Since the inception of the tournament back in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a lot of charismatic figures leading their respective teams.
Some of them have been successful in leading their side to glory while some of them haven’t. Before the start of every season, fans and pundits indulge in a lot of discussions so as to who will captain the teams.
However, franchises have mostly backed their captains, regardless of the outcome but fans have always expressed their desire of seeing a new skipper if the results aren’t going their way.
With the tournament approaching towards the business end of the season, let’s take a look at players who could lead their respective teams in the absence of the first-choice captain.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Eoin Morgan
This season, KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik has been on the receiving end of some heavy criticism as fans and pundits have expressed their desire to see a new player taking the armband from Karthik. England’s World Cup-winning skipper, Eoin Morgan, has been backed by fans and pundits to replace Dinesh. Also, under Morgan’s leadership, England has arguably become the best teams. He is the best candidate to lead KKR.
Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis
When MS Dhoni’s on the field, one could hardly argue his leadership quality, having won three IPL titles with CSK, as the skipper. However, MS is 39 and this could be his final season at CSK. However, Faf du Plessis is ready to take over from Dhoni, even this season, if needed. Faf has led South Africa across all formats and is one of the most experienced players in the squad.
Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock
Rohit Sharma has already won four titles with MI, as a captain. Although he has plenty fo cricket left with him if there’s one player who can currently replace Rohit, Quinton de Kock has the perfect CV. Also, Quinton has captained South Africa in international cricket. De Kock is a match-winner and could be MI’s option for the future.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Aaron Finch
Virat Kohli has been under the radar of both fans and pundits for lacking leadership quality as he has never won the coveted IPL title. Australia’s limited over-skipper is one of the first that comes in mind, who could replace Kohli in the current campaign if needed. RCB have never won the IPL and Virat has been the skipper since 2013.
Delhi Capitals: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin has shown that he can good leader in the dressing room, having captained KXIP last season. However, Delhi Capitals backed youngster Shreyas Iyer to continue as skipper. But, if Shreyas gets injured or is unwell(I hope he doesn’t), Ashwin could step in to replace Shreyas. Plus, Ashwin is a seasoned veteran so he might have a better impact on the players, especially youngsters.
Kings XI Punjab: Glenn Maxwell
No one can doubt his ability with the bat but when it comes to captaining a team, Glenn Maxwell can be a decent choice, having almost won the Big Bash League title with Melbourne Stars, last year. Glenn also has plenty of experience in his bag and knows the game equally well. So far, KXIP has won just one game under KL Rahul’s captaincy and don’t be surprised if the management decides to change the skipper if the results do not go their way.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Kane Williamson
SRH have struggled so far with just two wins out of a possible 5. Captain David Warner finally played a gutsy knock but his captaincy is under threat with the presence of Kane Williamson. Kane has already captained SRH and wears the armband for New Zealand. Also, under Kane, SRH has done quite well.
Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler
With the departure of Ajinkya Rahane to Delhi, Jos Buttler is the best candidate to replace skipper Steve Smith. RR started off well by winning their first two games but defeats in their last two fixtures have put them in a serious dilemma. Also, Ben Stokes could be another option for RR, but the England all-rounder hasn’t been away from the game for a while and its only fair that his compatriot Buttler should get the nod ahead of him.