Three Overseas Players Who've Led Multiple IPL Franchises

Overseas players have a very important role to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While there may be a cap on the number of overseas players a franchise can add within their team, they are expected to deliver instant results given that franchises part with big bucks to acquire their services.

In the history of IPL, various renowned players from all over the world have participated in the cash-rich league.

Some of them would even go on to captain their respective franchises for years. Then, some players belonged to an entirely different category.

We’re talking about overseas players who went on to captain not one, or two but three different franchises in their IPL careers. Only a few players can boast of having achieved this incredible feat.

Here are three overseas players who have led multiple franchises in the IPL:

3) Mahela Jayawardene

Former Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene is one of the three overseas players to have led multiple franchises in the IPL from 2010 to 2013. The 42-year-old first donned the skipper’s hat for Delhi Daredevils.

However, his stint as a skipper wasn’t too fruitful.

Later, Jayawardene assumed captain’s duties at Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), but his misfortunes as a skipper continued to follow him to Mohali as well.

And that’s not all, the right-handed opener has also captained the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala, in the past.

While his record as a skipper may not have been too good, but nobody can dare question the legacy of Jayawardene as a batsman.

Currently, the veteran is providing his services to Mumbai Indians (MI) as head coach of the franchise.

2) Kumar Sangakkara

Well renowned for being one of the coolest skippers of his time, Kumar Sangakkara too had the honour of leading multiple franchises in the IPL. Like his compatriot Jayawardene, Sangakkara captained as many as three IPL teams from 2010-2013.

Firstly, he was named as the skipper of Deccan Chargers. The 42-year-old was later, appointed leader of the Kings XI Punjab, however, Sangakkara too like Jayawardene, failed to steer them to glory.

Lastly, the wicket-keeper batsman donned the captain’s hat for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Sangakkara may not be the most successful skipper in IPL’s history, but he will undoubtedly go down as a legend in the history books for having an illustrious record as a batsman.

Currently, he is serving as the president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

1) Steve Smith

Steve Smith is the only non-Asian player to have led multiple franchises in the 12-year long and illustrious history of IPL. He presided as captain for three IPL teams and is going to lead one of them, in the IPL 2020 as well.

The 30-year-old first took over as captain at now-defunct Pune Warriors India, although his track record for the team wasn’t one to be proud of.

Later, Rajasthan Royals (RR) promoted Smith as skipper, however, he experienced mixed-fortunes for the Jaipur based franchise as well.

He will be seen leading the Royals this season as well.

Although in the past, Smith has captained Rising Pune Supergiants as well, and under the Australian batsman’s captaincy, they reached an IPL final too, only to lose to Mumbai Indians by a margin of 1 run in 2017.