IPL 4 is about to end in another on 28th May and as an ardent cricket fan and a fruitful follower of cricket around the world, I would like to chalk down the dream IPL 2011 dream XI which will always be an owners delight. The list of players listed is out of my own choice and I would like to hear if there is any difference of opinion from the readers’ point of view.
Openers – Chris Gayle and Sachin Tendulkar will open the innings in the dream XI and the reason I chose these two players is an “open secret”. Gayle the tormentor will destroy the opposition with his prowess and charge and Sachin will play the role of “sheet anchor” and the rest is obvious. Hence based on the caliber and their current form I choose these two to open the innings.
Middle order – Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan – the middle order will be all Indians league and the three chosen have proved their mettle in the IPL history and also against healthy opposition. The point of contention in this dream XI is the ability of the players to multitask and all these 3 players can any day fill in the void created by the bowlers and can be the part time/ full time options.
Wicket keeper – MS Dhoni – Is there any other choice for the keeper and captain? – I feel no! Mahi has proved his credentials as captain internationally and also in IPL. His wicket keeping abilities have also improved leaps and bounds since the time he came in. His form has been the mainstay in Chennai’s victories this season.
All – rounder – Albie Morkel – this man is dynamite in itself. He can contribute 4 overs all matches and his power hitting in the last 2 or 3 overs can change the match on its head.
Spinners – Rahul Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin – these two have performed the best in the season so far and have proved their worthiness with their economy rates and timely wickets. Ashwin can be brought to bowl in the field restriction overs and Sharma can choke the runs in the middle overs.
Fast Bowlers – Lasith Malinga and Doug Bollinger – these two pacers are the single most reason for their franchises to be on top now. Malinga has had the strange hold on the “purple cap” throughout the season and Bollinger is an asset to any team. The reason to choose both the fast men as foreign players is because of their ability to bowl exceedingly well at the death.
The dream XI is as below:
Chris Gayle, Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan, MS Dhoni, Albie Morkel, Ashwin, Rahul Sharma, Lasith Malinga, Doug Bollinger.
Tags: Cricket, Dream XI, Indian Premier League, IPL, IPL 2011, IPL 4