Hardik Pandya pick all-time IPL XI, selects MS Dhoni as captain

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya has picked his all-time IPL XI, in which he selected MS Dhoni as the captain of the side. Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle open the innings for Pandya. Gayle is the highest run-scorer in the T20 format and has scored 4484 runs in 125 IPL matches whereas Rohit has amassed 4898 runs in 188 IPL matches.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli makes the cut into Pandya’s all-time team as the talisman is the leading run-getter in IPL with 5412 runs from 177 matches. Pandya selected former South African captain AB de Villiers to bat at number four. AB has amassed 4395 runs in 154 IPL matches at an impressive average of 39.12 and a staggering strike rate of 151.24.

Suresh Raina, who has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years, bats at number five in Pandya’s  team. The left-hander has scored 5368 runs in 193 IPL matches and he is the second highest-run getter of the tournament.

MS Dhoni is the wicket-keeper batsman of the side. Dhoni is the second most successful captain as he has led CSK to three titles.  Dhoni has scored 4432 runs in 190 IPL matches at an impressive average of 42.21 and strike rate of 137.85.

Interestingly, Pandya also selected himself in his team. Hardik Pandya has scored 1068 runs in 66 IPL matches at a blistering strike rate of 154.78 and has claimed 42 wickets.

Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine are the two spinners in the side. The Afghanistan leg-spinner has snared 55 wickets in 44 IPL matches. Narine has done a fine job for KKR as an all-rounder and he has scalped 122 wickets in 110 matches. The southpaw batsman has also opened the innings and he has scored 771 runs at a blitzkrieg strike rate of 168.

Pandya picked his Mumbai Indians teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga in his side. Malinga is the leading wicket-taker in the IPL as the Sri Lankan legend has taken 170 wickets in 122 matches. Jasprit Bumrah, who is one of the best death bowlers, has picked 82 wickets in 77 matches.

Hardik Pandya’s all-time IPL XI while speaking to Cricbuzz: Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Hardik Pandya, Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga.