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5 Players Who Lifted IPL Title In Captaincy Debut Ft. Rajat Patidar

Sakshi Sharma

Rajat Patidar after RCB's IPL Win (Source: AP)Rajat Patidar after RCB's IPL Win (Source: AP)

On June 3, 2025, Rajat Patidar created history for himself and for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), leading the franchise to its first-ever IPL title. In an intense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB held their nerve to edge past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs to end its 18-year-long wait for an IPL title. 

But beyond the win itself, Patidar's achievement carried historical weight. The 32-year-old batter became only the fifth player in IPL history to win the title in his debut season as captain. He joined a prestigious club that includes Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya.

When the franchise announced Patidar as its captain before the season, the decision raised several eyebrows. A relatively low-profile name, his appointment was seen by many as a gamble. However, he rose to the occasion, showcasing calm leadership, maturity, and composure. 

Players Who Won IPL Title In Their First Season As Captain

Players Names
Year
Franchise
Shane Warne2008Rajasthan Royals
Adam Gilchrist2009Deccan Chargers
Rohit Sharma2013Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya2022Gujarat Titans
Rajat Patidar2025Royal Challengers Bengaluru

1. Shane Warne (Rajasthan Royals – 2008)

In a thrilling finale to the inaugural edition of the IPL, Shane Warne’s RR emerged as the first-ever champions, defeating CSK by three wickets. The Royals, who entered the tournament as underdogs, displayed consistency and finished the league stage at the top of the table. 

Led by the legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne, the Royals played fearless cricket throughout the season. 

2. Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers – 2009)

After a disastrous 2008, Adam Gilchrist turned around the Deccan Chargers' fortunes in the South Africa-hosted 2009 season. He led from the front, and scored 495 runs in 16 matches at an average of 30.93 and strike-rate of 152.30. In the final of IPL 2009, Deccan Chargers faced RCB and won by 6 runs. 

3. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians – 2013)

Rohit Sharma was unexpectedly handed the captaincy of the MI midway in IPL 2013. Despite having limited leadership experience at the time, he rose to the occasion brilliantly. Under his calm and strategic leadership, MI clinched their first-ever IPL title in 2013. 

4. Hardik Pandya (Gujarat Titans – 2022)

Hardik Pandya was appointed as the captain of a brand-new franchise Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022. Pandya with his aggressive yet composed captaincy led GT to an unforgettable title win on home turf in Ahmedabad. 

5. Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 2025)

Patidar led RCB in 13 matches in IPL 2025 and became the joint-fastest to win a title in a debut season alongside Rohit Sharma. Despite being sidelined briefly with a finger injury and missing two games, Patidar remained the strategic leader of the side. He led RCB from the front and made 312 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 143.77 and an average of 24, contributing significantly in crunch situations.