Harsha Bhogle, the renowned cricket commentator and analyst, has stirred up a significant discussion in the cricketing community by unveiling his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI. Notably, his selection has sparked controversy due to the absence of two of the league’s most celebrated players: AB de Villiers and Rohit Sharma.

Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle to open the innings

In a recent announcement, Bhogle shared his carefully curated team, which features a blend of legendary players who have made a lasting impact on the IPL since its inception in 2008.

Bhogle’s team is characterized by a strong batting lineup, with openers Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle setting the tone. Suresh Raina, known for his consistency, and Suryakumar Yadav, a rising star in the shortest format, provide depth in the middle order. The captaincy of MS Dhoni, who is also the wicketkeeper, adds strategic acumen and experience to the side.

The most striking aspect of Bhogle’s selection is the omission of Rohit, the former captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) and one of the most successful players in IPL history. Sharma is not only the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament but has also led his team to five IPL titles, a record that underscores his impact on the league.

Similarly, De Villiers, who has been a fan favourite and a game-changer for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), also finds no place in this all-time XI. De Villiers is celebrated for his explosive batting and innovative shot-making, making him one of the most entertaining players to watch in the IPL.

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Hardik Pandya is the lone all-rounder in Harsha’s team. The 30-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Mumbai-based franchise for several seasons. Despite a recent setback as captain for MI, his successful leadership stints with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022 and 2023 cannot be ignored.

Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah to lead the bowling attack

MI’s bowling attack has traditionally relied on the lethal death bowling of Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah. These legends have often rescued the franchise with their exceptional performances.

Rounding out the squad were the two spinners, Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine. These two have also consistently contributed with the bat for their respective franchises. While Narine has provided explosive starts to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rashid has provided finishing touch to the Titans on numerous occasions.

Harsha Bhogle’s all-time IPL XI:

Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, Suryakumar Yadav, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Hardik Pandya, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine

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