer has now carved his name in the history of cricket by becoming the first-ever IPL captain to take three different franchises to the playoffs, a feat that speaks volumes of his leadership acumen and adaptability.

Shreyas Iyer’s Magical Captaincy

Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, the Punjab Kings finished the Indian Premier League group stage in the top two and now qualify for Qualifier 1. In the last match against the Mumbai Indians, his team won by seven wickets to secure the Punjab Kings’ place in the Top-two position in the IPL.

In doing so, Iyer accomplished something no other player or captain in IPL history has managed, guiding three separate franchises into the playoffs:

Delhi Capitals – Led them to the playoffs in 2019 and to the final in 2020.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Captained KKR to the playoffs and ultimately their third IPL title in 2024.
Punjab Kings – Took over the reins in 2025 and immediately made an impact by ending PBKS’s 11-year playoff drought, taking them into Qualifier 1.

This incredible milestone makes Iyer the only player in IPL history to achieve such a triple-captaincy playoff record, underlining his rare ability to inspire, rebuild, and succeed across different team cultures.

Why Shreyas Iyer Is So Special

1. Tactical Maturity

Iyer’s tactical awareness on the field, bowling changes, field placements, or rotating his batters, stands out. He has a keen sense of match momentum and rarely falters under pressure.

2. Adaptability Across Teams

Leading three franchises with contrasting team dynamics and leadership expectations isn’t just rare, it’s extraordinary. Iyer has displayed the emotional intelligence and strategic depth to gel with different squads and bring out the best in them.

3. Calm Under Pressure

Whether it was holding Delhi Capitals together in a rebuilding year, taking KKR to an IPL championship, or transforming a struggling Punjab Kings team, Iyer has always been calm under pressure. His match-winning 26 against MI, where he ended the match with a six, is a classic example of his finishing ability.

4. Leadership by Example

Beyond strategy, Iyer leads with the bat. He has a knack for scoring important runs when it matters the most and often anchors innings that serve as a platform for other players to build on.

PBKS’s Turnaround Under Iyer

Before Iyer took over, the Punjab Kings were known for their inconsistency and frequent mid-season collapses. In IPL 2025, Iyer’s calm leadership, smart team rotations, and the emergence of key players like Josh Inglis and Priyansh Arya under his tenure have sparked a total turnaround. PBKS is now not just a playoff contender but a serious title challenger.

Shreyas Iyer is the epitome of reliability and captaincy in a competition that operates on surprises and fluctuation. Piloting Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Punjab Kings to the playoffs is no easy task; it solidifies Iyer’s status as one of the all-time great IPL captains.

As PBKS prepares for the all-important Qualifier 1, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer, the only man to take three teams to the IPL playoffs, and possibly, the only one capable of taking a third franchise to the IPL crown.