Former India player Mohammad Kaif has picked his all-time IPL XI. The team is filled with superstars led by former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. However, Kaif has chosen six foreign players in his XI alongside five Indian players.
It is a balanced side as the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and ‘the Hitman’ Rohit Sharma occupy the opening slots, while Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, and Protea superman AB de Villers form the middle-order.
Mohammad Kaif has named MS Dhoni the skipper and wicketkeeper of the side. Meanwhile, he has picked Andre Russell as the all-rounder to roundoff the destructive batting unit.
Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine form the spin bowling duo in Kaif’s all-time playing XI, while Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah lead the pace attack. By the looks of it, it is a devastating XI with all bases covered.
MS Dhoni is a big T20 player and a mature captain: Mohammad Kaif
In a conversation with Sportskeeda, Kaif explained the reasoning behind his all-time IPL XI picks.
“Gayle is a very dangerous IPL batter. Whenever he has done well, he has been a game-changer and has scored a lot of runs. Rohit Sharma has been playing for many years and has won five trophies as captain. An excellent short-format player. Virat Kohli is King Kohli. Has scored plenty of runs in the IPL,” said Mohammad Kaif.
“He (MS Dhoni) laid the foundation of T20 cricket in India by leading the country to victory in the 2007 World Cup. He has lifted four IPL titles as well. He is a big player in T20 and a mature captain,” he further added.
Mohammad Kaif picked Andre Russell for his destructive batting. Meanwhile, all the bowlers in Kaif’s all-time IPL XI have the ability to stay economical while taking wickets.
Mohammad Kaif’s all-time IPL XI: Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, and Lasith Malinga
