What if Bihar had an IPL team? Here's the ideal playing XI

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) always at the center of attention, discussions about team combinations and ownership never go out of trend. As the next mini-auction approaches, the buzz around potential franchises continues to grow.

While the league currently features ten teams, fans often wonder what it would be like to see new regions represented. One such interesting idea is a team from Bihar, a state with growing cricketing potential and passionate followers.

Every IPL team has a prominent owner, and if Bihar were to have its own franchise, Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra could be a fitting face for it. Much like Preity Zinta (Punjab Kings) and Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders), Priyanka’s global presence and strong roots in India make her an ideal celebrity owner to promote the Bihar brand on the IPL stage.

Hypothetical Bihar IPL Team Playing XI

At the top of the order, two Bihar cricketers, Ishan Kishan and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, would provide a dynamic start. Kishan’s aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills make him a valuable asset, while Suryavanshi, who impressed during his stint with Rajasthan Royals, adds flair and flamboyance to the opening partnership.

At No. 3, the franchise could rely on Nicholas Pooran, a proven match-winner in franchise cricket across the globe. His experience and attacking intent would allow him to dominate in the middle overs. The youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi could follow, offering composure and acceleration when needed.

The middle order could feature two all-rounders in Sam Curran and Kamindu Mendis. Curran’s ability to swing the ball and finish games with the bat makes him one of the most valuable T20 players worldwide. Mendis, with his rare ambidextrous bowling and handy batting, would bring versatility to the lineup.

Taking charge as captain, MS Dhoni would serve as the wicketkeeper-batter and leader of the Bihar franchise. His tactical brilliance and experience could guide the young side to consistency and perhaps even titles.

Among the bowlers, Shahbaz Nadeem would lead the spin department, providing control in the middle overs, while Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa would add a world-class option to attack during crucial stages. The pace unit could consist of Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, both of whom have impressed in recent seasons with their control and composure under pressure.

Hypothetical Bihar IPL Team Playing XI

Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nicholas Pooran, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sam Curran, Kamindu Mendis, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Shahbaz Nadeem, Adam Zampa, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep

Hypothetical Bihar IPL Team Owner: Priyanka Chopra