Shreyas Iyer Makes IPL History: First Captain to Lead Three Teams to Playoffs
Welcome to a historic moment in the Indian Premier League (IPL)! In a season packed with jaw-dropping performances and nail-biting finishes, one man stands tall amidst the chaos—Shreyas Iyer. Leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) in his debut season with the franchise, Iyer has etched his name in the IPL record books by becoming the first captain ever to guide three different teams to the playoffs. This feat came on the back of a thrilling 10-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday in New Delhi, securing PBKS a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Let’s dive into the match that sealed Iyer’s legacy. Batting first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Punjab Kings posted a mammoth 219 for 5, thanks to explosive half-centuries from Nehal Wadhera (70 off 37 balls) and Shashank Singh (unbeaten 59). Iyer himself chipped in with a crucial 30, providing stability in the middle overs. The Punjab batting lineup clicked in unison, with aggressive strokeplay and smart running between the wickets setting a daunting target for Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Royals, known for their fiery starts, came out swinging. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (50) and young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi (40) raced to a 76-run partnership in just 4.5 overs, threatening to chase down the total with ease. However, PBKS’s left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar turned the tide with a match-defining spell of 3 for 22. His dismissal of Suryavanshi in the fifth over triggered a collapse, and despite valiant efforts from RR’s middle order, they finished at 209 for 7, falling short by 10 runs in a high-scoring thriller.
With this win, Punjab Kings climbed to 17 points, level with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the standings. However, RCB holds the second spot due to a superior net run rate. PBKS now gears up for their final two league matches against Delhi Capitals on May 24 and Mumbai Indians on May 26, aiming to solidify their playoff positioning.
Now, let’s talk about the man of the moment—Shreyas Iyer. His journey as a captain in the IPL is nothing short of remarkable. Iyer first tasted playoff success with Delhi Capitals in 2019 and 2020, guiding a young squad to prominence. He then took over the reins at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, leading them to the playoffs with a blend of tactical brilliance and calm leadership. Now, in 2025, he has repeated the feat with Punjab Kings, a team hungry for silverware after years of near-misses. Iyer joins an elite list of players like Steve Smith, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Ajinkya Rahane who have captained three IPL franchises. However, only Iyer and Sangakkara have led all three on a full-time basis, with Iyer standing alone as the only one to take each team to the playoffs—an unprecedented achievement.
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership style is a masterclass in adaptability. Whether it’s nurturing young talent at Delhi, rebuilding a faltering KKR side, or steering Punjab through high-pressure chases, Iyer’s ability to read the game and inspire his teammates sets him apart. His record now speaks for itself: three teams, three playoff appearances, and a legacy that will inspire captains for years to come.
As the IPL 2025 season heads into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Iyer and Punjab Kings. Can they go beyond the playoffs and lift the coveted trophy? Only time will tell. For now, let’s celebrate a captain who has redefined leadership in the world’s most competitive T20 league. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoff race heats up!