Navjot Singh Sidhu has sparked considerable debate in the cricket fraternity by naming Rohit Sharma as the captain of his IPL 2025 'Team of the Tournament.' This decision, revealed on his YouTube channel, has drawn mixed reactions, primarily due to Rohit Sharma not captaining the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the recent season and Shreyas Iyer's notable leadership of the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Sidhu's selection includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer, Nicholas Pooran, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Noor Ahmad, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, and Josh Hazlewood. While the inclusion of many of these players seems justified based on their individual performances, it is Rohit's captaincy that has become the focal point of discussion.
Rohit Sharma, despite not being the captain of MI this year, had a decent run, amassing 418 runs in 15 matches with a strike rate of 149.28. Sidhu defended his choice by highlighting Rohit's impressive legacy, which includes five IPL titles, a T20 World Cup, and a Champions Trophy victory. He also pointed to Rohit's significant contribution to MI's turnaround in the latter half of the tournament, particularly his crucial 81-run innings against Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. Sidhu emphasized Rohit's experience and temperament in high-pressure situations as key factors in his selection.
However, critics argue that Shreyas Iyer, who led PBKS to the IPL final for the first time in 11 years, was a more deserving candidate for captaining the 'Team of the Tournament'. Under Iyer's leadership, PBKS showcased a balanced squad, effectively utilizing both emerging Indian talent and experienced overseas players. Iyer's tactical acumen and leadership were widely praised throughout the season. Moreover, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ultimately won the IPL 2025, with Rajat Patidar as captain, further adding complexity to Sidhu's decision to overlook recent form and instead prioritize legacy.
The decision to appoint Rohit Sharma as captain has been perceived by some as favoring past achievements over current performance and leadership. While Rohit's contributions to MI were valuable, they did not necessarily outshine Iyer's captaincy, who guided his team to an unexpected final appearance. This has led to questions about whether Sidhu's selection criteria were based more on reputation than on the actual impact of captaincy in the IPL 2025 season.
Despite the criticism, Sidhu's choices also reflect a certain appreciation for experience and proven match-winners. His selections indicate a blend of stats, impact, and a legacy that players like Rohit Sharma bring to the table. The debate underscores the subjective nature of such selections, where different parameters can be weighed differently by various analysts and fans.
