1. MS Dhoni (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings have always been the most consistent team to have played in the IPL. Dhoni has helped them win 3 titles (2010, 2011, 2018) and has reached the final five times (2008,2012,2013,2015,2019) and has reached the knock out stage(2009,2014) of the tournament the rest of the times it has been a part of the IPL. The fact that Chennai have been so successful rests with the reason that Dhoni has been a fantastic leader and has retained the core of his team without many changes in each year of the IPL.
2. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)
If any side has proved its talent on the field and has challenged the might of Chennai it has been the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma was given the captaincy in the middle of the 2013 edition when Ricky Ponting decided to step down mid-tournament when Mumbai was having a tough time. Rohit took over the captaincy and ran with it which got him 4 IPL titles (2013, 2015.2017, and 2019). His calm approach and attention to detail have proved beneficial for the franchise. He has overseen his young side be part of two last ball single run victories in 2017 and 2019 finals which are enough proof his mentality and being called a proper team leader.
3. Gautam Gambhir (KKR)
When Gautam Gambhir became the costliest pick in the 2011 IPL auctions, he was bought to the fold by Kolkata with a view to win the title. In the preceding three years the KKR outfit had to face the ignominy of finishing in the latter half of the table despite having a very formidable lineup. Gambhir changed that and in the next few years of him leading the team, he guided KKR to the podium with two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. He took a very young but promising team and made them into champions in the process living to the expectations of the franchise
4.David Warner (Sun Risers Hyderabad)
The Australia opener was given the task of leading Hyderbad in the year 2015. The very next year he was the difference maker both with the bat and as a captain when he led his team to its maiden IPL title. An attacking batsman and a very street smart cricketer, Warner has proved his importance to the team on many occasions. His captaincy in the 2016 IPL was can be termed inspiring and awesome as he led a team mixed with youth and experience to the title.
Also Read: Skippers used by each IPL team so far
5. Shane Warne – (Rajasthan Royals)
the 2008 champions were called the money ball team of that year. Shane Warne has always been termed the best captain that Australia never had. Warne had the ability to motivate his players be it an established captain like Graeme Smith or an upcoming rookie like Pathan or Jadeja. His words and decision making helped the Rajasthan franchise etch its name in the IPL historic annals when it beat a much-fancied Chennai in the final. Warne captained the team for a further three years but could not replicate the success, but his captaincy and his motivational skills, and the ability to pick up body language of both his players and opposition made him one of the best captains in the tournament.