If it hadn’t been for the coronavirus pandemic, cricket lovers across the globe would have been glued to the IPL. The 13th edition of the IPL was postponed indefinitely, just a day before it turned 12.
But even when the excitement of the IPL matches is not there with us, we can cherish the memories that IPL has left in our hearts and celebrate the players who have had lasting impression on our hearts and mind.
With innumerable Steller performances and performers in the IPl throughout its 12-year history, it would be difficult to choose and pick a few. Hence, we bring the all time best 11 of IPL history. We must admit it wasn’t an easy job deciding the players to part of this team but we have tried to justice to it.
Here we present the all time best 11 of IPL history.
All Time Best 11 Of IPL History
Chris Gayle And David Warner Are The Designated Openers
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West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle’s impact in the IPL has been huge. The Universe Boss has given its plenty of memories with his dazzling strikes. Gayle Storm hit many shores and cities over the years. Gayle’s love for the league is deep and his records are a testament.
He holds the record for the highest score in the IPL (175*). His tally of 326 sixes is way ahead of many others. He also has the most centuries in the tournament (6). With 4,484 runs in 125 matches, Gayle is the sixth-highest run-scorer in the IPL. His strike-rate of 151.02 serves the billing.
Australian southpaw David Warner is a master in T20 cricket. Perhaps the most consistent force in modern day, Warner has ruled the IPL with his plethora of runs. Notably, the Aussie international has scored 500-plus runs in each of the last five IPL editions he has featured in.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad player has won the most Orange Caps in the tournament (3). He has the highest average among players with 100-plus matches (43.17). Warner has the most fifties as well (44). With 4,706 runs in 126 matches, Warner is the fourth-highest run-scorer. Notably, he has played just 10 editions in the tourney.
Tendulkar, Kohli And ABD Add Glamour To This Batting Line-Up
Sachin Tendulkar was always going to attract a lot of attention after winning the ICC World Cup 2011. The IPL started weeks later and Tendulkar was all set to grace Wankhede to lead the Mumbai Indians. Tendulkar didn’t disappoint as the years passed by. He featured in six editions (2008-13) and treated the fans with his trademark shots.
In 78 matches, Tendulkar scored 2,334 runs at an average of 34.83. He hit one ton and 13 half-centuries. He is the only Indian to have won the Most Valuable Player Award. He also won the prestigious Orange Cap in 2010. The Master Blaster bagged the IPL title with MI in 2013.
RCB skipper Virat Kohli has bossed the IPL just like he has done so in ODIs and T20Is. A champion white-ball player, Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the tournament (5412). He holds the record for most runs in an edition of the IPL (973 in 2016). He also has the most centuries in a single edition (4). Kohli has five tons and 36 fifties to show his mettle in the T20 league.
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AB de Villiers’ presence in the IPL lifts up the entire mood. A crowd puller and an entertainer, ABD not only helped bring innovation in the game, but he also raised the standards in the field. The backbone of RCB, De Villiers has been extremely valuable and smart in the format. He is the ninth-highest run-scorer (4,395). ABD has piled up three tons and 33 fifties.
MS Dhoni Gets Nod As Captain, Bravo And Narine Bring All-Round Abilities
The most successful skipper in IPL – MS Dhoni is an institution himself. The smartest brain on the field, Dhoni has picked the IPL so effortlessly and has set a benchmark for the others. Few can match his abilities as a keeper-batsman, besides, the leadership attributes he has.
The Chennai Super Kings skipper has helped CSK be the most consistent side. With three IPL titles in 10 seasons, besides being the runners-up on five occasions, Dhoni has led the side from the front. Notably, he was also a runner-up with Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2017 under Steve Smith.
Dhoni, who has contributed with the most wins and most dismissals as a keeper, has scored 4,432 runs in 190 matches.
All-rounders are crucial in any format and the IPL is no different. Among some top names, we go with Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine as the greatest all-rounders to have graced the event. Bravo has won numerous IPL honours, besides being a two-time Purple Cap winner. His presence with the ball and match-winning attributes with the bat, make him a world class player.
He has 147 wickets in 134 matches. Bravo has also scored 1,483 runs.
And then, there is two-time IPL winner Narine. The spinner has been KKR’s strength over the years. His contribution as a batsman upfront in previous seasons was a blessing in disguise. Narine, who has won two MVP awards, has claimed a total of 122 scalps in 110 matches.
Malinga Leads The Bowling Show, Bhajji And Bumrah Fit In
Lasith Malinga holds the record for most wickets in the tournament. The Lankan veteran has picked up a staggering 170 scalps for Mumbai Indians at a stellar average of just 19.80. With four six-wicket hauls and one fifer, Malinga showed the art of death bowling with ferocious toe-crushing balls and magical slower deliveries. A master of the game, Malinga has won four IPL titles.
Harbhajan Singh’s contribution cannot go unnoticed. He has been in the circuit for a long time. The veteran off-spinner brings experience and vitality. With four IPL honours, the spin ace has claimed 150 scalps in 160 games.
Malinga’s pupil Jasprit Bumrah has followed the former’s footsteps. He has mastered the art of bowling tight at the death, besides being a serial match-winner. Bumrah, who is considered to be one of the best fast bowlers in the world, needs to credit the IPL for his immense growth.
Be it with the new ball or at the death, he can be counted upon blindly. With 82 wickets in 77 matches, Bumrah has made a place for himself among the greatest IPL players.
Meanwhile, we also pick some of the strong contenders, who missed the bus narrowly.
Batsmen: Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma.
All-rounder: Shane Watson.
Bowlers: Amit Mishra, Piyush Chawla, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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