Captain Perfect! Shreyas Iyer became the first player to achieve this achievement in IPL history

Shreyas Iyer has scripted a remarkable chapter in IPL history. On Sunday, as Punjab Kings (PBK) booked his place in the IPL 2025 playoffs after an interval of 11 years, Iyer recorded his name in record books by becoming the first captain to lead three different franchises in the playoffs.

Only five players have captained three different IPL franchises – Steve Smith, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Ajinkya Rahane and now Iyer. But only Sangakkara and Iyer have done this as full-time captains-and no one except Iyer has taken all three in the playoffs.

Shres Iyer – Underated IPL Leader

Punjab Kings won 10 runs over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur. PBK’s qualifications were guaranteed when Titans of Gujarat defeated Delhi Capital on Sunday, 18 May in the night game.

Terrible, it has made Shreyas Iyer a record holder of a great achievement that has not been achieved by any other captain. The achievement is as rare as it is effective. After directing the first Delhi Capital (2019, 2020) and Kolkata Knight Riders (2024) in a knockout, Iyer has now repeated a feat with Punjab Kings – a side that did not make the playoffs since 2014.

Shreyas Iyer Effect!

Delhi Capital (2019–2020):

Iyer’s leadership credibility emerged when he captured DC captaincy midway through Gautam Gambhir 2018. In 2020, he directed him in his first IPL final, known for an incompatibility among real contenders. He was with Ricky Ponting and both made DC title contenders.

Kolkata Knight Riders (2024):

During the tenure of his second captaincy, Iyer gave KKR his third IPL title – his first in a decade. This was really commendable for Iyer as he won his first IPL title as a leader. Unfortunately for KKR, he released it next year and is already out of IPL 2025, while Iyer is again hunting for glory.

Punjab Kings (2025):

The mega auction was purchased for a record of Rs 26.75 crore, Iyer took charge of a team for success. With 8 wins in 12 matches, Punjab returned to relevance under its leadership-11-year playoffs ended the drought.

Overall with a captaincy win of 56.35, and 66.7%in this season, Shreyas Iyer is probably an Indian captain in making!