One of the former opening batsmen of the Indian cricket team, who is now known for his brilliant commentary skills, has chosen his all-time IPL XI. How does it look and who all are there adorning this team of champions? Let’s have a look.
David Warner
The pinnacle of Hyderabad Sunrisers’ success in the 2016 IPL campaign and a consistent performer for the southern franchisees for year after year, David Warner is the one to open the innings for Akash Chopra’s IPL XI. Akash is spot on with the selection of this hard-hitting batsman, who has scored 4706 runs at a strike rate of 142.39.
Rohit Sharma
Besides being the most successful captain of all time in the IPL, Rohit Sharma is known to take the opposition bowling apart with his destructive batting while opening the innings for Mumbai Indians. With a total of 4898 runs scored at a strike rate of 130.82, the Indian batsman is opening the batting alongside Warner for Akash Chopra’s side.
Virat Kohli
Coming in at 3 is none other than the skipper of the Indian national team and arguably the best batsman in the world at the moment, Virat Kohli. With the ability to score runs at will against any bowling attack on his day, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain has a tally of whopping 5412 runs at a strike rate of 131.61 to justify his selection in Akash’s team.
Suresh Raina
Probably the most successful batsman in the history of IPL, the Chennai Super Kings southpaw has been the epitome of consistency over the years in this prestigious tournament. With 5368 runs in total at a strike rate of 137.14 to his name, the Indian T20 specialist batsman is at number four in Akash Chopra’s lineup.
AB De Villiers
Known as the most complete batsman of his generation, this South African batsman can tear down any bowling attack with his unorthodox shot-making ability. The aggregator of 4395 runs in total at a strike rate of 151.23, the Royal Challengers Bangalore ace is in at number five to adorn Akash Chopra’s IPL XI.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C & WK)
The most successful captain in Indian cricket history, MS Dhoni, is also the second most successful skipper in the history of the IPL playing for Chennai Super Kings. Akash Chopra picks him to lead the side with his bat and his gloves as he comes in at number 6, with 4432 runs at a strike rate 137.85 to his name.
Harbhajan Singh
The former Mumbai Indians bowler, who now plays for Chennai Super Kings, is one of the most consistent performers in the bowling department when it comes to IPL. With 150 wickets at a stellar average of 26.44 and an economy rate of 7.05 in his career, this Indian off-spin bowler is coming in at number seven of Akash Chopra’s IPL XI.
Sunil Narine
The Kolkata Knight Riders spinner, who is known for his brilliant carrom ball, is in at number 8 for this team. He has a total tally of 122 wickets to his name at an average of 23.31 and an economy rate of 6.67.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The main strike bowler of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who has a stellar average of 23.71 and an economy rate of 7.24, is in at number nine for Akash Chopra’s IPL XI.
Lasith Malinga
The Mumbai Indians pacer has one of the best career graphs in IPL history, with a total of 170 wickets at an average of 19.80 and an economy rate of 7.14. He will lead the bowling attack for Akash’s side for sure.
Jaspreet Bumrah
With 82 wickets at an average of 26.59 and an economy rate of 7.55, this Mumbai Indians ace will pair up with his teammate Malinga in Akash Chopra’s elite IPL XI.
