IPL: Presenting highest scores on captaincy debut for a team
What's the story
Shreyas Iyer starred in Punjab Kings's 11-run win over Gujarat Titans in their 2025 Indian Premier League opener in Ahmedabad. Iyer slammed an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls, powering the Kings to 243/5 in 20 overs. GT were later restricted to 232/5. Notably, Iyer registered the third-highest score on captaincy debut for a franchise. He led Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 IPL title.
#1
119 by Sanju Samson: RR vs PBKS, Wankhede, 2021
As per Cricbuzz, Sanju Samson holds the highest score on captaincy debut for a franchise in the IPL. He hammered a brilliant 119 off 63 balls in a high-scoring thriller against Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. The match at the Wankhede Stadium saw PBKS score 221/6 in 20 overs. In response, Samson single-handedly led the Royals, but they fell four runs short.
#2
99* by Mayank Agarwal: PBKS vs DC, Ahmedabad, 2021
In the same season, Mayank Agarwal played a formidable knock for PBKS against Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad. Agarwal, who led PBKS in that match, scored an unbeaten 99(58), but his side managed an under-par 166/6 in 20 overs. He didn't find support from other batters. The Capitals later completed the run-chase in 17.4 overs, on the back of Shikhar Dhawan's 69.
#3
97* by Shreyas Iyer: PBKS vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2025
As mentioned, Shreyas Iyer now occupies the third spot on this elite list. Although Iyer missed his ton against Gujarat Titans, he won plenty of hearts with his selfless approach. He encouraged his batting partner Shashank Singh to attack and not take a single in the final over. Therefore, Iyer finished on an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls (5 fours and 9 sixes).
Information
93* by Shreyas Iyer: DC vs KKR, Delhi, 2018
Iyer made his mark in the cash-rich league by playing a captain's knock for DC in 2018. Leading the Capitals for the first time, he smashed a 40-ball 93* against KKR. The Capitals racked up 219/4 and later won the match by 55 runs.