Iconic Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been chosen to captain the all-time greatest IPL team, celebrating the success of the world’s most popular T20 league since its inception in 2008. The selection panel, including former cricketers Wasim Akram, Matthew Hayden, Tom Moody, and Dale Steyn, along with around 70 journalists, made the picks.
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The opening pair features Australia’s David Warner and India’s Virat Kohli, while the explosive Chris Gayle takes the number three spot in the batting order. The middle-order boasts Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, and captain Dhoni. The all-rounders include Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kieron Pollard.
The spin attack is led by Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, and Yuzvendra Chahal, while the fast-bowling slots go to Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.
The IPL, marking 16 years since its first auction on February 20, 2024, has seen Dhoni shine as one of the most successful captains in cricket history. Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn praised Dhoni’s leadership, citing his victories in the World Cup, IPL, and ICC Champions Trophy.
Speaking on the ‘Star Sports Incredible 16 of IPL’ show, Steyn said, “It has to be MS Dhoni. He’s a leader of men, and you’ve got a bunch of men here that are all at the highest level of their game.”
Tom Moody highlighted Dhoni’s ability to lead squads of varying talent to success, stating, “MS Dhoni has won the title with very good squads and average squads, and that tells me a lot about the captain and how he can lead a variety of talent.”
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Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden not only praised Dhoni’s captaincy but also suggested his potential as a coach. Hayden declared, “I’m going to pick Dhoni as a Captain and Coach as well,” emphasizing Dhoni’s achievements since the league’s inception in 2008.
The all-time great IPL squad includes MS Dhoni (C), Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, David Warner, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga, and Jasprit Bumrah.