The 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) was supposed to begin from March 29 this year, but due to COVID-19 outbreak, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to suspend the tournament for an indefinite period.
In the previous editions of the cash-rich league, there have been several players who have impressed fans with their outstanding performances. However, few have been consistent, and therefore they are often seen in all-time IPL XI of experts.
Amid the global pandemic, former cricketers and pundits of the captivating game are seen revealing their pick of the players from IPL. Following the trend, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has named his all-time IPL XI.
Starting with the openers, Chopra has gone with David Warner and Rohit Sharma. In 126 games, Warner has scored 4706 runs – highest by a foreign player. Rohit, on the other hand, is the third-highest run-scorer in the lucrative league having scored as many as 4898 runs in 188 matches.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli and arguably the most consistent performer of IPL Suresh Raina will bat at number three and four respectively. The following position has been given to South Africa stalwart AB de Villiers. Kohli with 5412 runs in his account is the leading run-getter in the history of IPL.
Similarly, Raina with 5368 runs is the second-highest run-getter of the exciting league. While De Villiers has accumulated 4395 runs, and he is the third-most run-scorer amongst overseas cricketers.
Interestingly, Chopra hasn’t picked any all-rounder in the team. For the wicket-keeper spot, the cricketer-turned-commentator went with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni, who is also the captain of Chopra’s all-time IPL XI. MSD holds the record of smashing the maximum number of sixes (209) in the tournament amongst Indian players and third overall.
Amongst bowlers, Chopra has selected the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Sunil Narine. When it comes to seamers, Chopra has picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians’ (MI) pace duo – Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga.
Malinga is the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL with as many as 170 scalps to his name in 122 games, while his partner from MI, Bumrah has grabbed 82 wickets in 77 matches.
Chopra additionally picked Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) former leader Gautam Gambhir and current all-rounder, Andre Russell, as the two reserve players.
Here is Aakash Chopra’s all-time IPL XI:
David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni (c), Harbhajan Singh, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga.
Reserve Players: Gautam Gambhir, Andre Russell.
