Shreyas Iyer vs MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: IPL Captaincy Stats Compared

Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, MS Dhoni [Source: AP Photos]

As Punjab Kings defeated the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 and progressed to the final of the tournament, Shreyas Iyer became the only skipper in the history of the tournament to take three teams to the final. With this Iyer is building a legacy that can be compared to two of the biggest names when it comes to leading a team in IPL, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. 

With this achievement, the fans have started comparing Shreyas Iyer, the captain with Dhoni and Rohit. Although it might be a bit too early for the comparison, the unique record that Iyer has achieved deserves serious consideration.

Shreyas Iyer vs MS Dhoni vs Rohit Sharma: Statistical Comparsion

The numbers tell an intriguing story. All the three captains have a win percentage more than 55%. Even though MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have played the role for a much longer time, Shreyas Iyer is building a legacy which can give tough fight to the two legends. 

The Unique Achievement: Finals Across Multiple Franchises

What sets Shreyas Iyer apart is his unprecedented ability to transform different franchises into title contenders. While Dhoni's success came primarily with Chennai Super Kings, and Rohit's dominance was established with Mumbai Indians, Iyer has proven his adaptability across three distinct team cultures.

His journey from Delhi Capitals' maiden final appearance in 2020, to Kolkata Knight Riders' championship triumph in 2024, and now Punjab Kings' historic final berth in 2025, demonstrates a rare tactical flexibility and leadership acumen that transcends team dynamics.

Leadership Philosophy: Different Eras, Different Approaches

The Verdict: Excellence in Different Dimensions

It would be premature to declare Shreyas superior to MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma based solely on current achievements, his unique accomplishment of leading three different teams to finals represent a different kind of leadership excellence. 

While MSD and Rohit mastered the art of sustaining success with single franchises, Iyer has proven his ability to quickly understand and elevate different team compositions. 

The answer isn't whether Iyer is better than Dhoni or Rohit, but rather that he represents a new archetype of IPL captaincy—one defined by adaptability, quick integration, and the rare ability to succeed across different organizational philosophies. His legacy is still being written, but his unique achievement ensures his place among IPL's captaincy elite.

---

ALSO READ

From Heartbreak To Glory: How Sports Rewards Its Most Loyal Sons

---