Who captained the most IPL franchises?


IPL 2023 Winner

several players have captained multiple franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Steve Smith have each led three different teams:​

  • Kumar Sangakkara: Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad.​

  • Mahela Jayawardene: Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Delhi Daredevils.​

  • Steve Smith: Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant.​

In January 2025, Shreyas Iyer was appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings, making him the first Indian player to captain three different IPL teams. Prior to this, he had captained Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. ​

These developments highlight the dynamic nature of leadership roles within the IPL, reflecting teams' strategies and the evolving careers of prominent players.