Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was selected as the leader of IPL’s all-time greatest team which was picked to celebrate the success of the popular T20 league which was launched in 2008.
The selection panel consisted of former cricketers Wasim Akram, Matthew Hayden, Tom Moody and Dale Steyn. About 70 journalists were also part of the selection process.
Australia's fiery David Warner and India’s batting main stay Virat Kohli were chosen as openers while Chris Gayle was given the no. 3 spot in batting order.
The middle-order consisted of Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav and Dhoni, while Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Kieron Pollard were the three all-rounders in the 15-member squad.
Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine and Yuzvendra Chahal formed the spin attack while Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah were the unanimous choice for the fast bowlers’ slots.
The marquee tournament will complete 16 years of the first-ever IPL auction on February 20, 2024. Speaking on the 'Star Sports Incredible 16 of IPL' show, former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn echoed sentiments shared by many when he hailed Dhoni as the epitome of leadership excellence. “It has to be MS Dhoni. He has won everything - World Cup, IPL, ICC Champions Trophy,” said Steyn.
Squad: MS Dhoni (c), Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, David Warner, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah.
