Players with most matches before captaining for the first time in IPL
With almost every team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) containing an assortment of star players from across the globe, stepping into captaincy can never be an easy task. Aside from honing in on opposition sides’ strengths and weaknesses, it becomes imperative to be aware of the domestic players’ focal points while tackling the crew of big names from India and abroad.
As a consequence, having extensive experience as a player could come in handy when receiving the maiden chance to lead a franchise. In descending order, let us take a look at the players who took part in the most number of IPL matches before captaining for the first time. Surprisingly, not even one overseas skipper features on this list.
#1 Ajinkya Rahane (Rising Pune Supergiant) – 97 matches
Rahane broke the record for most matches as a player before captaining for the first time when he led Rising Pune Supergiant in the absence of regular skipper Steven Smith. The Australian batsman had to pull out of the clash against Delhi Daredevils due to a stomach illness.
However, Rahane’s IPL captaincy began on a sour note as his team were thrashed by a massive margin of 97 runs at their home venue. His strategies came up short with Sanju Samson blazing a flamboyant century for the Daredevils. The 28-year-old had led India to victory in the recently completed Test series decider against Smith’s Australian side in Dharamsala.