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IPL 2024: Top five Indian players to lead two separate teams in IPL history

Hardik Pandya has been named the skipper of the Mumbai Indians side on Friday. The 30-year-old will replace Rohit Sharma as the skipper of the side for the next IPL season in 2024. This is the second team that Hardik Pandya will lead in IPL history.

The 30-year-old was the Gujarat Titans skipper for two years since their IPL Debut in 2022. In their very first season Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to a massive win. This was followed up with a final appearance against CSK last year.

In this article, if we take a closer look at the five Indian players who have captained two different sides in IPL history.

MS Dhoni – Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiants

Chennai Super Kings has seen MS Dhoni be at the helm of affairs since IPL 2008. Barring a short spell by Ravindra Jadeja. It is MSD who has led the team with great distinction. When CSK was handed a two-year suspension, Dhoni played for Rising Pune Supergiants. The IPL 2016 saw Dhoni as the lead of the Pune team without much success.

Gautam Gambhir – Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals

The former Indian opener was one of the best captains at the start of the previous decade in Kolkata. Gautam Gambhir led KKR to two IPL title wins in 2012 and 2014. After his long journey ended in 2017, Gambhir went back to his former team Delhi Capitals. The former India star was chosen as the skipper of the side, but he suffered a slump in form. Gambhir dropped himself mid-season and Shreyas Iyer was given the captaincy of the team.

Rahul Dravid – Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals

Current Indian coach and former batting Rahul Dravid has led two IPL teams in the past. His first captaincy stint was with his home side Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL 2008 season. RCB finished in the bottom two spots which led to Anil Kumble become skipper in the next season. Rajasthan Royals appointed Rahul Dravid as the skipper after Shane Warne’s retirement.

Sourav Ganguly – Kolkata Knight Rider and Pune Warriors India –

Yet another former India great who had captained two IPL teams. Sourav Ganguly was the KKR skipper in the inaugural season. This was followed by the three-captain formula a season later. Ganguly was back in the saddle during IPL 2010 leading KKR with decent results. During his final days of his active cricketing career Sourav Ganguly was also chosen as the captain of the short lived Pune Warriors India outfit.

KL Rahul – Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants

The 31-year-old was elevated by captaincy during his stint with Punjab Kings. Despite having a good team at his disposal KL Rahul wasn’t able to lead PBKS to their maiden IPL title. KL Rahul was the first pick for Lucknow Super Giants who made him the skipper ahead of their debut season in 2022. LSG reached the first eliminator before losing to RCB in the game thanks to Rajat Patidar’s century.