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Rohit Sharma Chosen as Captain in Sidhu’s IPL 2025 Team of the Tournament
In a surprising turn of events, former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has picked Rohit Sharma as the captain of his IPL 2025 Team of the Tournament. This selection has raised eyebrows, given that Rohit didn’t captain any side during the season. The Mumbai Indians (MI) handed over the leadership reins to Hardik Pandya last year, making Rohit just another player in IPL 2025. Yet, Sidhu has gone against the grain by choosing him as his virtual team leader, sparking much debate.
Sidhu made the announcement through his YouTube channel just days after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lifted their first-ever IPL trophy in Ahmedabad, with Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings finishing as runners-up. The timing of this pick, following such an eventful IPL season, has certainly got people talking.
Why Was Shreyas Iyer Excluded?
The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from the captaincy in Sidhu’s IPL team has been a point of contention for many fans. Iyer, who led Punjab Kings to their first final in 11 years, was widely considered one of the best captains of IPL 2025. Despite the odds, Iyer managed to guide a team with limited experience and a few uncapped talents to an impressive final. His ability to trust young players while handling big names like Liam Livingstone and Shahrukh Khan earned him widespread praise.
However, Sidhu’s choice of Rohit over Iyer seems to favor legacy over immediate success. Sidhu pointed out Rohit’s five IPL titles and his crucial performances in high-pressure situations, especially his 81-run knock against Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. Even though Rohit wasn’t officially the captain, he acted as MI’s on-field general, finishing the season with 418 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 149.28.
Yet, it’s hard to overlook the fact that Rohit started the IPL 2025 season poorly, with his average dropping below 30, which is lower than the expectations set for a player of his caliber.
Sidhu’s IPL 2025 Team of the Tournament
Here is Navjot Singh Sidhu’s IPL 2025 Team of the Tournament:
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Captain: Rohit Sharma
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Players: Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, Nicholas Pooran, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Noor Ahmad, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL 2025 Performance
Rohit Sharma played 15 matches in IPL 2025, amassing 418 runs with a high score of 81 and an average of 29.85. His strike rate stood at 149.28, and he hit 4 half-centuries along with 41 fours and 22 sixes. Despite starting the tournament poorly, Rohit’s ability to deliver in crunch situations and his experience in big matches were pivotal for MI, even if his overall performance fell below the high standards he has set in previous seasons.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s selection as captain in Sidhu’s IPL 2025 Team of the Tournament may seem controversial to some, but it highlights the power of legacy and leadership in cricket. While Shreyas Iyer’s performance as captain was more statistically impressive, Sidhu’s decision underscores the importance of leadership in the big moments, which is something Rohit has consistently delivered throughout his career. As IPL 2025 comes to a close, these debates continue to fuel discussions about what truly makes a player deserving of the highest honors in the tournament.
