Top 5 Most Successful Captains Who Won Most Number Of Matches In IPL History

When the team loses, the captain is the one person who is most under the scanner. Captaincy, especially in the IPL is one of the most strenuous tasks in the game. It requires characteristics such as mental toughness, the ability to unify the team on and off the field, tactically smart and of course, composure in nervy moments.

Rohit Sharma is the most successful IPL captain, in terms of trophies. But is he the most successful captain in terms of victories in matches? Let’s see the top 5 captains with most victories under their belt.

5. Adam Gilchrist -35

Adam Gilchrist is one of the finest known captains in the IPL as he led the now-defunct Deccan Chargers – who held the wooden spoon in 2008 – to a title victory in 2009.

He was given the captaincy from VVS Laxman in 2008 and captained the Chargers till 2010. The left-hander then moved to Kings XI Punjab and led them for another three seasons.

The Australian in total captained in the IPL for 74 matches, winning 35 and losing 39 of them at a win percentage of 47.29. ‘Gilly’ scored 2069 runs in 80 matches at an average of 27 and strike rate of 138.

4. Virat Kohli-55

Virat Kohli first captained the Royal Challengers Banglore in 2011 in the absence of Daniel Vettori. He took over from the Kiwi permanently in 2013. RCB made it to the finals under Kohli once – in 2016 on the back of Kohli’s unreal season where he struck four centuries – but faltered at the final stage against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The right-hander has captained RCB for 120 matches. Under Kohli, RCB has won 55 and lost 58 matches, three tied and four with no result. RCB are looking stronger than ever in the 2020 season and will look to end their trophy drought.

3. Rohit Sharma- 66

Rohit Sharma was given the captaincy of Mumbai Indians mid-season in 2013 from Ricky Ponting. Rohit, since then not only changed Mumbai’s history but also has had a large influence on the IPL itself. Winning an unprecedented four IPL titles, Rohit is the most successful captain in the IPL history, on trophy count.

Not only that, but he also has the highest win percentage amongst captains who have led their teams in at least 50 IPL matches. Leading Mumbai Indians in 113 games, Rohit has won 66 matches and lost 43, with 4 ties, at a win percentage of 60.17.

2. Gautam Gambhir-71

Known for his bold attitude and aggression, Gautam Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders to their first title in 2012 beating a rampant Chennai Super Kings, in Chennai! A couple of years later KKR defeated a Maxwell-Sehwag motivated Kings XI Punjab to win their second title under Gautam Gambhir.

Gambir has captained the defunct Delhi Daredevils and the Delhi Capitals in his pre and post KKR era. In total, the left-hander has won 71 games out of 129 as a skipper. He boasts a win percentage of 55.42.

1. MS Dhoni-107

Captain cool, MS Dhoni, recently became the first player to play 200 IPL matches. That he has captained in a record 184 of those matches is mind-boggling. Dhoni has captained in all but one season of the IPL.

Apart from leading CSK since 2008, he led the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 before Steve Smith took over for the 2017 season. However, Dhoni the captain and CSK made a strong comeback by winning the 2018 title.

The wicket-keeper batsman has won three titles with CSK. Of the 184 matches he has captained, his team won 107 games and lost 76, no result in one game. The 2020 season is expected to be the last competition for the man from Ranchi. ‘Thala’ has left his indelible prints- on and off the field.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Brendon McCullum Lashes Out At The KKR Players For Their Lackluster Approach Against RCB

(All Stats Updated Till 22nd October, 2020)