IPL 2021: In a first, four wicket-keepers to lead teams in IPL 2021- We are just three days away from the LIVE IPL 2021 action. The opening match will be played between Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore and defending Champions Mumbai Indians. One of the surprising facts about IPL 2021 is that it will include four wicket-keepers who will lead their teams. They are MS Dhoni (CSK), Sanju Samson (RR), Rishabh Pant (DC) and KL Rahul (Punjab Kings). Interestingly, all of these will play their opening leg matches in Mumbai.
MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)
CSK captain MS Dhoni has led all editions of IPL (except 2017 at now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants). In his 200 matches, he has led in 188 matches, winning 110 with a win per cent of 58.82. He has won three IPL titles (2010, 2011 and 2018).
KL Rahul (Punjab Kings)
Kl Rahul was appointed as Punjab Kings captain in IPL 2020. He won 5 matches and lost 7 (including 2 super overs). The captaincy role worked best for him as Rahul ended the IPL season with 679 runs in 14 matches- Orange Cup winner.
Rishabh Pant (DC)
Delhi Capitals named Rishabh Pant as their new captain for IPL 2021. The decision came after Shreyas Iyer was sidelined for the cash-rich league following his injury. He has led Delhi in domestic competition. The 23-year-old has been backed by the Delhi team management, including head coach Ricky Ponting and draw confidence with his recent stellar knocks against Australia and England.
Sanju Samson (RR)
The newly-appointed Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is also the highest run-scorer in the T20 tournament. RR had ended bottom of the IPL table in IPL 2020, Samson will be looking to turn the fortunes for RR in IPL 2021. He has the experience of leading the Under-19 team and Kerala.
List of wicket-keeper captains in IPL:
MS Dhoni (2008- Till Date)
Adam Gilchrist (2008-13)
Kumar Sangakkara (2010-13)
Dinesh Karthik (2010-20)
Brendan McCullum (2009-16)
KL Rahul (2020- Till date)
NOTE: Neither Dinesh Karthik was not a full-time IPL captain till 2017 nor Brendon McCullum was a full-time skipper. Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid did not take the role of a wicket-keeper in his IPL career.