Seventeen seasons, eight captains, five-time champions – the story of IPL winners
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has provided fans with countless memories. As the 2025 edition approaches, it is time to revisit the champions of the past. Each season, a new winner emerges, etching their name in history. But beyond the trophies, statistics reveal a captivating narrative.
From dominant dynasties to unexpected champions, every team has a tale to tell. Some have ruled the league, while others have had their moment in the limelight. Let us rewind and relive the journey of all IPL winners and how they fared across the seasons.
Credit -- Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma turned Mumbai Indians (MI) into a powerhouse. He led them to five IPL titles—2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. As captain, he played 158 matches, winning 87, losing 67, and drawing 4. He was a consistent performer with the bat, scoring 6,628 runs in 257 games at a strike rate of 131.14, including 2 centuries and 43 half-centuries. His leadership was key to MI’s success.
MS Dhoni is the heart and soul of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He led the team to five IPL titles—2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. As captain, he played 226 matches, winning 133, losing 91, and drawing 2. Dhoni was a finisher like no other, scoring 5,082 runs in 250 games at a strike rate of 135.92, with 24 half-centuries. His cool head under pressure made CSK one of the most dominant teams.
Gautam Gambhir changed Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) fortunes. He led them to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. As captain, he played 129 matches, winning 71, losing 57, and drawing 1. He was rock solid with the bat, scoring 4,217 runs in 154 games at a strike rate of 123.88, with 36 half-centuries. His leadership was a mix of aggression and strategy, making KKR a serious contender.
Credit -- Cricket 365
Shane Warne was a magician on and off the field. He captained Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a fairytale victory in the inaugural 2008 IPL season. As captain, he played 55 matches, winning 30, losing 24, and drawing 1. A brilliant leg-spinner, Warne took 57 wickets in 55 games, with an economy rate of 7.27 and best figures of 4/21. His leadership turned a young RR team into champions.
Adam Gilchrist led the Deccan Chargers (DC) to their only IPL title in 2009. As captain, he played 74 matches, winning 35, losing 29, and drawing 2. He was an explosive opener, scoring 2,069 runs in 80 games at a strike rate of 138.39, with 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries. His aggressive approach helped DC rise from the bottom in 2008 to champions in 2009.
David Warner brought Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) their first IPL title in 2016. As captain, he played 83 matches, winning 40, losing 41, and drawing 2. He was one of IPL’s most consistent batters, scoring 6,565 runs in 184 games at a strike rate of 139.77, with 4 centuries and 62 half-centuries. Warner’s attacking mindset made SRH a force to reckon with.
Credit -- ABP
Hardik Pandya made history by leading the Gujarat Titans (GT) to the IPL title in their debut season in 2022. As captain, he played 45 matches, winning 26, losing 19, and drawing 0. A game-changer with both bat and ball, Pandya has scored 2,309 runs in 123 games at a strike rate of 145.86, with 10 half-centuries. His aggressive approach gave GT the perfect start in the IPL.
Shreyas Iyer brought Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) their third IPL title in 2024. As captain, he played 70 matches, winning 38, losing 29, and drawing 2. A dependable middle-order batter, he has scored 3,127 runs in 116 games at a strike rate of 127.47, with 21 half-centuries. His calm leadership guided KKR back to the top.
