The 2021 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is in its last phase in the UAE, as the final will be played on October 15^th. Three-time champion Chennai Super Kings will play their 9^th final against the winner of Qualifier-2 between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. Mighty Mumbai Indian faced an unexpected early exit from the tournament, while Morgan-led KKR surprisingly made it to the playoffs and beat RCB in the eliminator, despite of their poor Indian leg of IPL 2021.

Captaincy has been in the spotlight this season, considering the mega-auction and two new franchises on the agenda ahead of the 2022 edition of IPL.

Based on their performances, let’s have a look on the top 5 captains of the IPL 2021.

1. KL Rahul (Punjab Kings): 626 runs in 13 matches

Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul ended the league stages on a high note with a magnificent innings (98*) against CSK. Even though his team PBKS didn’t make it to the playoffs, but Rahul gave his all he could. In 13 matches of IPL 2021, Rahul smashed a total 626 runs for PBKS and is on top of most runs scored in 2021 edition.

2. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals): 484 runs in 14 matches

This was Sanju Samson’s maiden season as the IPL captain and didn’t let affect his batting for RR. Samson made 484 runs in 14 matches he played in IPL 2021, including a century against PBKS. IPL 2021 was the best season for Sanju Samson in terms of scoring runs. However, his team Rajasthan Royals failed to make it to the playoffs for fourth consecutive season.

3. Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals): 413 runs in 15 matches

This is also the maiden season as a captain for Rishabh Pant. With 413 runs in 15 matches, Pant has been the backbone of the DC’s middle order this season. In his leadership, Pant has led Delhi Capitals to their third consecutive playoffs. However, they were defeated against CSK in qualifier-1, but they still have a chance to play final against CSK, if they beat KKR in the Qualifier-2.

4. Virat Kohli (Royals Challengers Bangalore): 405 runs in 15 matches

Virat Kohli-led RCB made it to the playoffs for second consecutive season of IPL, but once again failed to progress after that. With his bat Kohli has smashed 405 runs, second-most after Glenn Maxwell (5130), for his team.

5. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians): 381 runs in 113 matches

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians Captain Rohit Sharma had a season to forget with the bat and as a captain too. After winning IPL titles in two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020, Mumbai failed to qualify for playoffs and made an embarrassing exit of the tournament. With only two half-centuries Rohit scored only 381 runs for his team in IPL 2021.ss

6. Kane Williamson (SRH): 266 runs in 10 matches

This was probably worst season for SRH in IPL. The team was already in shamble with David Warner out of form and in the UAE leg they managed to win only one match. Kane himself had a season to forget as batsman as well as captain. He managed to score only 266 runs in 10 matches he played.

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7. Eoin Morgan (Kolkata knight Riders): 129 runs in 15 matches

Despite of KKR reaching to the playoffs and beating RCB in the eliminator, KKR skipper Eoin Morgan is not having a good season as a batsman. In 15 matches, he has managed to score only 129 runs for his team.

8. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings): 114 runs in 15 matches

CSK captain MS Dhoni is lowest in this list, he has scored only 114 runs in 15 matches he has played for the team. His 18* against DC in the qualifier-1 was his highest in the IPL 2021.