Suryakumar Yadav picks his all-time IPL XI, MS Dhoni omitted

Suryakumar Yadav became a household name after appearing in the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The talented Mumbai batter spent more than a couple of years playing for them lower down the order. However, when in 2018, he returned to play for his local franchise, Mumbai Indians, he was presented with an ideal opportunity to bat in the top order. 

After establishing himself as one of the top batters in the league, Suryakumar has now marched onto the international scene, where he could soon be seen making his ODI debut. In a recent interaction, the right-handed batter was asked to pick up his IPL XI. However, there were conditions given to him, one, he had to pick himself, and two, only four Mumbai Indians players could be picked. 

No place for MS Dhoni

Suryakumar started the batting order with a smart move by including a wicketkeeper-batsman in the top order. He chose Jos Buttler to partner with Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. At no. 3, he included Virat Kohli followed by himself at no. 4. Interestingly, MS Dhoni was not part of the side, despite being one of the most common players to be seen in any player’s IPL XI. 

Going on, at no. 5, Suryakumar picked the retired South African international AB de Villiers. As far as the all-rounders are concerned, Suryakumar picked Hardik Pandya, who was the third Mumbai Indians player to be picked. Yadav also included Andre Russell and Ravindra Jadeja in the team as the two other all-rounders. It should be noted that Suryakumar spent four seasons with Russell during his KKR stint, which went from 2014 till 2018. 

Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan and Sunrisers Hyderabad spinner is also a feature in the team and the fourth overseas player to be included. For the fast-bowlers’ job, Yadav included his Mumbai Indians’ teammate, Jasprit Bumrah, and India’s premier pacer, Mohammed Shami. This team was selected by the batter during a conversation with Harsha Bhogle on a show by Cricbuzz Plus. 

Suryakumar Yadav’s All-Time IPL XI: 

Jos Buttler (WK), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, AB de Villiers, Hardik Pandya, Andre Russell, Ravi Jadeja, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami