India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is the latest spinner to become a captain of a team in Indian Premier League (IPL). He will leading Kings XI Punjab side in the ongoing 11th edition. Today, he will start his captaincy stint in the IPL against Delhi Daredevils. He will join the rare club of spinners who have captained in IPL. Although, there have many players who also bowl spin and captained but they were not primarily a spin bowler. Ashwin will become the 5th spinner and 3rd from India to lead an IPL side in the tournament’s history. Let’s have a look at others.
Daniel Vettori, the legendary left-arm spinner from New Zealand captained Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011 and 2012th edition of the IPL.
Under his captaincy, RCB won 12 and lost 10. Moreover, in 2011, Vettori-led RCB to the finals of the tournament but lost to CSK by 58 runs. After him, Virat Kohli took over the charge and since then, he has been the captain of RCB.
Daniel Vettori
Harbhajan Singh is the first off-spinner to have captained an IPL side. He led Mumbai Indians during 2008 and 2012 seasons.
He got to captain Mumbai in only three games in 2008, which the team lost all three. While in 2012, under Harbhajan’s leadership, Mumbai qualified for the playoffs but lost in the eliminator.
In total, Harbhajan has captained Mumbai in 20 matches, out of which the side won and lost 10 each. Moreover, even before leading Mumbai throughout the 2012 season, he proved his worth as captain in 2011 Champions League T20 by winning the title despite many big players getting ruled out due to injuries.
Harbhajan Singh
Regarded as amongst the shrewd and clever captains of the game, Anil Kumble captained RCB in 2009 after Kevin Pietersen had to leave the side after leading in first 6 games.
With Kumble becoming captain of the side, RCB won 5 straight games and later reached the finals in 2009 but lost to Deccan Chargers.
Kumble led RCB again in 2010 and once again the team qualified for semi-finals but lost to Mumbai in the first semi.
In total, Kumble captained RCB in 26 matches, out of which the team won 15 and lost 11.
Anil Kumble
Famously known for his magic with the ball, Shane Warne captained Rajasthan Royals in first four editions of IPL. It was under his captaincy, in which Rajasthan lifted the trophy in the first ever IPL in 2008.
However, after 2008, Rajasthan did not qualify to top four in next three edition under Warne’s captaincy. Moreover, Warne was not just captain but also coach and mentor of the team.
Overall, Warne led Rajasthan in 55 games, out of which the team won 30, lost 24 and 1 tied (Rajasthan won in the eliminator).
Shane Warne
