Building a dream team of cricket legends has always been a thrilling fantasy for fans across all team sports. When it comes to cricket, the adrenaline rush that fans in the subcontinent experience is unmatched. As the IPL celebrates its 18th anniversary, TOI steps in as the ultimate selector, curating an all-star IPL XI. Feel free to debate, troll, comment, or rage if your favorite player didn’t make the cut. But most importantly—engage. Here’s the squad:
ROHIT SHARMA (Vice-captain)
- Matches: 257 | Runs: 6628 | HS: 109* | Avg: 29.72 | SR: 131.14 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 43
The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain takes charge at the top, setting the stage on fire in the powerplay. With a fearless approach, Rohit dismisses stat-padding in favor of pure impact. His six IPL titles—five as captain—put him in an elite class. Still, he remains the only player with both a hat-trick and a century in IPL history.
CHRIS GAYLE
- Matches: 142 | Runs: 4965 | HS: 175* | Avg: 39.72 | SR: 148.96 | 100s: 6 | 50s: 31
The ultimate T20 superstar. Fans still talk about the night in 2013 when Gayle sent balls flying out of Chinnaswamy Stadium during his unbeaten 175 against Pune Warriors. His brute force and Jamaican swagger perfectly complement Rohit’s calm approach. And let’s not forget—his sneaky fast off-spinners have surprised many batters.
VIRAT KOHLI
- Matches: 252 | Runs: 8004 | HS: 113* | Avg: 38.66 | SR: 131.97 | 100s: 8 | 50s: 55
The heartbeat of RCB and the only player to have remained with a single franchise since IPL’s inception. Kohli’s consistency in this unpredictable format is simply astonishing. His 973-run season in 2016 still stands as a record. Electrifying in the field, his presence elevates the game.
SURESH RAINA
- Matches: 205 | Runs: 5528 | HS: 100* | Avg: 32.51 | SR: 136.73 | 100s: 1 | 50s: 39
The engine of CSK’s championship runs, Raina brings versatility—anchoring, accelerating, bowling, and fielding. His inside-out drives over cover and fearless mid-wicket smashes are iconic. Few players have offered as much to their team as he has.
AB DE VILLIERS
- Matches: 184 | Runs: 5162 | HS: 133* | Avg: 39.70 | SR: 151.68 | 100s: 3 | 50s: 40
A walking jailbreak for RCB. ABD repeatedly pulled off impossible heists, leaving bowlers helpless. His outrageous scoop off Dale Steyn’s 150 kmph yorker for six in 2012 remains the greatest IPL shot. Add in his superhuman catching skills and ability to keep wickets, and he’s a lock for No. 5.
MS DHONI (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Matches: 264 | Runs: 5243 | HS: 84* | Avg: 39.12 | 50s: 24
The most adored captain in Indian cricket history, Dhoni turns every CSK match into a home game. With five IPL crowns, lightning-fast hands, and ice-cool leadership, he embodies IPL’s biggest moments. His ability to finish games in style makes him an automatic choice for captain.
KIERON POLLARD
- Matches: 189 | Runs: 3412 | HS: 87* | Avg: 28.67 | SR: 147.32 | 50s: 16 | Wickets: 69 | Catches: 103
Mumbai’s miracle man. Whether smashing impossible chases or pulling off one-handed screamers in the field, Pollard delivered drama. When MI let him go in 2023, other teams lined up with offers, but he stayed loyal, becoming their batting coach.
LASITH MALINGA
- Matches: 122 | Wickets: 170 | Best: 5/13 | Avg: 19.80 | SR: 16.63 | 5w: 1
Bleach, bling, and that lethal sling. The roar of “Ma-Ling-AA!” filled stadiums every time he took the ball. Malinga thrived under pressure, perfecting his deadly slower ball. His last-over magic in the 2019 final secured MI’s crown. He later mentored Bumrah into an elite pacer.
JASPRIT BUMRAH
- Matches: 133 | Wickets: 165 | Best: 5/10 | Avg: 22.51 | Economy: 7.30 | SR: 18.50 | 5w: 2
Bumrah’s 24 deliveries are a captain’s most prized weapon. His toe-crushing yorkers and impeccable accuracy make him one of IPL’s deadliest bowlers. MI’s dominance often started and ended with him and Malinga, leaving opponents struggling to score.
BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR
- Matches: 176 | Wickets: 181 | Best: 5/19 | Economy: 7.56 | 5w: 2
The powerplay specialist. Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the ball both ways made him a nightmare for top-order batters. Captains often deployed him for three overs inside the first six, knowing he could remove the biggest threats early.
YUZVENDRA CHAHAL
- Matches: 160 | Wickets: 205 | Best: 5/40 | Avg: 22.45 | ER: 7.84 | 5w: 1
A chess player at heart, Chahal outsmarts batters with his attacking leg-spin. Despite bowling on Bangalore’s small grounds, he fearlessly tossed the ball up and still became IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker. His 27 wickets in the 2022 season remain a record for a spinner.
IMPACT PLAYER – RAVINDRA JADEJA
- Matches: 240 | Runs: 2959 | HS: 62 | Avg: 27.40 | SR: 129.72 | 50s: 3 | Wickets: 160 | Best: 5/16 | ER: 7.62 | 5w: 1
Shane Warne saw greatness in Jadeja when he called him a “Rockstar” in 2008. Under Dhoni at CSK, he evolved into one of IPL’s most complete all-rounders. His game-winning 10 off two balls in the 2023 final proved why he is the ultimate impact player.
This squad defines the IPL’s rich history, filled with unforgettable moments, breathtaking performances, and legendary players who shaped the league into the spectacle it is today.