IPL: Greatest left-handed XI of all time

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the biggest events in cricket that attracts top players from all around the world. Often, the left-handers are associated with that extra bit of elegance for some mysterious reason. Here is an attempt to compile the best IPL XI of all time with only left-handers.

In the bowling department, the right-handers dominate the list of highest wicket-takers and hence, it was relatively easy to pick the top left-handed bowlers. However, when it comes to batting, there is no dearth of southpaws at the top of the list.

Openers:

#1 Chris Gayle (overseas)

A no-brainer. What Sachin Tendulkar is in ODI cricket, Chris Gayle is in T20 cricket. Perhaps even more. T20 cricket gives the license for the batsmen to go hammer and tongs at the bowlers right from the outset, leading to the emergence of many aggressive batsmen. But, Chris Gayle is a different beast altogether! Be it in T20 internationals or the IPL, Gayle towers over all other great batsmen.

In the IPL, he averages 42 and boasts of a Strike Rate of 152, which make him an obvious selection. His six-hitting ability is unparalleled.

#2 Adam Gilchrist (overseas) (wicket-keeper) (captain)

Gilly was one of the most hard-hitting batsmen of his times — Gilly was one of the most hard-hitting batsmen of his time

Adam Gilchrist was a crucial ingredient of the success enjoyed by the Kangaroos throughout their period of world dominance. He carried the same impact to the IPL as well and led his team Deccan Chargers to the title in the second edition. Gilly's wicket-keeping skills need no special mention and when coupled with his aggressive batting, sent shivers down the spine of the bowlers.

He will be the captain of this side. David Warner is also a good choice but Gilly deserves to get the nod ahead of Warner because of his wicket-keeping skills. After all, it is impossible to have a cricket team without a gloveman.