Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen says MS Dhoni is a better Indian Premier League captain than Rohit Sharma.
Pietersen, who played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, sided with Dhoni as the best skipper when posed the question on Star Sports’ Greatest of All Time podcast.
The South African-born batting sensation thinks Dhoni just edges out Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma due to the expectation levels put on the CSK man. The pair lead the top two teams in Indian Premier League history. MI have bagged four titles under Rohit’s leadership, while Chennai have lifted the trophy on three occasions.
Pietersen explained: “His relationship with (Stephen) Fleming, the consistency at the franchise and the wicket they play on; so it would be hard to go against MS and he will probably get my vote.
“I like what Rohit Sharma does and I love the Mumbai Indians and their approach to the game. However, for consistency and weight of expectation down there in Chennai, MS is my guy.”
Dhoni handles the pressure
That opinion was also backed up by fellow show judge Danny Morrison. The former New Zealand fast bowler also felt handling the pressure made him the best IPL skipper.
He added: Looking at the vibe and the inspiration of that fellow (MS Dhoni) in yellow and what he did for India in blue and that helicopter shot which changes the course of the game… yes he is a lot older and finishing up (and) Rohit's got more time. But for me Dhoni takes the pressure like no one else.”
There has been support for Rohit Sharma, however, when retired India batsman Gautam Gambhir picked him when asked the question on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected show. He thinks more titles await the Mumbai man.
He said: “I think it’s Rohit Sharma. He has won it four times. Captaincy is all about winning trophies. He will end up being the most successful IPL captain of all time as well. He has four already, he may finish at 6-7 maybe under his belt.”
Meanwhile, the judging panel on the show picked AB de Villiers in the best batsman category and Lasith Malinga in top bowler category. The all-rounder pick went to Chennai Super Kings’ Shane Watson.
