Former England captain and renowned cricket analyst Michael Vaughan recently unveiled his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI during an interview with Cricket.com. Vaughan’s squad is a well-assembled unit, consisting of some of the finest cricketers to have graced the tournament. Each position in the lineup is occupied by IPL luminaries, making it a dream team that boasts balance, firepower, and skill across all departments.

Explosive openers: Michael Vaughan’s star-studded IPL XI

Vaughan opted for two of the most distinctive batters in IPL history to open his side. Rohit Sharma, the former captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) and a five-time IPL champion, was chosen to provide stability at the top. Known for his elegance and ability to play match-winning knocks, Rohit is one of the most successful players in IPL history. Joining him at the top is Jos Buttler, the explosive Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter. Buttler’s aggressive approach and ability to dismantle bowling attacks with ease make him a dangerous opener in any T20 lineup.

Middle order powerhouse

At No. 3, Vaughan selected “Mr. IPL” himself, Suresh Raina. Raina was the first player in IPL history to reach 5000 runs, and his contributions as a swashbuckling southpaw and a live wire on the field have made him an IPL legend. Following Raina is the pillar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli. Though Kohli is no longer a regular in the Indian T20I setup due to retirement, his stature in the IPL is unmatched. Since his remarkable 2016 season, where he scored over 900 runs, Kohli has only grown in stature and remains a key figure in the competition.

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The finisher and the captain

At No. 5, Vaughan chose Kieron Pollard, the explosive all-rounder from Mumbai Indians. Pollard’s ability to clear the boundaries with ease and provide crucial overs with the ball makes him a valuable asset. His fielding, often turning matches around with incredible catches and run-outs, further strengthens his inclusion.

MS Dhoni was named captain of Vaughan’s all-time XI. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in the history of the IPL. His lightning-fast glovework behind the stumps, calm demeanor, and tactical genius have earned him countless accolades. Dhoni has led CSK to numerous titles and has provided thrilling finishes, both with the bat and as a captain, throughout his IPL career.

All-round dominance

Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder who has been instrumental for CSK, was listed as the team’s primary all-rounder. Despite a few underwhelming seasons recently, Jadeja’s overall package of batting, bowling, and world-class fielding cannot be ignored. Alongside him is Ravichandran Ashwin, another IPL stalwart. Ashwin’s guile with the ball and his ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order make him a vital part of Vaughan’s lineup.

Pace battery and spin wizard

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, representing India’s past and present in fast bowling, were chosen as the primary pacers. Bhuvneshwar, with his swing and ability to bowl in the powerplay, has been a consistent performer in the IPL. Bumrah, on the other hand, is regarded as one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket. Their ability to deliver under pressure and turn games around for their respective franchises made them obvious choices for Vaughan’s XI.

Rashid Khan, one of the most successful spinners in IPL history, takes the No. 11 spot. Known for his ability to bowl economical spells while picking up crucial wickets, Rashid has been a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His batting prowess has also come to the fore in recent seasons, where he has played valuable cameos to help his team at the business end of innings.

Impact player

As Vaughan’s impact player, Lasith Malinga completes the lineup. The former Sri Lankan fast bowler is an IPL legend, having played a pivotal role in MI’s five IPL titles. Known for his lethal pace and unplayable yorkers, Malinga’s ability to deliver in crunch moments is unparalleled. His contributions during Mumbai’s title-winning campaigns cement his place as one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history.

The exclusion of AB de Villiers and Sunil Narine

However, two prominent names that were left out of Vaughan’s squad were AB de Villiers and Sunil Narine – two of the most influential players in IPL history. One of the most surprising omissions from Vaughan’s lineup is De Villiers, fondly known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground. De Villiers has been a fan favorite and a match-winner for RCB over the years. His explosive batting, ability to handle pressure, and numerous game-changing innings have made him one of the IPL’s biggest icons.

Another notable omission is Sunil Narine, the West Indian mystery spinner who has dominated the IPL with his tricky variations and economical bowling spells for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Narine’s ability to keep batters guessing and to contribute with the bat as an explosive opener has made him one of the most versatile players in the tournament’s history.

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