Greatest IPL XI of all time
The IPL in its eight years of existence has changed the dynamics of cricket like no other tournament. The Twenty20 buzz that began in England was quickly adopted by the cricket frenzy country of India following the sub-continent nations’ triumph in the 2007 World T20. The rest, as they say is history.
Garlanded by the IPL, the shortest form of the game has quickly become a favourite amongst cricket enthusiasts. The league, which has brought about a new dimension to the fanfare of the game has enthralled us all by its cricketing brilliance. Whether it be Chris Gayle’s attempts at massacring with the cricket bat or Amit Mishra's wizardry, the IPL has never failed to entertain us to the core.
As the cricket mega extravaganza is set to move into to into its ninth season from Friday, we look at the best players to have performed at the big stage. With the quota of four foreigners in a team set, we at Sportskeeda have compiled the best ever IPL eleven that has graced the tournament.
Chris Gayle
The first thing that comes to anyone's mind when they think of the IPL is the colossal figure of Chris Gayle in the red of Royal Challengers Bangalore tonking the ball to all parts of the field and normally into the stands. The West Indian has found a second home in India, where he has left crowd mesmerized with his brand of power hitting and literally bullying the bowling attacks into submission.
After missing out on the first three editions of the league with Kolkata Knight Riders due to injuries and international duties, his IPL life really took off after making a switch to Bangalore. In seven seasons in the league, the big Jamaica has played 82 games, scoring 3199 runs at an average of 46.36 and a strike rate of 153.42. His best innings of 175* is something that might never get replicated again.
Except for a disappointing campaign in 2014, in his five years with the Bangalore franchise, Gayle’s average has not dropped below 40 and his strike-rate too has not taken a dip below 150. Gayle's dominance can be well understood from the accolades he has achieved . The West Indian currently holds the record in the IPL for the fastest 100, fastest 150, most number of sixes, most runs by a foreign player; while winning the Orange cap in 2011 and 2012.
The only IPL trophy that's missing in his trophy cabinet is the ultimate IPL trophy itself.