IPL is just around the corner and the excitement is just getting better and better. We saw some spectacular purchases in the IPL auctions but even before a plethora of players went under the hammer, some iconic players were already retained by franchises.
So we have made a team of the retained players which we call the IPL RETAINED PLAYERS XI.
Openers
David Warner
Rohit Sharma
Perfect opening combination of a lethal left-handed batsman and an explosive right-handed batsman. This opening pair can play around with any bowling attack and literally destroy the finest bowling attacks. This is the best international opening pair for T20 cricket.
Middle Order
One Down: Virat Kohli (captain)
Two Down: AB De Villiers
Three Down: Suresh Raina
So, if the bowlers get away with the openers and expose the middle order, things would only get worse for them as they would then have to see Virat Kohli and ABD take the crease. This is a rich middle order which also includes Suresh Raina who is the leading run-getter for India in the shortest format of the game.
Wicket-Keeper
MS Dhoni
Well, the obvious choice here. Rishabh Pant was another choice but we would still go with MS Dhoni for all his experience and lightning-fast reflexes. So, MS Dhoni is the perfect wicketkeeper for this IPL Retained Players XI.
All Rounders
Hardik Pandya
Chris Morris
Perfect all rounders both of them. While Morris was retained by the Delhi Daredevils, Hardik Pandya was retained by the Mumbai Indians. Both can contribute to the team as full-time bowlers and well as batsmen.
Bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Ravindra Jadeja
The best bowling attack among the retained players. Bhuvi and Bumrah have been just sensational in the limited overs cricket.
How would you rate this squad?