Ravichandran Ashwin selected IPL’s all-time XI, not Sachin-Sehwag-Gayle; handed over the captaincy to this legend

Vilas Dhadke
7 Min Read
 Ashwin
Ravi, Sachin, Sehwag and Gayle
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Ravi Ashwin IPL All Time XI:

Indian cricket team’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has selected the best XI in the history of the Indian Premier League. Ashwin has not included legends like Chris Gayle, Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, David Warner and Shane Warne in this team. 

Ashwin has not given place to all-rounder Hardik Pandya in his team. KL Rahul is also not in this team. Ashwin has also not selected veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan. Gautam Gambhir is also not in the all-time XI of the Indian spinner. 

Ashwin has chosen Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain in his all-time IPL XI. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been chosen as openers in this team. There are three fast bowlers in the team in the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lasith Malinga and Jaspreet Bumrah. 

Ashwin has included six batsmen, two spinners and three fast bowlers in his team. The spinners are Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine. Apart from Rohit-Virat, the batting department also has power hitters like Suresh Raina and Suryakumar Yadav. Also, AB de Villiers, famous as Mr. 360 degrees, is also a part of Ashwin’s all-time XI. 

If we look at Ashwin’s team, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will open the innings. At number three is Suresh Raina, famous as Mr. IPL, and at number four is Suryakumar Yadav. After this, AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni are at number five and six. This means that both have been placed in the role of match finisher. After this, there are two spinners in the form of Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. Both these stars can also bat in the lower order. There are also three dangerous fast bowlers in the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lasith Malinga and Jaspreet Bumrah.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s all-time IPL XI – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Suryakumar Yadav, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. 

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s finest off-spinners and a seasoned IPL campaigner, recently stirred up the cricketing world by revealing his IPL All-Time XI. Known for his sharp cricketing acumen, Ashwin’s selection raised eyebrows for its surprising omissions and the intriguing choice of captaincy.

The Bold Exclusions: No Sachin, Sehwag, or Gayle

When thinking of the Indian Premier League (IPL), names like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle often spring to mind as icons who have left an indelible mark on the tournament. Their explosive batting and match-winning abilities have made them legends in the T20 format. However, Ashwin chose to deviate from the norm, leaving out these stalwarts from his all-time XI.

  • Sachin Tendulkar: The ‘Master Blaster,’ who was pivotal for Mumbai Indians, is often regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time. His IPL stint saw him donning the Orange Cap in 2010 and leading Mumbai Indians to several crucial victories. Yet, Ravichandran vision for the perfect XI doesn’t include Sachin, a decision likely based on a balance of current match dynamics and the versatility required in modern T20 cricket.
  • Virender Sehwag: Known for his fearless batting at the top of the order, Sehwag’s exclusion also comes as a shock. His ability to decimate bowling attacks in the powerplay was unmatched, but perhaps Ashwin was looking for a different combination at the top.
  • Chris Gayle: The ‘Universe Boss,’ with his unparalleled record of T20 centuries and monstrous sixes, is another glaring omission. Gayle’s impact in the IPL, particularly with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, is legendary, making this decision particularly bold.

The Selected XI: A Mix of Experience and Explosiveness

While Ravichandran Ashwin’s exclusions are the talk of the town, his selected XI offers an interesting mix of players who have consistently performed at the highest level in the IPL. Although the complete lineup hasn’t been officially disclosed, Ashwin’s criteria appear to prioritize versatility, consistency, and match-winning ability over pure star power.

The Captaincy: Handed to MS Dhoni

Perhaps the least surprising aspect of Ravichandran Ashwin’s selection is his choice of captain. MS Dhoni, affectionately known as ‘Captain Cool,’ has been entrusted with leading this all-time XI. Dhoni’s leadership credentials in the IPL are unmatched; he has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles and has been the backbone of the franchise since its inception.

Dhoni’s calm demeanor, sharp cricketing mind, and ability to get the best out of his players make him the ideal candidate to lead a team filled with stars. Ashwin, who has played under Dhoni’s captaincy, understands the value Dhoni brings to any team, both as a leader and as a finisher.

Conclusion

Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL All-Time XI reflects his unique perspective on the game. By leaving out legendary names like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle, Ravichandran has shown that his selection is based on more than just fame. His decision to hand over the captaincy to MS Dhoni reinforces the latter’s legendary status as one of cricket’s greatest captains.

As fans and critics alike dissect Ravichandran’s choices, one thing is clear: his all-time XI is as thought-provoking as the man himself. This team, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, would undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the IPL, blending experience, dynamism, and the strategic brilliance of one of the game’s finest minds.

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