IPL 2015: Best overseas XI
The presence of several high-quality overseas players plays a crucial role in enriching the Indian Premier League (IPL). The involvement of overseas players not only improves the quality of cricket on view but also leads to young Indian players gaining the invaluable experience of playing alongside some of the best overseas cricketers in the world. International players take the competitiveness to a much higher level and ensure a very professional and competent approach towards their team.
Across the eight editions of the IPL, overseas players have claimed the orange cap on six occasions and the purple cap on five occasions., which shows the kind of impact international players have had in the IPL.
Here’s the best overseas XI of IPL 2015:
1. David Warner
David Warner was the mainstay of the Sunrisers Hyderabad batting line-up this season. Every time he came out to bat, he made sure he scored runs and provided a good start to the team, thereby making up for the lack of depth in their middle order. His exploits meant that SRH were very close to making it to the playoffs but were unfortunate to miss out as they lost their do-or-die game against eventual champions Mumbai Indians.
Overall, Warner aggregated 562 runs in 14 matches and won the orange cap. Even though the Australian did well, he, unfortunately, did not receive much support from his teammates apart from Shikhar Dhawan and Moises Henriques.
2. Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum had an outstanding World Cup campaign for New Zealand and he made sure that he continued his good run of form in the IPL as well. Opening the innings for CSK with Dwayne Smith, he ensured a good start to the team on most occasions and helped CSK qualify for the playoffs. Sadly, he had to miss the playoffs due to New Zealand’s ongoing Test series against England.
McCullum scored 436 runs in 14 innings for CSK at an average of 33. His standout innings came against Sunrisers Hyderabad as he scored a 56-ball 108, which consisted of nine sixes and seven fours, to lead his team to victory.
3. Lendl Simmons
At the start of the tournament, Lendl Simmons was ignored by the Mumbai team management even though he had a brilliant season last year. Once he got the nod due to the injury to Aaron Finch, there was no looking back for him as he amassed 540 runs in 13 games at a brilliant average of 45. He also ended up as the third-highest run-getter this IPL season.
Simmons’ exploits at the top of the order were one of the reasons why Mumbai were able to turn it around for themselves and clinch the IPL trophy.