Indian Premier League: Greatest XI of all time
Indian cricket changed dramatically in 2008. Lalit Modi introduced a new fever in this cricket crazy nation, the Indian Premier League. From blitz, glamour, entertainment, and sixes, India could not get enough of this 2-month long tournament. As we all await the 11th edition of the IPL, here is our list of the all-time eleven of the Indian Premier League.
T20 cricket's most destructive batsman
He is the man with the fastest T20 century to his name, which he scored in the IPL. Gayle also boasts the record of the most runs in T20s. If the West Indian gets going, he can single-handedly win games, however, an IPL trophy is still missing from his cabinet. In 101 matches, Gayle has scored 3,626 runs at a strike rate of 151.20.
Mr. Consistent
Virat Kohli usually bats at number three, but he has been equally destructive while opening the batting for RCB. The most consistent performer in the list, Kohli not just scores big but anchors the innings for the team. In the 9th edition, Kohli scored 973 runs which included 4 tons and 7 fifties. In 149 appearances, Kohli has 4,418 runs to his name.
IPL's top run scorer
Talk about scoring runs on a consistent basis and Suresh Raina has mastered that art in the IPL. Raina's inclusion in this XI needs no justification; he has the most number of appearances and is the leading run-scorer. One of the best fielders around, he has also picked 25 wickets. In 161 matches Raina has scored 4,540 runs.
IPL's most successful player
A four-time IPL champion, the Mumbai Indians captain has been one of the best performers in the IPL. He may open the batting for India, but in the IPL, his best knocks have come at number 4. It may come as a surprise to you, but Rohit has a hat-trick, in IPL, to his name. In 159 matches he has scored 4,207 runs.
The genius who defines T20 hitting
A crucial member of RCB, over the last few editions, ABD can bat at number 3 to number 6 and gets going from the very first ball. His ability to score 360 degrees around the ground makes him lethal. Not just a great batsman, he is one of the best fielders. In 129 games, he has 3,473 runs at a strike rate of 148.16.
The best captain in the business
Ignoring MS Dhoni from this XI would be a cardinal sin. One of the most successful captains, perfect finisher and the best wicket-keeper around, definitely makes Mahi a potent weapon. Dhohi has registered 106 dismissals in form of catches and stumpings. With Dhoni on your side, you always have a chance of winning. A veteran of 159 matches Dhoni has scored 3,560 runs.
The once mystery spinner
Sunil Narine has left several batsmen red-faced in IPL. The once mystery-spinner might now be only half as good as he was with his previous action, but is still one of the best T20 bowlers. Promoted as an opener in last edition, Narine scored 224 runs at a strike rate of 172.30. In 82 matches he has 95 wickets at an economy of 6.32.
India's swing king
Bhuvi has of been one the best home-grown bowlers in the Indian Premier League. The purple cap winner of the 10th edition of the tournament, he has picked up 111 wickets in 90 matches at an average of 21.07. A death over specialist, Bhuvi boasts an economy of 7.08 and has evolved as a player, adding the yorker and knuckle-ball to his armory.
The leg-spinner from Haryana
The second highest wicket-taker after Malinga in the IPL, Amit Mishra walks into this XI. Despite being one of the best in the league, team success hasn't always come his way. A consistent wicket-taker Mishra has 134 scalps in 126 matches. He is the only player to pick a hat-trick thrice in the IPL.
The man with no expiry date
Having a left arm pacer in your arsenal is always a good option and veteran cricketer, Ashish Nehra perfectly suits the bill. The now-retired cricketer has made 88 IPL appearances picking up 106 wickets at an average of 23.53. One of the best swing bowlers, Nehra is also very consistent and knows how to keep it tight under pressure.
The frightening toe crusher specialist
Talk about pinpoint accuracy and the first thing that comes to your mind is Lasith Malinga's toe crushers. Arguably the greatest T20 bowlers of all time, Malinga goes at your stumps with yorkers from the very first ball. Getting the top-order batsman is what you ideally want and not many batsmen can get the better of him. He has 154 wickets in 111 matches.
