Rajat Patidar over Hardik Pandya-MS Dhoni; IPL 2025 Best Captain picked
Former Cricketer Simon Doull Picks Best IPL Captain in 2025 So Far
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull recently took on the ‘This or That’ challenge to determine the top captain in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025 season. Known for his insightful commentary, Doull made some surprising choices that sparked discussions among cricket fans.
Doull’s Choices in the Challenge
In a video shared by Cricbuzz, Doull was presented with various names of IPL captains and asked to pick the best among them. Despite the esteemed leadership of players like MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya, Doull surprised many by choosing Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as his top pick.
While Doull acknowledged the skills of players like Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni, he believed that Patidar’s leadership qualities stood out in this year’s tournament. The former cricketer also selected Ajinkya Rahane over Patidar in the challenge, showcasing his unique perspective on captaincy in the IPL.
Axar Patel Emerges as a Strong Contender
As the challenge continued, Doull’s choices shifted towards Axar Patel, the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC). Despite tough competition from players like Shreyas Iyer and Pat Cummins, Doull ultimately chose Axar as the standout captain in the IPL 2025 season so far.
Under Axar’s guidance, the Delhi Capitals have achieved notable success, securing four consecutive wins before a recent loss to the Mumbai Indians. With a strong track record and impressive leadership skills, Axar Patel has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
Rajat Patidar’s Leadership at RCB
Rajat Patidar assumed the role of captain for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2025 campaign. Under his leadership, RCB has enjoyed a strong start to the season, currently sitting at third place on the points table with 8 points and a Net Run Rate of +0.67.
While RCB has faced challenges at home, losing matches to teams like the Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, they have excelled in away games. The team secured victories over formidable opponents like Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals in consecutive away matches.
Looking Ahead
As RCB prepares to face off against , led by Shreyas Iyer, in their upcoming match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, fans are eager to see if Rajat Patidar and his team can maintain their winning momentum. With a potential spot in the playoffs within reach, RCB’s performance in the coming matches will be crucial in determining their final standings in the league.
Overall, Simon Doull’s choices in the ‘This or That’ challenge have added an intriguing dimension to the discussion around the best captains in the IPL 2025 season. With players like Rajat Patidar and Axar Patel making their mark on the tournament, fans can expect more excitement and surprises as the competition progresses.
The Unconventional Picks of Simon Doull
Former cricketer Simon Doull’s choices in the ‘This or That’ challenge have certainly raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts. Opting for underdogs like Rajat Patidar and Axar Patel over seasoned veterans like MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya showcases Doull’s unique perspective on leadership in the IPL.
It’s worth noting that Doull’s selections are not merely based on individual performance but rather on the intangible qualities that make a great captain. While statistics and on-field prowess are crucial, a captain’s ability to inspire and lead a team to success cannot be underestimated. By shining a spotlight on lesser-known captains like Patidar and Patel, Doull highlights the importance of looking beyond the obvious choices when evaluating leadership in cricket.
The Rise of Axar Patel
Axar Patel’s emergence as a standout captain in the IPL 2025 season is a testament to his growth and development as a leader. Known for his all-round abilities, Patel has seamlessly transitioned into the role of captaincy, guiding the Delhi Capitals to impressive victories and showcasing his strategic acumen on the field.
As Patel continues to make his mark on the tournament, his leadership style and decision-making skills are garnering attention from fans and analysts alike. With a blend of experience and youth in his team, Patel’s captaincy has the potential to steer the Delhi Capitals towards greater success in the remainder of the season.
Rajat Patidar’s Impact at RCB
Rajat Patidar’s appointment as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been a refreshing change for the team and its supporters. Under Patidar’s leadership, RCB has shown resilience and determination, bouncing back from setbacks and delivering strong performances on the field.
While Patidar may not have the same level of recognition as some of his counterparts, his leadership qualities have been instrumental in RCB’s success this season. By instilling a sense of belief and unity within the team, Patidar has been able to bring out the best in his players and propel RCB towards a promising position in the league standings.
Looking to the Future
As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, the competition is only set to intensify, with teams vying for playoff spots and ultimate glory. With captains like Rajat Patidar and Axar Patel making a significant impact on their respective teams, the race for the championship title promises to be thrilling and unpredictable.
Fans can expect more surprises and standout performances as the tournament progresses, with underdogs like Patidar and Patel challenging the established norms of leadership in the IPL. As Simon Doull’s selections continue to spark debates and discussions, the evolving narrative of captaincy in cricket adds an intriguing layer of excitement to the sporting spectacle that is the Indian Premier League.
By delving deeper into the nuances of captaincy and highlighting the rise of unconventional leaders, the IPL 2025 season promises to be a compelling showcase of talent, teamwork, and strategic brilliance on the cricket field.


