Win Projections to be updated soon
Cricket luminaries provide special insights on the ‘Star Sports Incredible 16 of IPL’ as the cricket community impatiently awaits the start of the 2024 IPL. After the first IPL auction took place on February 20, 2024, sixteen years had gone, and the broadcaster set out to put together the ‘All Time Greatest IPL Team’.
This elite team was selected as the ‘All Time Greatest IPL Team’ by 70 journalists, 16 lakh fans, and over 25 cricket experts. There were 11 players on the team, four impact substitutes, and a coach. Even though the team has been chosen by these various stakeholders, all eyes are on the four cricket luminaries and jury members, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn, Wasim Akram, and Tom Moody, to make the ultimate announcement.
Setting the stage for an exciting talent exhibition, these former cricketing greats discussed how they would choose the all-time best IPL team, illuminating the crucial part that explosive all-rounders have had in determining the history of the IPL.
Wasim Akram, a former fast bowler for Pakistan, highlights Andre Russell’s ability to win matches and praises his capacity to change the tide of play with one blow. Former South African pace sensation Dale Steyn echoes Akram’s thoughts, highlighting Ravindra Jadeja’s diverse contributions to the game.
Steyn’s respect for Russell’s raw power hitting ability is equal to his appreciation for Jadeja’s all-around qualities, solidifying their positions in his ideal IPL team.
Wasim Akram, a former fast bowler for Pakistan, selected his two all-round players to form the finest IPL team ever. He stated, “I’ll go with Russell because he’s just a massive batter; Jadeja is a terrific fielder and spin option, and he can bat well at number six or seven.
But having a man at number seven who can consistently hit well is a plus. I’ve seen Andre Russell over the last six, seven, and eight years, and he remains an incredible player at number seven. That is how dangerous he is as a player—he can take the game away from you in two or three overs.
“I’ve got two all-rounders and I suppose it would be up for debate, if we were in a selection panel as to where these two would bat, 7 or 8, but I’ve got Russell and Jadeja,” said former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, echoing Akram’s sentiments.
Jadeja is a dynamic left-hander who can bat anywhere in the order you choose. He is a member of the Chennai team that has won multiple IPLs. He is also a fantastic fielder with left arm spin.
From an all-around perspective, Andre Russell is a fantastic power hitter who clears the ropes and is a fantastic defender. He makes my squad. However, in addition to that, he also comes in and tips another all-round player who could have made this team just because Andre can bowl at 145 KPH in his prime and when fit, which makes him my third seamer. Those two guys are up for dispute, so I have them.
But coach and former Australian cricket player Tom Moody takes a more calculated approach, giving balance in his team’s makeup first priority. Moody chooses Hardik Pandya as his starting all-rounder with an eye toward maximizing resources, noting the player’s versatility as a finisher and a pace-bowling option. According to Moody, this choice makes it possible to recruit more foreign players to important bowling positions, strengthening his team’s depth as a whole.
“I’ve gone in a different direction because I don’t want to use one of my overseas positions for this, purely for the balance in the side. I still want to have room for an overseas fast bowler and an overseas spinner that make my best XI,” said former Australian cricket player and coach Tom Moody regarding who should be on his all-time greatest all-rounder list.
Hardik Pandya is my choice because he can play as a finisher.He spent many years learning the craft in MI under Pollard’s tutelage before deciding to go in a different route with the Gujarat Titans and moved up the order. However, in my opinion, he can bat seven, is a boundary hitter, and delivers those crucial overs quickly.
In line with Moody’s strategic plan, Matthew Hayden emphasizes how critical it is to keep Indian players’ possibilities within the team. In light of this, Hayden has complete faith in Hardik Pandya’s potent hitting and agile fielding skills.
He also appreciates Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin and outstanding fielding ability, understanding the importance of having a well-rounded all-round player in the final IPL lineup.
“I don’t want to waste, if there is such a thing as you’re picking greats, an opportunity for an Indian talent instead of an overseas talent,” stated former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden, who concurred with Moody. “Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest eleven side for sure.” Because I want a left-arm option and a fantastic fielder, which Hardik is as well, I’m also going to select Jadeja. Thus, at this point, I would go with Hardik.
India
