- Anil Kumble (Royal Challengers Bangalore – 2009) – Runner-up
Anil Kumble was one of greatest captain in IPL history, yet he never won IPL trophies as a captain. However, in IPL 2009 he was not first choice captain for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Kevin Pietersen was first choice captain for RCB in IPL 2009. After a disastrous run in inaugural IPL (IPL 2008) as they finished at 7th position out of 8 teams, it was looking that the run would take continue in IPL 2009 while RCB lost 4 matches out of first 6 matches under Kevin Pietersen captaincy (won 2 matches).
After that, Kevin Pietersen left IPL due to fulfil his international commitments with England and Anil Kumble replaced him as captain. After taking charge of RCB, Anil Kumble totally changed team’s image as team lost only 2 matches out of next 8 matches of IPL 2009 group stage. Like other best captains, Anil Kumble too led his team from the front as his team won 6 matches in IPL 2009 group stage after taking his captaincy. Kumble was second highest wicket-taker in IPL 2009 with 21 wickets.
RCB beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) quite easily in IPL 2009 semi-final but ended inches away to win the trophy as they lost against Deccan Chargers (DC) by just 6 runs in the final of IPL 2009. Even despite the loss in the final match, Anil Kumble won “Player of the match” award for his brilliant bowling effort (4/16). Kumble tried very hard to win that trophy, but failed that at the very last and close moment. However, he won heart with his captaincy and bowling in the IPL 2009.