Who is the Baap of IPL? The Undisputed King of Cricket's

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament — it’s a festival of entertainment, excitement, and world-class talent. Every year, millions of fans from India and around the world tune in to watch their favorite teams battle it out. Big sixes, match-winning innings, nail-biting finishes — the IPL has it all.

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But one question has been echoing in cricket stadiums, social media posts, and friendly debates for years:

Who is the Baap of IPL?

The word “Baap” means the boss, the master, or the ultimate king. In cricket, calling someone the Baap of IPL means they have dominated the league with extraordinary performances, leadership, and consistency. Let’s explore what this really means and figure out who truly deserves this crown.

What Does “Baap of IPL” Mean?

When fans say someone is the Baap of IPL, they usually mean:

They dominate the game – scoring runs, taking wickets, or making match-winning plays.
They lead like a champion – inspiring the team, making smart decisions, and handling pressure.
They have a lasting legacy – leaving behind records and unforgettable moments.

In other words, the Baap of IPL could be:

A Player with incredible stats.
A Captain who wins trophies.
A Team that dominates season after season.

The Contenders for the Baap of IPL Crown

Over 15+ years of IPL history, many legends have claimed this spot in fans’ hearts. Let’s take a closer look at the main contenders.

1. MS Dhoni – The Captain Cool

Full Name: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
IPL Titles: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Special Records: Most matches as captain, most playoff appearances as a leader.

Dhoni is the heart and soul of CSK. Fans call him Thala (leader in Tamil) and respect him for his calm mind even in tense situations. Whether it’s chasing a huge target or defending a low score, Dhoni’s tactics have often turned impossible matches into victories.

Many fans believe Dhoni is the true Baap of IPL because of his consistency, leadership, and the way he inspires his team. Even at 40+, he continues to perform under pressure.

2. Rohit Sharma – The Hitman

Full Name: Rohit Gurunath Sharma
Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
IPL Titles: 5 as captain (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Special Records: Second-highest title-winning captain in IPL history.

Rohit Sharma transformed Mumbai Indians from an inconsistent side into a trophy-winning machine. Known for his big-hitting style and cool decision-making, Rohit has been a nightmare for bowlers in crucial matches.

With five trophies as captain, he matches Dhoni in terms of silverware, making him a strong contender for Baap of IPL team success.

3. Virat Kohli – The Run Machine

Full Name: Virat Kohli
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Special Records:
Highest run-scorer in IPL history (7,000+ runs).
Most runs in a single season: 973 runs in 2016.

Virat Kohli may not have an IPL trophy yet, but his batting records are unmatched. His hunger for runs, aggressive style, and fitness have made him one of the most feared batsmen in IPL history. For pure batting dominance, Kohli is the Baap of IPL runs.

4. Chennai Super Kings – The Most Consistent Team

IPL Titles: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Special Records: Most playoff appearances in IPL history.

CSK’s yellow army has one of the strongest fan bases in cricket. They’ve proven time and again that teamwork, experience, and smart strategies can beat any side.

5. Mumbai Indians – The Record Holders

IPL Titles: 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Special Records: Only team to win back-to-back IPL titles twice.

Under Rohit Sharma, MI became a powerhouse with stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Hardik Pandya. For many, MI is the Baap of IPL franchises.

Breaking It Down: Who Wins in Each Category?

If we look at different aspects of the game, the title of Baap of IPL changes slightly:

Baap of IPL Captaincy: MS Dhoni
Baap of IPL Batting: Virat Kohli
Baap of IPL Team Success: Mumbai Indians
Baap of IPL Fan Following: Chennai Super Kings

Why MS Dhoni Stands Out

Even though Rohit Sharma has equal trophies, Dhoni’s legacy is unmatched because:

Longevity: He has been leading CSK since the first IPL in 2008.
Consistency: Most playoff appearances.
Finishing Skills: Known as the best finisher in cricket.
Calm Mind: Always cool under pressure.

Fans often say: “In cricket, if there is Goat, it’s Sachin; if there is a king, it’s Kohli; and if there is a Baap, it’s Dhoni.”

Memorable IPL Moments That Made the Baap

Dhoni’s last-over sixes to seal the game.
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy masterstrokes in finals.
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 2016 season.
CSK’s comeback in 2018 after a two-year ban.
MI’s close wins in 2017 and 2019 finals.

These moments are why IPL is more than just a cricket league — it’s a storybook of legends.

Fan Sentiments and Social Media Buzz

Every IPL season, hashtags like #BaapOfIPL, #ThalaForAReason, and #HitmanRohit trend worldwide. Memes, fan battles, and polls often see Dhoni leading, followed by Rohit and Kohli. While stats play a big role, fan love is just as important.

Final Verdict – The Undisputed Baap

If we consider overall leadership, trophies, fan love, and big moments, MS Dhoni stands as the undisputed Baap of IPL.
But cricket is a game of opinions — for some, it’s Rohit Sharma, for others, Virat Kohli. And for team loyalists, their favorite franchise is the Baap forever.

Quick Facts:

First IPL Season: 2008
Most Runs: Virat Kohli
Most Wickets: Yuzvendra Chahal / Dwayne Bravo (depending on year)
Most Titles: Mumbai Indians & Chennai Super Kings (5 each)

FAQs About the Baap of IPL

Q1: Who is the Baap of IPL in 2025?
As of now, MS Dhoni is still widely considered the Baap of IPL due to his leadership and trophy count.

Q2: Who is the Baap of IPL batting?
Virat Kohli, with the most runs in IPL history.

Q3: Which team is called the Baap of IPL?
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians share the crown.

Q4: Can a new player become the Baap of IPL?
Yes, with consistent performances and match-winning moments, any new star can claim the title in the future.