Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar surprised many fans when he named Rohit Sharma as the best captain in IPL history. His choice came during a rapid-fire segment where he was asked about the greatest players in different IPL roles.
Patidar’s answer caught attention because many people usually consider MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli when discussing IPL captaincy.
Patidar Names Rohit Sharma as Best IPL Captain
When asked to pick the greatest IPL captain, Patidar selected Rohit Sharma. He highlighted Rohit’s successful leadership with Mumbai Indians.
Rohit led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles during his captaincy era, making him one of the most successful leaders in the tournament.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL Captaincy Record
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| IPL Titles as Captain | 5 |
| Winning Years | 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 |
| Team | Mumbai Indians |
| Captaincy Period | Around a decade |
Rohit’s ability to handle pressure matches and build strong teams played a major role in Mumbai’s dominance during that period.
MS Dhoni’s Historic Captaincy Record
MS Dhoni remains one of the most respected captains in IPL history. He led Chennai Super Kings for many years and built one of the most consistent teams in the tournament.
Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK regularly reached the playoffs and finals.
MS Dhoni’s IPL Captaincy Highlights
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| IPL Titles | 5 |
| Playoff Appearances | 12 |
| Finals Reached | 10 |
| Win Rate | Around 60.37% |
| Team | Chennai Super Kings |
Dhoni also holds the record for the most matches and wins as captain in IPL history.
Virat Kohli’s Leadership Record
Virat Kohli is another major name in IPL captaincy discussions.
He led Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2013 to 2021 and guided the team to the IPL final in 2016.
However, RCB did not win the trophy during Kohli’s captaincy period.
Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Record
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Captaincy Years | 2013–2021 |
| Best Result | IPL Final in 2016 |
| IPL Titles as Captain | 0 |
Interestingly, Patidar later mentioned that Kohli would still be a great captain for him personally, showing respect for Kohli’s leadership influence.
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Patidar’s Picks for Best IPL Players
During the same rapid-fire segment, Patidar also named his choices for the best players in several categories.
Patidar’s Rapid-Fire Picks
| Category | Player |
|---|---|
| Best Batter | Virat Kohli |
| Best Fielder | Faf du Plessis |
| Best Fast Bowler | Dale Steyn |
| Best Spinner | Sunil Narine |
| Best Finisher | AB de Villiers |
| Death Overs Specialist | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Best Cover Drive | Virat Kohli |
Patidar praised Kohli’s consistency and his record as the IPL’s all-time leading run scorer with more than 8,600 runs.
He also highlighted Faf du Plessis for his outstanding fielding skills, especially his safe catching and quick movement in the outfield.
Teammates and Favorite Ground
Patidar also shared some lighter choices related to his teammates and personal preferences.
Patidar’s Personal Picks
| Category | Choice |
|---|---|
| Best Dressed Player | Virat Kohli |
| Best Music Taste | Phil Salt |
| Good Playlists | Romario Shepherd |
| Favorite Away Ground | Eden Gardens |
He said Eden Gardens is his favorite away stadium because of its historic atmosphere and passionate crowd.
Patidar’s Best IPL Moment
When asked about his favorite IPL moment, Patidar chose the 2025 IPL title victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
That season was special for RCB fans as the team finally achieved championship success.
Patidar’s Favorite IPL Moment
| Moment | Details |
|---|---|
| Best IPL Memory | RCB winning the IPL title in 2025 |
The moment reflects Patidar’s strong connection with the team and his pride in their success.
Conclusion
Rajat Patidar’s rapid-fire answers gave fans an interesting mix of records and personal preferences. His decision to name Rohit Sharma as the best IPL captain surprised many fans who expected MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli.
At the same time, Patidar showed respect to several cricket legends by selecting players like Kohli, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, and Jasprit Bumrah in different categories.
These choices highlight the impact of many great players who have shaped the IPL over the years.
