Shreyas Iyer has emerged as the standout captain of IPL 2025, leading Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a top-two finish and proving his mettle as one of the most astute leaders in the tournament.
His journey this season has been marked by tactical brilliance, calmness under pressure, and inspiring performances.
Here are three key reasons why Shreyas Iyer is widely regarded as the best captain of IPL 2025:
1. Proven Leadership Across Multiple Teams
Shreyas Iyer has the rare distinction of leading three different IPL franchises, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and now Punjab Kings, to the first Qualifier stage of the tournament, a feat unmatched by any other captain in IPL history.
His ability to adapt to new team environments and extract the best from diverse squads highlights his exceptional leadership skills.
After guiding KKR to the IPL title in 2024, Iyer seamlessly transitioned to PBKS, transforming them into genuine title contenders by instilling a winning mindset and tactical discipline.
2. Tactical Acumen and Calmness Under Pressure
Iyer’s captaincy style is characterized by thoughtful decision-making and composure in high-pressure situations.
His choices, such as opting to bowl first against Mumbai Indians in a crucial match, demonstrated his strategic understanding of conditions and opposition strengths.
Iyer thrives under pressure, motivating his players to execute plans effectively without room for errors.
His calm demeanor and ability to maintain focus have been pivotal in close matches, including the seven-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians that secured PBKS a top-two finish and a direct entry into Qualifier 1.
3. Leading by Example with Batting Prowess
Beyond his captaincy, Iyer has led from the front with the bat. He registered a rare milestone by becoming only the sixth IPL captain to hit 100 sixes and the second PBKS captain after KL Rahul to score 500-plus runs in a season, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 170 in IPL 2025.
His match-winning six to seal the win against Mumbai Indians epitomized his ability to finish games under pressure.
Iyer’s consistent batting performances boost team morale and set a standard for his teammates, reinforcing his role as a true leader on and off the field.
