Michael Vaughan snubs Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle as he names best IPL captain and batter of all-time

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan recently revealed his greatest picks from Indian Premier League history during an entertaining segment for Cricbuzz. The cricketer-turned-commentator answered rapid-fire questions about several cricket legends, and the video caught the attention of fans.

His revelations came just before IPL 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the fixtures for the first phase. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.

Michael Vaughan Picks Virat Kohli as the best IPL Batter

When asked to name the best IPL batter of all time, Michael Vaughan first mentioned big names like Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, and Jos Buttler. However, he finally said that Virat Kohli stands above all other great batters.

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"The best IPL batter, there's been a few. I mean the Universe Boss Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina has been exceptional, Rohit Sharma, from England Jos Buttler has been great, but there's only one. And that's Virat Kohli. He's been a star for many many years and he's still going, so it's Virat Kohli."

🚨 Best of all-time | IPL edition

🏏 Kohli - Best IPL batter ever?

🏆 CSK - Greatest team?@MichaelVaughan reveals his picks, right here 👇#IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/ar8OQpBVdC

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 16, 2026

Kohli has scored over 8,000 runs in his IPL career. The right-handed batter is the leading run-scorer in the tournament. He also holds the record for the most runs in a single season, scoring 973 runs in 2016. Kohli has hit eight centuries, the most by any batter in IPL history.

Michael Vaughan Names Jasprit Bumrah as the best IPL Bowler

Michael Vaughan was also asked to name the best bowler in IPL history. He mentioned players like Rashid Khan and Lasith Malinga, but said Jasprit Bumrah is the best bowler he has watched in competitive cricket.

"The best IPL bowler, quite a few. Rashid Khan's been pretty good, Lasith Malinga, but I keep saying it, he is the best I've ever seen and it's Jasprit Bumrah."

Bumrah has been a key bowler for the Mumbai Indians since joining the team in 2013. He has often delivered in pressure situations and was part of the franchise’s five IPL title wins during their golden era.

Michael Vaughan Picks Mumbai Indians as Best IPL Team

Michael Vaughan also named the best team in IPL history. He chose Mumbai Indians over Chennai Super Kings. Vaughan said Mumbai Indians bring a special wow factor to the IPL.

"Best IPL team of all time, CSK? Mumbai Indians? Mumbai Indians. I think they bring a little bit of the wow factor. It's Mumbai."

Chennai Super Kings have won five titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 under MS Dhoni. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have also won five IPL championships.

Mumbai Indians last won the IPL trophy in 2020 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, while Chennai Super Kings won their most recent title under MS Dhoni. Both teams will aim to become the first to win a sixth IPL title in 2026.

Also read: IPL 2026 schedule to be changed for Rajasthan Royals? BCCI faces Assam elections headache