Shreyas Iyer has carved a remarkable legacy as a captain in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading teams to significant milestones over the years. His tactical acumen and leadership have made him a standout figure in the tournament’s history.

Playoffs After 7 Long Seasons with Delhi Capitals (2019)

In 2019, Iyer was appointed captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) and strictly injured the mediocrity that the franchise endured over the last 7 years, as it did not prepare for playoffs in those past years. Under Iyer’s leadership, DC reached the playoffs and made the team finish 3rd in the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches. His rookie status, his calmness, and his motivation were immeasurable in overcoming a long history of mediocrity. 

First-Ever Final in 13 Seasons with Delhi Capitals (2020)

Iyer's captaincy reached its peak in 2020 when he led Delhi Capitals to their first IPL final in the franchise's history that spanned 13 years. DC presented incredible consistency as they finished second in the league stage with 16 points. Iyer's tactics, such as supporting young guns like Prithvi Shaw and using veterans like Kagiso Rabada to best effect, took the team to the final. While they lost to Mumbai Indians, Iyer's captaincy had established DC as a strong unit.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer's angry reaction on Shashank Singh after win over MI in Qualifier 2

Title Glory After 10 Seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders (2024)

In 2024, Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title and the franchise's first in 10 seasons. KKR was dominant all year and ranked first in the points table before beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. Iyer combined a hyper-aggressive style of captaincy with the team management of a star-studded team with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. 

Final After 11 Seasons with Punjab Kings (2025)

Iyer's most recent achievement was guiding Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the IPL final in 2025 after 11 seasons. Even during this time, PBKS was never able to put it all together as a consistently performing team. Iyer brought that level of stability to the franchise and took them to the final with the help of outstanding performances by players like Arshdeep Singh. Despite falling short of the title in 2025, Iyer's mark at PBKS was impressive and further expanded his already illustrious tenure as a captain in the IPL.