Yuvraj Singh & Shreyas Iyer [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL, @Saabir_Saabu01/x.com]
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 Singh | 2008-2009 | 29 | 17 | 12 | 0/0 | 58.62 | Semi-finalist (2008) |
Kumar Sangakkara | 2010 | 13 | 3 | 9 | 1/0 | 23.07 | 8th place (2010) |
Mahela Jayawardene | 2010 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0/0 | 0.00 | - |
Adam Gilchrist | 2011-2013 | 34 | 17 | 17 | 0/0 | 50.00 | 5th place (2011) |
David Hussey | 2012-2013 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0/0 | 50.00 | - |
George Bailey | 2014-2015 | 35 | 18 | 17 | 0/0 | 51.42 | Runners-up (2014) |
Virender Sehwag | 2015 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1/0 | 0.00 | - |
David Miller | 2016 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0/0 | 16.66 | 8th place (2016) |
Murali Vijay | 2016 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0/0 | 37.50 | 8th place (2016) |
Glenn Maxwell | 2017 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0/0 | 50.00 | 5th place (2017) |
Ravichandran Ashwin | 2018-2019 | 28 | 12 | 16 | 0/0 | 42.85 | 6th place (2019) |
KL Rahul | 2020-2021 | 27 | 11 | 14 | 2/0 | 40.74 | 6th place (2020 & 2021) |
Mayank Agarwal | 2021-2022 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0/0 | 50.00 | 6th place (2022) |
Shikhar Dhawan | 2022-2024 | 17 | 6 | 11 | 0/0 | 35.29 | 8th place (2023) |
Sam Curran | 2023-2024 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0/0 | 45.45 | 9th place (2024) |
Jitesh Sharma | 2024 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0/0 | 0.00 | - |
Iconic Captains of PBKS
Yuvraj Singh
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 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 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’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.