IPL 2016: Rising Pune Supergiants Predicted XI

IPL debutants Rising Pune Supergiants (RPSG) picked up Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the draft where they had the option to pick five players from the two suspended teams CSK and RR. They also picked up his CSK mates Ravichandran Ashwin and Faf du Plessis. RPSG also bought Australian skipper Steve Smith and Indian middle order batsman Ajinkya Rahane to strengthen their batting lineup. In the auction, they successfully picked up the big guy Kevin Pietersen along with some good seam bowling all-rounders to balance the squad. Under the pivotal leadership of MS Dhoni, this team will definitely be a force to reckon in the tournament.

1.Ajinkya Rahane:

One of the most reliable Indian openers in this format, Rahane has done exceedingly well for the Rajasthan Royals in the past. He is the perfect man to construct the innings, and bat till the very end. He was picked in the draft and is considered a core player in the team. Rahane has more than a point to prove with people questioning his Twenty20 batting abilities RPSG gives him the perfect platform.

2.Kevin Pietersen:

A T20 specialist now, Kevin Pietersen has been an asset to all his teams all over the world in the T20 leagues. His buoyancy and aggression make him the perfect partner to Ajinkya Rahane. Pietersen will have the license to go for his shots and ensure the team gets a kick start to the innings and builds momentum for the rest of the big hitters to come in and get going.

3.Steven Smith:

The Australian captain in all 3 formats now, Steven Smith has been a consistent run machine for Australia. His prior experience in the IPL and his proficiency in the Test format means that he can play both the aggressive and the waiting game. Smith is one of those dangerous batsmen who accumulates his runs quietly and then with conditions in his grips goes for the kill.

4.Faf du Plessis:

Another ingredient that completes this formidable batting lineup, is the South African T20 captain Faf du Plessis. Faf has been MS Dhoni’s trusted aide over the years and has done exceedingly well at the top of the order. His versatility to fit into both roles- the aggressive as well as the passive, his adaptability and experience will make him an important member of this team. One will definitely see the best of him while he is on the field.

5.MS Dhoni (C/wk):

MS Dhoni is the single most impactful player in this side. Not only will his finishing abilities come to the fore, his leadership skills will be crucial. Dhoni has been in splendid form with the gloves as well. Having retired from the longest format he has concentrated all his focus and energies on the shorter versions and that shows with the cunning strategies he spreads out in the middle.

6.Mitchell Marsh:

The young Australian all-rounder is an asset with both bat and ball and has been the country’s first choice for some time now. Mitchell Marsh is not only a wicket-taker with the ball but also has the ability to come in and play the big shots with the bat. He will give Dhoni those crucial four overs with the ball and will be sent in when they are looking for some quick runs.

7.Irfan Pathan:

The Indian seam bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been in the best of his form of late and led his side Baroda to the final in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy. The ball is coming out of his hand really well and is swinging, this makes him a real wicket-taking prospect and Dhoni can use him early on if there is something on offer and also as the first change bowler. Irfan has also worked on his batting and is a better power hitter than before.

8.Ravichandran Ashwin:

One of the best spinners of the world presently, Ravichandran Ashwin is the only experienced spinner in Pune and will be on the top of his game on favorable wickets. Ashwin will definitely spearhead the bowling attack and his consistency will be crucial for Pune. Dhoni loves to have him in the squad since he gets him the important breakthroughs and also chokes the run flow, Ashwin is MS Dhoni’s trump card in the squad.

9.Murugan Ashwin:

Looking to add variety to their attack and to give an uncapped player his shot to glory Pune picked Tamil Nadu leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin in the auction. He will be the perfect partner for offie R Ashwin and his unorthodox style gives him the edge to outclass the batsmen. Not many have seen him play and that goes in his favor as well.

10.Ishant Sharma:

India’s go to Test seamer, Ishant Sharma complements the seam heavy bowling department very well. Ishant loves to hit the deck hard and surprise batsmen with the bounce, he will also come in if there is reverse swing on offer. His experience makes him the leader of the pace attack, Dhoni will like Ishant to help his mates with forming their own strategies and stick to the plan.

11.Ishwar Pandey:

One of India’s most consistent seamers in the IPL, Ishwar Pandey will add more teeth to the bowling lineup with his ability to stall the runs and move the new ball both ways. Pandey was also a part of the CSK squad and he must have impressed the skipper enough to pick him in the new team as well. He has pace with him and can come in handy with the new ball.