T20 Captains Who Excelled Outside the IPL but Missed IPL Glory
Winning a T20 league is a major accomplishment for any cricketer, and for captains, it is a reflection of their leadership abilities. While several captains have lifted trophies in various T20 leagues around the world, success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has often eluded them. Here are some notable captains who have led their teams to triumph in other leagues but have yet to win the IPL.
Faf du Plessis: CPL Champion with Saint Lucia Kings
In 2024, Faf du Plessis led Saint Lucia Kings to their first-ever Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, marking his first major T20 league win as captain. The South African has been an instrumental player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, contributing to multiple title victories as a key batsman.
However, his IPL captaincy journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has not been as successful. Despite taking RCB to the playoffs twice in three seasons, the elusive IPL title has remained out of reach. Fans of RCB hope that du Plessis’s recent CPL success could eventually lead to an IPL win in the future.
Steve Smith: A Captaincy Force Outside IPL
Steve Smith, a standout name in T20 cricket, has experienced mixed results as an IPL captain. Leading teams like Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Smith came agonizingly close to winning the IPL in 2017, only to fall short in the final with RPS.
Despite not winning the IPL, Smith’s leadership has shone brightly in other leagues. He led Sydney Sixers to victory in the inaugural Big Bash League (BBL) season in 2011-12 and more recently guided Washington Freedom to their first Major League Cricket (MLC) title in 2024. These achievements highlight his versatility as a captain, even though the IPL trophy remains elusive.
Aiden Markram: Dominant in SA20, Yet to Break Through in IPL
Aiden Markram has emerged as a reliable captain in South Africa’s SA20 league, where he led Sunrisers Eastern Cape to consecutive titles, including their 2024 victory. His leadership has been central to the team’s consistent performances and dominance in the SA20 competition.
However, Markram’s IPL journey as captain has been more challenging. Leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2023, Markram struggled to replicate his SA20 success, with SRH unable to find their form. His contrasting fortunes between the SA20 league and IPL show how different environments can impact a captain’s effectiveness.
Kieron Pollard: T20 Champion in CPL, Limited IPL Captaincy
Kieron Pollard is widely regarded as one of the best T20 players and captains, especially in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has captained Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents to multiple CPL titles, showcasing his leadership and all-rounder skills.
In the IPL, Pollard has been a crucial figure for Mumbai Indians (MI) but has not had the chance to lead the team for an entire season. His limited captaincy roles in the IPL mean that despite his T20 prowess, he has not yet won an IPL title as captain, although he has been part of many successful MI campaigns as a player.
Conclusion
These captains demonstrate how success in one T20 league doesn’t always translate to other competitions. While their IPL journeys have been challenging, their accomplishments in other leagues showcase their leadership and adaptability. Despite missing out on IPL titles, these captains have left their mark on the global T20 landscape.(online casino real money)