Major Shakeups in IPL 2025 Leadership
The Indian Premier League is always full of surprises, but the IPL 2025 season is turning out to be a classic case of change at the top. The big headline this year? MS Dhoni is back as captain for Chennai Super Kings after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s shock withdrawal from the tournament. Fans who worried that Dhoni played his last game in yellow now have a reason to tune in again. The nostalgia factor is off the charts, and CSK suddenly looks like the team everyone will watch just to see how much magic Dhoni still has up his sleeve.
It isn’t just CSK feeling the winds of change. Kolkata Knight Riders have thrown things into reverse gear by making Ajinkya Rahane their new captain, picking him over familiar options after Shreyas Iyer’s move to Punjab Kings. Iyer, now in Punjab colors, will take over from Shikhar Dhawan. Then there’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have decided to go all-in on youth, handing over the captain’s armband to Rajat Patidar after parting ways with established international Faf du Plessis.
The shakeup doesn’t end there. Delhi Capitals have moved on from Rishabh Pant, sending him to Lucknow Super Giants. Axar Patel, who has quietly built a reputation for being dependable under pressure, will take the Delhi helm. Rishabh Pant, for his part, is now tasked with leading Lucknow, who parted ways with KL Rahul after inconsistent results and injury concerns. This carousel of captains has guaranteed at least a couple of fascinating matchups every week, with familiar faces popping up in unfamiliar roles.
Teams Betting on Stability and Experience
Not every team has embraced the chaos. Some franchises are sticking to their tried and tested leaders. Hardik Pandya remains in charge of Mumbai Indians, looking to bring back their winning ways. Gujarat Titans are sticking with young star Shubman Gill after a promising year with him in the driver’s seat. Rajasthan Royals continue to rally behind Sanju Samson, who has grown into a consistent performer and leader.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have kept faith in Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper who led them last season and brought a fresh approach to a side desperately trying to recapture their top form. It’s a move that signals confidence and stability, both much-needed commodities in a league where fortunes can change overnight.
Here’s a quick rundown of the new leadership setups for IPL 2025:
- Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (returns as captain)
- Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (retained)
- Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (new captain)
- Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (new captain)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (new captain)
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (new captain)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (retained)
- Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (retained)
- Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (retained)
- Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (new captain)
This season, IPL fans are in for plenty of fresh matchups and leadership dynamics. The bold calls by franchises are not just about tactics — they’re bets on personalities and the hunger to win. The question is, will these new captains rise to the occasion or will the pressure and spotlight prove too bright?
