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The Man With Midas Touch: A Look At Shreyas Iyer Captaincy Records In Every Tournament

Soumyajit Dutta

Shreyas Iyer [Source: AP Photos]Shreyas Iyer [Source: AP Photos]

Following Shreyas Iyer's recent disappointment in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 final where his SoBo Mumbai Falcons lost to Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, his captaincy record remains one of remarkable consistency despite falling short in yet another summit clash. 

The defeat marked his second final loss in just nine days, coming after Punjab Kings' heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on June 3. This article examines Iyer's captaincy journey chronologically, highlighting his achievements across domestic cricket and the IPL.

Iyer's First Captaincy Role In 2018

Shreyas Iyer's captaincy journey began in the most challenging circumstances when he was thrust into the role at Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) midway through the 2018 IPL season. He took over after Gautam Gambhir stepped down following a poor start to the season. 

In his captaincy debut, Iyer announced his arrival with a stunning unbeaten 93 against Kolkata Knight Riders, leading Delhi to victory. Despite inheriting a struggling team, he managed to win 4 out of 8 matches in 2018, finishing with a 50% win rate in his partial season.

The Delhi Capitals Stint (2019-2021)

Shreyas Iyer for Delhi Capitals [Source: @jamun12/X]Shreyas Iyer for Delhi Capitals [Source: @jamun12/X]

Under Shreyas Iyer's first full season as captain in 2019, Delhi Capitals underwent a remarkable transformation. He led the team to 10 wins in 16 matches, achieving a 62.5% win percentage and securing their first playoff appearance since 2012. This breakthrough season established Iyer as a captain capable of changing a franchise's fortunes.

2020: Historic Final Appearance

The pinnacle of Iyer's tenure with Delhi came in 2020 when he guided the franchise to their maiden IPL final. Despite ultimately losing to Mumbai Indians in Dubai, this achievement was historic for a franchise that had consistently struggled.

The Injury Setback in 2021

Iyer's 2021 campaign was cut short due to a shoulder injury, with Rishabh Pant taking over midway through the season. Despite his absence, the team qualified for playoffs, a testament to the foundation he had built. His overall record with Delhi Capitals stood at 23 wins from 41 matches, with a winning percentage of 56.09%.

Kolkata Knight Riders Glory (2022-2024)

Shreyas Iyer wins the 2024 IPL trophy [Source: @itz_chillax/X]Shreyas Iyer wins the 2024 IPL trophy [Source: @itz_chillax/X]

Iyer joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022, taking over the captaincy responsibilities. His first season yielded 6 wins from 14 matches with a 42.90% win percentage, as the team finished 7th. Despite the modest results, this season laid the groundwork for future success.

The Champions Triumph in 2024

The 2024 IPL season represented the peak of Iyer's captaincy career when he led KKR to their third title and first since 2014. Under his leadership, KKR won 11 out of 16 matches, achieving a 68.80% win percentage and finishing atop the league table. The championship victory came after a decade-long wait for the franchise.

Shreyas Iyer's Domestic Success

Mumbai Win in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2024-25)

Shreyas Iyer with the SMAT trophy [Source: @harix_rishi/X]Shreyas Iyer with the SMAT trophy [Source: @harix_rishi/X]

Iyer's domestic captaincy credentials were firmly established when he was appointed captain of Mumbai for the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Leading a squad that included Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, and Suryakumar Yadav, Iyer delivered Mumbai's second SMAT title.

In the final against Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai successfully chased down 175 runs with Iyer's leadership proving crucial. The victory marked a historic achievement as Iyer became the first player to win both the IPL and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as captain in the same calendar year.

Vijay Hazare Trophy Stint (2024-25)

Iyer's leadership extended to the Vijay Hazare Trophy where he led from the front with a blistering century against Karnataka. His unbeaten 114 off 55 balls, featuring 10 sixes, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure as captain, however, the team didn't convert to the Finals.

Punjab Kings Heartbreak (2025)

Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings captain [Source: IPLT20.com]Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings captain [Source: IPLT20.com]

Punjab Kings acquired Iyer for INR 26.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. After that, Iyer led Punjab Kings to their second IPL final and first since 2014. His captaincy made him the first player in IPL history to lead three different franchises to finals. Despite the heartbreaking six-run defeat to RCB, Iyer's leadership was widely praised.

T20 Mumbai League Setback (2025)

Iyer's captaincy in the T20 Mumbai League 2025 saw him guide SoBo Mumbai Falcons to the final. However, his team lost to Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the summit clash at Wankhede Stadium. Unlike his IPL heroics, Iyer managed only 62 runs in five innings at an average of 12.4. The defeat marked his fourth final as captain in just over a year, following KKR's IPL triumph, Mumbai's SMAT victory, and Punjab's IPL final appearance.

Iyer Boasts Humble Records

Despite the recent setbacks in T20 Mumbai League and IPL 2025 finals, Shreyas Iyer's captaincy CV represents one of modern cricket's most impressive leadership trajectories. With four finals in just over a year and a proven track record of success, Iyer's leadership credentials continue to strengthen his case for future opportunities at the highest level.