PBKS Captain: Legacy And Leadership



Yuvraj Singh & Shreyas Iyer [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL, @Saabir_Saabu01/x.com]Yuvraj Singh & Shreyas Iyer [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL, @Saabir_Saabu01/x.com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are an example of a team that always keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Be if pulling off impossible wins, heartbreaking losses, or their ever-changing captains, this team knows how to stay in the limelight.

Over the years, the Kings have had some absolute legends and a few not-so-successful captains with each bringing their own uniqueness to the team. Let’s take a detailed look at the PBKS captains and their record.

History of PBKS Captains

Captain
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
Tied/No Result
Win %
Best Finish
Yuvraj Singh2008-20092917120/058.62Semi-finalist (2008)
Kumar Sangakkara201013391/023.078th place (2010)
Mahela Jayawardene20101010/00.00
-
Adam Gilchrist2011-20133417170/050.005th place (2011)
David Hussey2012-201312660/050.00-
George Bailey2014-20153518170/051.42Runners-up (2014)
Virender Sehwag20151001/00.00-
David Miller20166150/016.668th place (2016)
Murali Vijay 20168350/037.508th place (2016)
Glenn Maxwell201714770/050.005th place (2017)
Ravichandran Ashwin2018-20192812160/042.856th place (2019)
KL Rahul2020-20212711142/040.746th place (2020 & 2021)
Mayank Agarwal2021-202214770/050.006th place (2022)
Shikhar Dhawan2022-2024176110/035.298th place (2023)
Sam Curran2023-202411560/045.459th place (2024)
Jitesh Sharma20241010/00.00-



Iconic Captains of PBKS

Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh [Source: @IndiaWest/x.com]Yuvraj Singh [Source: @IndiaWest/x.com]

Yuvraj Singh wasn’t just the first captain of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings): he was the face of the team. Back in 2008, Yuvi led the Kings to their best-ever start, finishing as semi-finalists in the inaugural IPL season. His captaincy was all about passion. Whether it was smacking sixes or firing up his bowlers, Yuvi led from the front.

His 2008 squad was filled with raw talent and experienced players, and Yuvi knew how to use them. Though he didn’t win the trophy, his impact on PBKS was massive, making fans believe that this team could compete with the best.

Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist [Source: @Arnavv43/x.com]Adam Gilchrist [Source: @Arnavv43/x.com]

Adam Gilchrist was exactly what Punjab needed during their rebuilding years from 2011 to 2013. The Aussie legend brought experience, calmness, and a no-nonsense attitude to the team. They didn’t set the IPL on fire during his stint, but Gilly made sure they were always in the fight. His best season came in 2012, where they finished 5th, just missing the playoffs.

But Gilly wasn’t just about results, his real magic was how he mentored the younger players. He led by example, whether it was smashing bowlers for fun or keeping things professional in the dressing room. He left a big impact on the team’s culture. And who can forget his final game in 2013? The man decided to roll his arm over, bowled an over, and even took a wicket. It was the perfect sign-off for one of cricket’s greatest showmen.

George Bailey

George Bailey [Source: @13Ranny_tweets/x.com]George Bailey [Source: @13Ranny_tweets/x.com]

George Bailey came in like a breath of fresh air in 2014, and what a season it was! Punjab Kings (then KXIP) stormed into the finals, riding on Bailey’s calm leadership and some fiery performances by Glenn Maxwell and David Miller. Even though they lost to KKR in the final, Bailey’s season was pure magic.

Bailey was cool under pressure, and his field placements were spot on. He backed his players, and they delivered. 2014 remains PBKS’s best season, and Bailey’s captaincy played a huge role in making it happen.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul [Source: @pragadees20O6/x.com]KL Rahul [Source: @pragadees20O6/x.com]

KL Rahul’s captaincy stint from 2020-2021 was all about one man carrying the weight of an entire franchise. Rahul was the top scorer for PBKS in almost every game, often single-handedly keeping them alive in the tournament. While his leadership didn’t bring a playoff spot, his batting was nothing short of phenomenal.

His style was understated- Rahul wasn’t the loudest captain, but he led by example. Even though PBKS didn’t shine as a team under him, Rahul’s personal performances earned him the love and respect of fans.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1. Who is Punjab Kings' captain?

Answer: PBKS hasn’t officially named their captain for IPL 2025, but Shreyas Iyer, who was picked up in the IPL 2025 auction for a record price, is the frontrunner. Fans will be hoping his leadership can finally break the team’s trophy drought.

Q.2. Why did Punjab Kings change captain?

Answer: PBKS often changes captains due to form, injuries, or strategy. In 2023, when the regular captain Shikhar Dhawan was out, Sam Curran stepped in temporarily, while Jitesh Sharma continued as vice-captain.

Q.3. Who is the CEO of Punjab Kings?

Answer: Satish Menon is the CEO of Punjab Kings. He’s responsible for managing the franchise and ensuring everything runs smoothly, on and off the field.

Q.4. Who is the best player in Punjab?

Answer: KL Rahul is easily one of PBKS’s best players, scoring 2,548 runs in just 55 matches. Shaun Marsh and David Miller are also among the top performers in the team’s history.

Q.5. Who is the IPL King player?

Answer: Virat Kohli is often called the 'King of IPL' for his consistent performances and unmatched records. However, players like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma also deserve mention for their incredible achievements in the league.