- George Bailey (Kings XI Punjab – 2014) – Runner-up
Till the date, George Bailey was the best captain of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in IPL history, yet he failed to bring the IPL trophy in KXIP dressing room. After showing good performance in inauguration IPL (IPL 2008), where KXIP were semi-finalist, KXIP never qualified again in the semi-final/playoffs before IPL 2014.
KXIP captaincy was handed over to George Bailey for IPL 2014. From the beginning of the tournament, KXIP ran outstandingly well under Bailey’s captaincy. During the UAE tour, KXIP finished unbeaten as they won 5 out of 5 matches. After that in India, Bailey leading KXIP never broke that fine momentum despite few loss. At the end of group stage competition, KXIP finished at the top of the table with 22 points in 14 matches. During group stage fight, KXIP won 11 games and lost only 3 games.
Then in the playoffs, though KXIP lost in Qualifier 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but entered in the IPL 2014 final after winning in Qualifier 2 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). KXIP was very close to win IPL 2014 but finally failed from inches away as KKR snatched the trophy at the very last moment. Though KXIP lost the final match of IPL 2014 but they played dangerously and greatly in the whole tournament under Bailey’s captaincy. With that captaincy of Bailey, KXIP images went on high which will be never down.