With the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021</a> completing its initial course of the first two weeks, the T20 league has so far been extremely unpredictable. Teams like MI, KKR, and SRH, rather than being on the top, have struggled to fetch wins and get their momentum going, whereas teams like RCB and CSK have emerged as the pristine table toppers.

The shifting of the conditions has also played a massive role in how all the teams have performed so far and with the IPL now moving to Delhi and Ahmedabad, again the franchises will have to remodel and restyle their strategies and game plans.

However, it is now certain that an apt adaption to the conditions is the only key mantra to soar high in the IPL, and with the captains being the ultimate torchbearers, let&#8217;s rank each one of them based on their captaincy so far-

Skipper standings based on their captaincy in IPL 2021 so far

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-507613" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-5.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507613" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Being the newly appointed skipper of the RR team, Sanju Samson has so far led his team to a topsy-turvy ride. At present, the franchise has only won two games from their 5 outings and are currently placed seventh in the points table. However, in their first five outings, the team has faced the bitterest of adversities especially with their constant loss of overseas supplies.

Under Samson&#8217;s captaincy, the RR team neither has fetched any wins by batting first nor is been comfortable with chasing big scores. The conditions at the Wankhede Stadium were ideal for RR to kick start their IPL campaign on a healthy note, but the team has been found in discord with their performances.

Skipper Sanju Samson himself along with RR&#8217;s premier batsman Jos Buttler has been mainly erratic and is yet to fire with full force. The team&#8217;s middle-order batting which also includes the newly recruited Shivam Dube is playing substandard cricket and in many ways is the underlying cause of RR&#8217;s overall damage.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has also extensively opined on how under Sanju&#8217;s captaincy, the RR team looks to be placed in disharmony along with especially highlighting the communication problem between the captain and its players. All in all, the IPL 2021 by no means has been an admirable start for the RR camp, but with the involvement of legendary minds like Kumar Sangakkara, along with the expected signing of some quality overseas replacements, the team is expected to show some resilience rather than getting despaired.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508430" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508430" class="wp-caption-text">Eoin Morgan of KKR (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

It&#8217;s been highly alien to see a robust squad like KKR getting wrecked, especially when placed under the shrewd captaincy of Eoin Morgan. As we all know, Eoin Morgan at present is one of the most accomplished white-ball skippers in international cricket and currently upholds a very balanced <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kkr-uses-secret-code-during-pbks-match-virender-sehwag-responds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KKR</a> squad for the 2021 season. However, with just two wins and four disheartening losses from their 6 games, skipper Morgan&#8217;s captaincy, after every passing game is ascertaining a lot of queries.

Especially after moving from Chennai to Mumbai for their brief two games, the KKR team was expected to command blooming wins because of the suitable conditions at the Wankhede stadium but indeed had suffered two dramatic losses. The form of their premier players like skipper Morgan himself along with Pat Cummins is the biggest worry for the franchise. Also, the team&#8217;s entire batting order is collectively yet to click especially with lower-middle order distinctly struggling during chases.

Overall, neither the batting nor the bowling department of the KKR team has exhibited their best play in the competition, but at least the middle-order batting conundrums which create overlapping are highly expected to get resolved under Morgan&#8217;s captaincy. All in all, to soar through the distance, the KKR franchise does have enough fortitude under Eoin Morgan&#8217;s captaincy, but the team now distinctly needs to step up from their inferior show.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505739" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-1.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505739" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Although David Warner as a skipper has routinely seized the playoffs positions for SRH, in this IPL season, the Australian stalwart is struggling in big-time to guarantee some early wins. The SRH franchise has so far bagged a single win from their 5 matches and is currently placed last in the points table. Their bowling attack which has almost delivered in every game looks to be very well composed, but when it comes to batting, the team&#8217;s batting order looks to be in shambles.

In each of their five outings, the SRH team has batted second, and at least on three of these occasions, it&#8217;s the batting order which has malfunctioned to close wins. The selection of the middle-order batters under Warner&#8217;s captaincy has become a big wrangle especially when someone like Manish Pandey was being made to warm benches in the game against DC. Even Vijay Shankar&#8217;s lower batting position has raised some eyebrows ultimately raising lofty questions towards the entire team&#8217;s management.

However, the only silver lining under Warner&#8217;s captaincy has been Johnny Bairstow&#8217;s remarkable performances which could have gone dubious once <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tired-of-coming-second-in-super-overs-kane-williamson-after-srhs-defeat-to-dc-in-ipl-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kane Williamson</a> was back. All in all, with batting already being SRH&#8217;s secondary competency, the team surely needs a quick fix in their overall batting order along with some vigorous runs from the skipper&#8217;s bat as well.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505311" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Although the earlier two wins against the KKR and SRH had heaped high praises for Rohit Sharma as a captain, the next two losses against DC and PBKS have hugely questioned the skipper&#8217;s decision to bat first. MI&#8217;s overall chubby batting order, in general, has been the prime complication that has refrained the franchise from winning games, especially the lower-order where both the Pandya brothers have been facing an ordeal.

The sluggish conditions of the Chepauk wicket have been a perplexing affair for MI batters thus making them face havoc to amass overpowering totals. However some changes in the batting order against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-match-21-10-best-memes-from-pbks-vs-kkr-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBKS</a> were viewed to escort some success, but the team yet again was dismantled cheaply. Also, with Kieron Pollard being highly capable to combat the arduous conditions, his prolonged batting position has raised some scrutiny against the management.

Overall, with MI now moving from Chennai to Delhi, where the conditions will again test their batting, the witty think tank of MI has to surely come up with a viable plan to combat, otherwise, the hat-trick of glories might only remain a dream

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506512" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-1.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506512" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

While Punjab Kings still might have only bagged two wins from their last six games, but there are plenty of reasons where captain KL Rahul&#8217;s calm composure has helped Punjab to close victories. The promotion of Deepak Hooda in the first game turned to be a masterstroke, as his quick-fire 64 runs yielded enough to grab a certain win. Even his cool demeanour, while Sanju Samson was going bonkers in that same match, at the end allowed PBKS to fetch the last ball triumph by 4 runs.

In terms of his batting, KL Rahul himself as usual is leading the team with a plethora of runs, as there have already been three-half century scores produced by him. Also, while transitioning from Mumbai to the sluggish surfaces of Chepauk, Rahul quickly in their second game against<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-scott-kuggeleijn-joins-mumbai-indians-camp-as-reserve-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> MI</a>, had infused Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI, which eventually allowed the spinner to bowl a game-changing spell of 2 wickets for 21 runs.

All in all, despite having a compromised lower middle-order along with some issues with their fifth bowling option, skipper KL Rahul has been zealously leading the side both with his bat and from his ingenious mind.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506116" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-4.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506116" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

So far the newly appointed <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/dc-vs-rcb-dream11-prediction-ipl-fantasy-cricket-tips-playing-xi-updates-pitch-report-updates-for-match-22-apr-27th-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DC</a> captain has been having a triumphing time, as the Delhi franchise has only lost a single game from their initial 5 matches. By thrashing the giant teams like CSK, MI, and SRH, yet again, the DC team looks to be in full swing to book their position in the top two. For Rishabh Pant, in particular, managing the senior pros like Steve Smith, Shikhar Dhawan and Ravi Ashwin might be an inexpedient task, but so far the rookie has been doing an acceptable job.

With captaincy also making a player lot more responsible, a similar effect was visible when in the Super Over against SRH, Rishabh Pant himself had come out to bat and finished the proceedings on a winning note. Apart from his blunder in the second game where he had under bowled Ravi Ashwin against RR, Pant&#8217;s overall captaincy has been coherent which eventually has also allowed him to keep the morale of the team high.

All in all, despite the DC team still in due to display their best game, the team under Rishabh Pant has been flourishing well and is expected to continue their dominance in the points table.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508756" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-playing-a-shot.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli playing a shot" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508756" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli playing a shot. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Finally, for a change, the Virat Kohli-led RCB team has been soaring high in the IPL 2021 and is highly anticipated to comfortably make it into the playoffs. As a skipper, Virat Kohli has been very apt with his overall captaincy, especially considering the obnoxious conditions at the Chepauk stadium. The positioning of Glenn Maxwell over AB de Villiers has yielded scintillating results in RCB&#8217;s favour, as both the players are diligently seen playing attacking cricket.

Playing with such a vigorous spirit has therefore allowed RCB to fetch a place in the top three of the point table, mainly equalling the other two teams in terms of points. Also, apart from the brimming batting form of ABD and Maxwell, both skipper himself and the young <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rcb-head-coach-simon-katich-discloses-how-virat-kohli-improved-devdutt-padikkals-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Devdutt Padikka</a>l had fetched an outstanding win against RR wherein the duo at the top had chased the target of 177 in 16.3 overs.

All in all, apart from omitting their hazardous loss against Chennai, the RCB team under Kohli&#8217;s ruthless captaincy now looks like a well-oiled machine and might eventually become the hot favourites to seal the IPL trophy.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504270" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-3.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504270" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

While the initial loss against DC could have triggered the woes of the last season, but a winning streak in the last four games has resulted in CSK ruling the points table from the top. All of the collective four wins have been convincing conquests for CSK, eventually giving the clear indication of the normal services getting resumed under captain cool.

Despite playing all of their five games in Mumbai, where often chasing is considered as a much-preferred option, CSK has won three games by batting first and currently is upholding an excessive net run rate of above 1. As usual with his razor-sharp brain, MS Dhoni has again fetched some prolific performances from his bowlers, especially with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hindi-me-nahi-bol-sakta-ms-dhonis-cheeky-comment-leaves-ravindra-jadeja-and-suresh-raina-in-splits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja </a>and Deepak Chahar accomplishing match-winning causes. Also, Dhoni&#8217;s move to make Ravindra Jadeja bat at number five has further strong-armed CSK&#8217;s multi-dimensional batting, whose immediate gains were visible when the all-rounder smashed a blistering knock of 62 * from just 28 balls.

Even Dhoni&#8217;s prolonged backing formula for its off-form players has again worked as Ruturaj Gaikwad who struggling in big time as an opener has finally started to score sizable scores. All in all, just like the old days, the CSK franchise is back with its hefty wins and is highly anticipated to finish in the top two.

With the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021</a> completing its initial course of the first two weeks, the T20 league has so far been extremely unpredictable. Teams like MI, KKR, and SRH, rather than being on the top, have struggled to fetch wins and get their momentum going, whereas teams like RCB and CSK have emerged as the pristine table toppers.
The shifting of the conditions has also played a massive role in how all the teams have performed so far and with the IPL now moving to Delhi and Ahmedabad, again the franchises will have to remodel and restyle their strategies and game plans.
However, it is now certain that an apt adaption to the conditions is the only key mantra to soar high in the IPL, and with the captains being the ultimate torchbearers, let’s rank each one of them based on their captaincy so far-
<h2>Skipper standings based on their captaincy in IPL 2021 so far</h2>
<h3>8. Sanju Samson (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_507613" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-507613" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-507613" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-5.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507613" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Being the newly appointed skipper of the RR team, Sanju Samson has so far led his team to a topsy-turvy ride. At present, the franchise has only won two games from their 5 outings and are currently placed seventh in the points table. However, in their first five outings, the team has faced the bitterest of adversities especially with their constant loss of overseas supplies.
Under Samson’s captaincy, the RR team neither has fetched any wins by batting first nor is been comfortable with chasing big scores. The conditions at the Wankhede Stadium were ideal for RR to kick start their IPL campaign on a healthy note, but the team has been found in discord with their performances.
Skipper Sanju Samson himself along with RR’s premier batsman Jos Buttler has been mainly erratic and is yet to fire with full force. The team’s middle-order batting which also includes the newly recruited Shivam Dube is playing substandard cricket and in many ways is the underlying cause of RR’s overall damage.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has also extensively opined on how under Sanju’s captaincy, the RR team looks to be placed in disharmony along with especially highlighting the communication problem between the captain and its players. All in all, the IPL 2021 by no means has been an admirable start for the RR camp, but with the involvement of legendary minds like Kumar Sangakkara, along with the expected signing of some quality overseas replacements, the team is expected to show some resilience rather than getting despaired.

<h3>7. Eoin Morgan (KKR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_508430" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-508430" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-508430" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508430" class="wp-caption-text">Eoin Morgan of KKR (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
It’s been highly alien to see a robust squad like KKR getting wrecked, especially when placed under the shrewd captaincy of Eoin Morgan. As we all know, Eoin Morgan at present is one of the most accomplished white-ball skippers in international cricket and currently upholds a very balanced <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kkr-uses-secret-code-during-pbks-match-virender-sehwag-responds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KKR</a> squad for the 2021 season. However, with just two wins and four disheartening losses from their 6 games, skipper Morgan’s captaincy, after every passing game is ascertaining a lot of queries.
Especially after moving from Chennai to Mumbai for their brief two games, the KKR team was expected to command blooming wins because of the suitable conditions at the Wankhede stadium but indeed had suffered two dramatic losses. The form of their premier players like skipper Morgan himself along with Pat Cummins is the biggest worry for the franchise. Also, the team’s entire batting order is collectively yet to click especially with lower-middle order distinctly struggling during chases.
Overall, neither the batting nor the bowling department of the KKR team has exhibited their best play in the competition, but at least the middle-order batting conundrums which create overlapping are highly expected to get resolved under Morgan’s captaincy. All in all, to soar through the distance, the KKR franchise does have enough fortitude under Eoin Morgan’s captaincy, but the team now distinctly needs to step up from their inferior show.

<h3>6. David Warner (SRH)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505739" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505739" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-505739" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-1.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505739" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Although David Warner as a skipper has routinely seized the playoffs positions for SRH, in this IPL season, the Australian stalwart is struggling in big-time to guarantee some early wins. The SRH franchise has so far bagged a single win from their 5 matches and is currently placed last in the points table. Their bowling attack which has almost delivered in every game looks to be very well composed, but when it comes to batting, the team’s batting order looks to be in shambles.
In each of their five outings, the SRH team has batted second, and at least on three of these occasions, it’s the batting order which has malfunctioned to close wins. The selection of the middle-order batters under Warner’s captaincy has become a big wrangle especially when someone like Manish Pandey was being made to warm benches in the game against DC. Even Vijay Shankar’s lower batting position has raised some eyebrows ultimately raising lofty questions towards the entire team’s management.
However, the only silver lining under Warner’s captaincy has been Johnny Bairstow’s remarkable performances which could have gone dubious once <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tired-of-coming-second-in-super-overs-kane-williamson-after-srhs-defeat-to-dc-in-ipl-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kane Williamson</a> was back. All in all, with batting already being SRH’s secondary competency, the team surely needs a quick fix in their overall batting order along with some vigorous runs from the skipper’s bat as well.

<h3>5. Rohit Sharma (MI)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505311" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505311" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-505311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505311" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Although the earlier two wins against the KKR and SRH had heaped high praises for Rohit Sharma as a captain, the next two losses against DC and PBKS have hugely questioned the skipper’s decision to bat first. MI’s overall chubby batting order, in general, has been the prime complication that has refrained the franchise from winning games, especially the lower-order where both the Pandya brothers have been facing an ordeal.
The sluggish conditions of the Chepauk wicket have been a perplexing affair for MI batters thus making them face havoc to amass overpowering totals. However some changes in the batting order against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-match-21-10-best-memes-from-pbks-vs-kkr-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBKS</a> were viewed to escort some success, but the team yet again was dismantled cheaply. Also, with Kieron Pollard being highly capable to combat the arduous conditions, his prolonged batting position has raised some scrutiny against the management.
Overall, with MI now moving from Chennai to Delhi, where the conditions will again test their batting, the witty think tank of MI has to surely come up with a viable plan to combat, otherwise, the hat-trick of glories might only remain a dream

<h3>4. KL Rahul (PBKS)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506512" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506512" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-506512" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-1.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506512" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
While Punjab Kings still might have only bagged two wins from their last six games, but there are plenty of reasons where captain KL Rahul’s calm composure has helped Punjab to close victories. The promotion of Deepak Hooda in the first game turned to be a masterstroke, as his quick-fire 64 runs yielded enough to grab a certain win. Even his cool demeanour, while Sanju Samson was going bonkers in that same match, at the end allowed PBKS to fetch the last ball triumph by 4 runs.
In terms of his batting, KL Rahul himself as usual is leading the team with a plethora of runs, as there have already been three-half century scores produced by him. Also, while transitioning from Mumbai to the sluggish surfaces of Chepauk, Rahul quickly in their second game against<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-scott-kuggeleijn-joins-mumbai-indians-camp-as-reserve-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> MI</a>, had infused Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI, which eventually allowed the spinner to bowl a game-changing spell of 2 wickets for 21 runs.
All in all, despite having a compromised lower middle-order along with some issues with their fifth bowling option, skipper KL Rahul has been zealously leading the side both with his bat and from his ingenious mind.

<h3>3. Rishabh Pant (DC)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506116" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506116" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-506116" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-4.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506116" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
So far the newly appointed <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/dc-vs-rcb-dream11-prediction-ipl-fantasy-cricket-tips-playing-xi-updates-pitch-report-updates-for-match-22-apr-27th-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DC</a> captain has been having a triumphing time, as the Delhi franchise has only lost a single game from their initial 5 matches. By thrashing the giant teams like CSK, MI, and SRH, yet again, the DC team looks to be in full swing to book their position in the top two. For Rishabh Pant, in particular, managing the senior pros like Steve Smith, Shikhar Dhawan and Ravi Ashwin might be an inexpedient task, but so far the rookie has been doing an acceptable job.
With captaincy also making a player lot more responsible, a similar effect was visible when in the Super Over against SRH, Rishabh Pant himself had come out to bat and finished the proceedings on a winning note. Apart from his blunder in the second game where he had under bowled Ravi Ashwin against RR, Pant’s overall captaincy has been coherent which eventually has also allowed him to keep the morale of the team high.
All in all, despite the DC team still in due to display their best game, the team under Rishabh Pant has been flourishing well and is expected to continue their dominance in the points table.

<h3>2. Virat Kohli (RCB)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_508756" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-508756" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-508756" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-playing-a-shot.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli playing a shot" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508756" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli playing a shot. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Finally, for a change, the Virat Kohli-led RCB team has been soaring high in the IPL 2021 and is highly anticipated to comfortably make it into the playoffs. As a skipper, Virat Kohli has been very apt with his overall captaincy, especially considering the obnoxious conditions at the Chepauk stadium. The positioning of Glenn Maxwell over AB de Villiers has yielded scintillating results in RCB’s favour, as both the players are diligently seen playing attacking cricket.
Playing with such a vigorous spirit has therefore allowed RCB to fetch a place in the top three of the point table, mainly equalling the other two teams in terms of points. Also, apart from the brimming batting form of ABD and Maxwell, both skipper himself and the young <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rcb-head-coach-simon-katich-discloses-how-virat-kohli-improved-devdutt-padikkals-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Devdutt Padikka</a>l had fetched an outstanding win against RR wherein the duo at the top had chased the target of 177 in 16.3 overs.
All in all, apart from omitting their hazardous loss against Chennai, the RCB team under Kohli’s ruthless captaincy now looks like a well-oiled machine and might eventually become the hot favourites to seal the IPL trophy.

<h3>1. MS Dhoni (CSK)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504270" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-504270" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-3.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504270" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
While the initial loss against DC could have triggered the woes of the last season, but a winning streak in the last four games has resulted in CSK ruling the points table from the top. All of the collective four wins have been convincing conquests for CSK, eventually giving the clear indication of the normal services getting resumed under captain cool.
Despite playing all of their five games in Mumbai, where often chasing is considered as a much-preferred option, CSK has won three games by batting first and currently is upholding an excessive net run rate of above 1. As usual with his razor-sharp brain, MS Dhoni has again fetched some prolific performances from his bowlers, especially with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hindi-me-nahi-bol-sakta-ms-dhonis-cheeky-comment-leaves-ravindra-jadeja-and-suresh-raina-in-splits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja </a>and Deepak Chahar accomplishing match-winning causes. Also, Dhoni’s move to make Ravindra Jadeja bat at number five has further strong-armed CSK’s multi-dimensional batting, whose immediate gains were visible when the all-rounder smashed a blistering knock of 62 * from just 28 balls.
Even Dhoni’s prolonged backing formula for its off-form players has again worked as Ruturaj Gaikwad who struggling in big time as an opener has finally started to score sizable scores. All in all, just like the old days, the CSK franchise is back with its hefty wins and is highly anticipated to finish in the top two.

With the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2021</a> completing its initial course of the first two weeks, the T20 league has so far been extremely unpredictable. Teams like MI, KKR, and SRH, rather than being on the top, have struggled to fetch wins and get their momentum going, whereas teams like RCB and CSK have emerged as the pristine table toppers.
The shifting of the conditions has also played a massive role in how all the teams have performed so far and with the IPL now moving to Delhi and Ahmedabad, again the franchises will have to remodel and restyle their strategies and game plans.
However, it is now certain that an apt adaption to the conditions is the only key mantra to soar high in the IPL, and with the captains being the ultimate torchbearers, let&#8217;s rank each one of them based on their captaincy so far-
<h2>Skipper standings based on their captaincy in IPL 2021 so far</h2>
<h3>8. Sanju Samson (RR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_507613" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-507613" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-507613" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-5.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507613" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Being the newly appointed skipper of the RR team, Sanju Samson has so far led his team to a topsy-turvy ride. At present, the franchise has only won two games from their 5 outings and are currently placed seventh in the points table. However, in their first five outings, the team has faced the bitterest of adversities especially with their constant loss of overseas supplies.
Under Samson&#8217;s captaincy, the RR team neither has fetched any wins by batting first nor is been comfortable with chasing big scores. The conditions at the Wankhede Stadium were ideal for RR to kick start their IPL campaign on a healthy note, but the team has been found in discord with their performances.
Skipper Sanju Samson himself along with RR&#8217;s premier batsman Jos Buttler has been mainly erratic and is yet to fire with full force. The team&#8217;s middle-order batting which also includes the newly recruited Shivam Dube is playing substandard cricket and in many ways is the underlying cause of RR&#8217;s overall damage.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has also extensively opined on how under Sanju&#8217;s captaincy, the RR team looks to be placed in disharmony along with especially highlighting the communication problem between the captain and its players. All in all, the IPL 2021 by no means has been an admirable start for the RR camp, but with the involvement of legendary minds like Kumar Sangakkara, along with the expected signing of some quality overseas replacements, the team is expected to show some resilience rather than getting despaired.

<h3>7. Eoin Morgan (KKR)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_508430" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-508430" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508430" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508430" class="wp-caption-text">Eoin Morgan of KKR (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
It&#8217;s been highly alien to see a robust squad like KKR getting wrecked, especially when placed under the shrewd captaincy of Eoin Morgan. As we all know, Eoin Morgan at present is one of the most accomplished white-ball skippers in international cricket and currently upholds a very balanced <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kkr-uses-secret-code-during-pbks-match-virender-sehwag-responds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KKR</a> squad for the 2021 season. However, with just two wins and four disheartening losses from their 6 games, skipper Morgan&#8217;s captaincy, after every passing game is ascertaining a lot of queries.
Especially after moving from Chennai to Mumbai for their brief two games, the KKR team was expected to command blooming wins because of the suitable conditions at the Wankhede stadium but indeed had suffered two dramatic losses. The form of their premier players like skipper Morgan himself along with Pat Cummins is the biggest worry for the franchise. Also, the team&#8217;s entire batting order is collectively yet to click especially with lower-middle order distinctly struggling during chases.
Overall, neither the batting nor the bowling department of the KKR team has exhibited their best play in the competition, but at least the middle-order batting conundrums which create overlapping are highly expected to get resolved under Morgan&#8217;s captaincy. All in all, to soar through the distance, the KKR franchise does have enough fortitude under Eoin Morgan&#8217;s captaincy, but the team now distinctly needs to step up from their inferior show.

<h3>6. David Warner (SRH)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505739" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505739" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505739" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-1.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505739" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Although David Warner as a skipper has routinely seized the playoffs positions for SRH, in this IPL season, the Australian stalwart is struggling in big-time to guarantee some early wins. The SRH franchise has so far bagged a single win from their 5 matches and is currently placed last in the points table. Their bowling attack which has almost delivered in every game looks to be very well composed, but when it comes to batting, the team&#8217;s batting order looks to be in shambles.
In each of their five outings, the SRH team has batted second, and at least on three of these occasions, it&#8217;s the batting order which has malfunctioned to close wins. The selection of the middle-order batters under Warner&#8217;s captaincy has become a big wrangle especially when someone like Manish Pandey was being made to warm benches in the game against DC. Even Vijay Shankar&#8217;s lower batting position has raised some eyebrows ultimately raising lofty questions towards the entire team&#8217;s management.
However, the only silver lining under Warner&#8217;s captaincy has been Johnny Bairstow&#8217;s remarkable performances which could have gone dubious once <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tired-of-coming-second-in-super-overs-kane-williamson-after-srhs-defeat-to-dc-in-ipl-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kane Williamson</a> was back. All in all, with batting already being SRH&#8217;s secondary competency, the team surely needs a quick fix in their overall batting order along with some vigorous runs from the skipper&#8217;s bat as well.

<h3>5. Rohit Sharma (MI)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505311" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505311" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505311" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Although the earlier two wins against the KKR and SRH had heaped high praises for Rohit Sharma as a captain, the next two losses against DC and PBKS have hugely questioned the skipper&#8217;s decision to bat first. MI&#8217;s overall chubby batting order, in general, has been the prime complication that has refrained the franchise from winning games, especially the lower-order where both the Pandya brothers have been facing an ordeal.
The sluggish conditions of the Chepauk wicket have been a perplexing affair for MI batters thus making them face havoc to amass overpowering totals. However some changes in the batting order against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-match-21-10-best-memes-from-pbks-vs-kkr-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBKS</a> were viewed to escort some success, but the team yet again was dismantled cheaply. Also, with Kieron Pollard being highly capable to combat the arduous conditions, his prolonged batting position has raised some scrutiny against the management.
Overall, with MI now moving from Chennai to Delhi, where the conditions will again test their batting, the witty think tank of MI has to surely come up with a viable plan to combat, otherwise, the hat-trick of glories might only remain a dream

<h3>4. KL Rahul (PBKS)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506512" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506512" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506512" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-1.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506512" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
While Punjab Kings still might have only bagged two wins from their last six games, but there are plenty of reasons where captain KL Rahul&#8217;s calm composure has helped Punjab to close victories. The promotion of Deepak Hooda in the first game turned to be a masterstroke, as his quick-fire 64 runs yielded enough to grab a certain win. Even his cool demeanour, while Sanju Samson was going bonkers in that same match, at the end allowed PBKS to fetch the last ball triumph by 4 runs.
In terms of his batting, KL Rahul himself as usual is leading the team with a plethora of runs, as there have already been three-half century scores produced by him. Also, while transitioning from Mumbai to the sluggish surfaces of Chepauk, Rahul quickly in their second game against<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-scott-kuggeleijn-joins-mumbai-indians-camp-as-reserve-player/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> MI</a>, had infused Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI, which eventually allowed the spinner to bowl a game-changing spell of 2 wickets for 21 runs.
All in all, despite having a compromised lower middle-order along with some issues with their fifth bowling option, skipper KL Rahul has been zealously leading the side both with his bat and from his ingenious mind.

<h3>3. Rishabh Pant (DC)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506116" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506116" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506116" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-4.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506116" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
So far the newly appointed <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/dc-vs-rcb-dream11-prediction-ipl-fantasy-cricket-tips-playing-xi-updates-pitch-report-updates-for-match-22-apr-27th-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DC</a> captain has been having a triumphing time, as the Delhi franchise has only lost a single game from their initial 5 matches. By thrashing the giant teams like CSK, MI, and SRH, yet again, the DC team looks to be in full swing to book their position in the top two. For Rishabh Pant, in particular, managing the senior pros like Steve Smith, Shikhar Dhawan and Ravi Ashwin might be an inexpedient task, but so far the rookie has been doing an acceptable job.
With captaincy also making a player lot more responsible, a similar effect was visible when in the Super Over against SRH, Rishabh Pant himself had come out to bat and finished the proceedings on a winning note. Apart from his blunder in the second game where he had under bowled Ravi Ashwin against RR, Pant&#8217;s overall captaincy has been coherent which eventually has also allowed him to keep the morale of the team high.
All in all, despite the DC team still in due to display their best game, the team under Rishabh Pant has been flourishing well and is expected to continue their dominance in the points table.

<h3>2. Virat Kohli (RCB)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_508756" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-508756" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-508756" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-playing-a-shot.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli playing a shot" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-508756" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli playing a shot. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Finally, for a change, the Virat Kohli-led RCB team has been soaring high in the IPL 2021 and is highly anticipated to comfortably make it into the playoffs. As a skipper, Virat Kohli has been very apt with his overall captaincy, especially considering the obnoxious conditions at the Chepauk stadium. The positioning of Glenn Maxwell over AB de Villiers has yielded scintillating results in RCB&#8217;s favour, as both the players are diligently seen playing attacking cricket.
Playing with such a vigorous spirit has therefore allowed RCB to fetch a place in the top three of the point table, mainly equalling the other two teams in terms of points. Also, apart from the brimming batting form of ABD and Maxwell, both skipper himself and the young <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rcb-head-coach-simon-katich-discloses-how-virat-kohli-improved-devdutt-padikkals-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Devdutt Padikka</a>l had fetched an outstanding win against RR wherein the duo at the top had chased the target of 177 in 16.3 overs.
All in all, apart from omitting their hazardous loss against Chennai, the RCB team under Kohli&#8217;s ruthless captaincy now looks like a well-oiled machine and might eventually become the hot favourites to seal the IPL trophy.

<h3>1. MS Dhoni (CSK)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504270" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504270" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504270" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-3.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504270" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
While the initial loss against DC could have triggered the woes of the last season, but a winning streak in the last four games has resulted in CSK ruling the points table from the top. All of the collective four wins have been convincing conquests for CSK, eventually giving the clear indication of the normal services getting resumed under captain cool.
Despite playing all of their five games in Mumbai, where often chasing is considered as a much-preferred option, CSK has won three games by batting first and currently is upholding an excessive net run rate of above 1. As usual with his razor-sharp brain, MS Dhoni has again fetched some prolific performances from his bowlers, especially with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/hindi-me-nahi-bol-sakta-ms-dhonis-cheeky-comment-leaves-ravindra-jadeja-and-suresh-raina-in-splits/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja </a>and Deepak Chahar accomplishing match-winning causes. Also, Dhoni&#8217;s move to make Ravindra Jadeja bat at number five has further strong-armed CSK&#8217;s multi-dimensional batting, whose immediate gains were visible when the all-rounder smashed a blistering knock of 62 * from just 28 balls.
Even Dhoni&#8217;s prolonged backing formula for its off-form players has again worked as Ruturaj Gaikwad who struggling in big time as an opener has finally started to score sizable scores. All in all, just like the old days, the CSK franchise is back with its hefty wins and is highly anticipated to finish in the top two.

IPL skippers and their performances so far in the league.

IPL 2021: Ranking skippers based on performance of two weeks

All the teams have at least played five matches in the IPL so far and the respective skippers have played a big part in result of the game.