As IPL 2026 continues to generate discussion among fans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar made an interesting choice when talking about the greatest finisher in IPL history. His answer surprised many cricket followers, especially because MS Dhoni was not included in his top pick.
Patidar named AB de Villiers as the best finisher he has ever seen in the Indian Premier League. The statement quickly sparked debate among fans, as Dhoni is widely considered one of the most successful finishers in the history of the league.
Patidar Names AB de Villiers as the Best IPL Finisher
During a rapid-fire segment, Patidar was asked to choose the greatest IPL finisher of all time. Without hesitation, he selected AB de Villiers.
De Villiers, who played many memorable innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is known for his fearless batting, ability to score quickly in the final overs, and his wide range of shots.
His finishing ability helped RCB win several matches from difficult situations, making him one of the most admired players in IPL history.
MS Dhoni’s Absence from the List Surprises Fans
Many fans were surprised that MS Dhoni was not chosen in this category. Dhoni has built his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in cricket, both for India and for Chennai Super Kings.
CSK supporters especially questioned the decision because Dhoni has finished many close matches in IPL history with calm and powerful hitting in the final overs.
Even though Patidar picked de Villiers as his all-time finisher, Dhoni’s legacy as a match-winner remains widely respected across the cricket world.
Dhoni’s Famous Finishing Moments
Several iconic moments from Dhoni’s career are often remembered when discussing great finishers.
One of the most famous examples came during the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup final. Dhoni promoted himself in the batting order during the chase and finished the match with a six, helping India win the World Cup after 28 years.
Another memorable moment came in the 2013 Tri-Series Final against Sri Lanka in Port of Spain. India needed a difficult chase of 202 runs. In the final over, Dhoni smashed 16 runs off the last three balls to guide India to victory.
These moments highlight his ability to stay calm under pressure and finish games in dramatic fashion.
Patidar’s Other IPL Picks
Apart from naming the best finisher, Patidar also shared his choices for several other IPL roles.
Patidar’s Top IPL Picks
| Category | Player |
|---|---|
| Best IPL Captain | Rohit Sharma |
| Best IPL Batter | Virat Kohli |
| Best IPL Fielder | Faf du Plessis |
| Best IPL Finisher | AB de Villiers |
Patidar’s captaincy choice also attracted attention. Instead of naming Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni, he selected Rohit Sharma as the best captain in IPL history.
Rohit led Mumbai Indians to multiple IPL titles, making him one of the most successful captains the league has seen.
Also See : IPL 2026 Result: Delhi Capitals Beat Lucknow Super Giants by 6 Wickets
Dhoni Injury Update in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is currently dealing with a calf strain during IPL 2026. Because of this injury, he has missed Chennai Super Kings’ opening match of the season.
Reports suggest that Dhoni may miss the first two weeks of the tournament as he continues his rehabilitation.
MS Dhoni Injury Situation
| Detail | Update |
|---|---|
| Injury | Calf strain |
| Age | 44 |
| Matches missed | Opening match of IPL 2026 |
| Expected absence | First two weeks of the season |
Dhoni’s absence could affect CSK’s early strategy in the tournament as the team adjusts its lineup without its experienced leader.
Patidar’s selections have added fresh discussion among fans about who truly deserves the title of the IPL’s greatest players in different roles.
While AB de Villiers received Patidar’s vote as the best finisher, many fans continue to support Dhoni as the most reliable match-winner in tight situations.
As IPL 2026 moves forward, these debates will continue alongside the action on the field.
CricketMAN2 will continue bringing the latest updates from the tournament, including player performances, team strategies, and major talking points from the league.
