Which players have played most matches before captaining in IPL for 1st time?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been around since it first debuted in 2008. Several star players from all around the globe have participated in the world’s toughest league in the past and continue to do so.  In the last 14 years, IPL has witnessed many players bagging the limelight with their leadership skills. In this article we will take a look at players who have played most matches before making their captaincy debut in IPL.

1. Ravindra Jadeja (200 matches)

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for many years. The 33-year-old was named captain of the franchise just ahead of the IPL 2022, as veteran MS Dhoni decided to step down from the role. Jadeja has played a total of 200 matches in IPL. The left-handed batter has scored 2386 runs with a decent average of 27.11. The left-arm-spinner has also managed to scalp 127 wickets in IPL.

2. Manish Pandey (153 matches)

Manish Pandey made his captaincy debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in last year’s IPL. The right-handed-batter was given the role after playing a total 153 matches in IPL. Talking about his numbers, Pandey has scored 3560 runs with a good average of 30.69 and he plays with a strike rate of 121.83. The 32-year-old will be playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022.

3. Kieron Pollard (137 matches)

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard made his IPL captaincy debut in the IPL 2019. Pollard led the side against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Mumbai. The right-handed batter smashed 83 runs off just 31 balls in that match. The 34-year-old has now played a total of 178 matches in which he has scored 3268 runs with a humongous strike rate of 149.77.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin (111 matches)

Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin made his captaincy debut for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) during the IPL 2018. The 35-year-old has played a total of 167 matches in IPL and has managed to scalp 145 wickets. The off-spinner bowls with an excellent economy of 6.91. Ashwin will now play under the leadership of skipper Sanju Samson for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022.

5. Sanju Samson (107 matches)

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson made his captaincy debut in IPL 2021. To note, Samson stroked a century in his first match as captain playing against Punjab Kings. He has played a total of 121 matches in IPL, the right-handed batter has amassed 3068 runs with an average of 29.22.