Jasprit Bumrah reached a major milestone in his IPL career as he led Mumbai Indians for the first time, joining a list of top players who had to wait a long time before captaining a side in the tournament.
Having been part of the franchise since 2013, Bumrah took over the role after featuring in 156 matches, placing him second on the list of players with the most appearances before their first stint as captain.
Players With Most Matches Before IPL Captaincy
1. Ravindra Jadeja – 200 matches
Ravindra Jadeja tops the list, having played 200 matches before leading a team. After representing Rajasthan Royals, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions, he was appointed captain of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2022. However, he managed just two wins in eight matches before MS Dhoni resumed leadership midway through the season.
2. Jasprit Bumrah – 156 matches
Bumrah, a key figure in Mumbai Indians’ success since 2013, finally got the opportunity to captain the side in IPL 2026. He stepped in during the absence of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav in the match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, marking his first leadership role in the league.
3. Manish Pandey – 153 matches
Manish Pandey, who made his IPL debut in the inaugural season, featured for multiple franchises before leading Sunrisers Hyderabad once in 2021. He had already played 153 matches before that opportunity, scoring 69* (41) in the game, although SRH lost by 42 runs.
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4. Axar Patel – 148 matches
Axar Patel led Delhi Capitals for the first time in 2024 after 148 matches in the IPL. Following Rishabh Pant’s departure, he became the full-time captain in IPL 2025 and continued in the role in 2026. As of May 14, 2026, he has recorded 10 wins and 13 losses in 25 matches as captain.
5. Kieron Pollard – 137 matches
Kieron Pollard captained Mumbai Indians for the first time in IPL 2019 after 136 matches. He went on to lead the side in six matches between 2019 and 2021, winning four and losing two during that period.
Bumrah Joins Elite Company
With his appointment, Bumrah adds his name to a list that includes experienced IPL players who spent years establishing themselves before taking on leadership responsibilities. His first outing as captain came during his 14th season with Mumbai Indians, highlighting both his longevity and importance to the franchise.
