Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
The Indian Premier League is set to turn 13 in September 2020. As the first and most successful T20 cricket league in the world, the IPL has set the benchmark for T20 cricket. Non-stop action, electric atmospheres, fours and sixes, stumps uprooting and fielders flying have been key features of the previous 12 years, and while this year is different, another big season can be expected.
Players from all around the globe, along with the Indian players, participate in the IPL. We have witnessed some amazing performances over 12 years. Here, we’ll name our top eleven players who have performed consistently for their sides over the years in CricBlog’s all-time IPL XI.
1. David Warner
David Warner is the first opener in our XI. Warner is at another level in the IPL. He’s arguably the most consistent batter the league has ever witnessed.
His consistency is evident in his numbers. Warner has scored 4,706 runs in 126 matches, which is the highest by any overseas player in the tournament. Better, he averages 43.17 and strikes at an incredible 142.39. Even better, Warner is the only player in the history of the league to win the Orange Cap thrice (2015, 2017 and 2019)
In fact, in 2019, Warner scored 692 runs in 12 games, 99 more than KL Rahul (593 runs), who was the second-highest run-scorer that season. These records are more than enough to show Warner’s class and he should walk into anyone’s IPL XI.

2. Rohit Sharma
We all know how dangerous Rohit can be on his day. He has scored 4,898 runs in 188 games at an average of 31.60 and strike rate of 130.82. He is the third-highest run-scorer overall in the league, which is very impressive given he used to bat in the middle order initially in his IPL career for the Deccan Chargers.
To go with this, Rohit has won the title four times as a skipper for Mumbai Indians, so his insights and know-how will be invaluable in any team. Although his performance in the last two seasons hasn’t been up to his high standards, he has proved his capabilities in the league and is the other opener in our XI.

3. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina bats at three. Raina is known as “Mr. IPL” for his consistent performance in the league over an extended period of time.
He is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the league with 5,368 runs in 193 games. Also, he is the only batter to score 300+ runs in every season of the league, and is the most-capped player in the IPL. He has produced some memorable performances for the Chennai Super Kings and has been one of the most important players for them. And don’t forget, he’s an excellent fielder, too.

4. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is in our XI. No brainer.
Kohli has been one of the best batters the league has ever witnessed. He is the highest scorer in the history of the IPL with 5,412 runs in 177 matches at an average of 37.84 and strike rate of 131.61. Virat has been performing exceptionally well in all formats of the game and everyone knows the impact he has on the game. He has the ability to demolish bowling attacks, particularly evident in the 2016 season, where he scored 973 runs in 16 games with four tons!
He is a match proven match-winner and no wonder King Kohli bats at four in our side.
Also read: All-time T20 XI: Who makes the cut?

5. AB de Villiers
Next in our XI is “the freak”, AB de Villiers. AB will walk into any T20 XI without any second thought and our XI isn’t any different.
AB has scored 4,395 runs in 154 matches, averaging 39.95 and striking at an incredible 151.23. ABD is a class apart from other players, thanks to his amazing skill set and range of shots. Yes, the reverse scoops and paddle scoop sixes to the likes of Dale Steyn come to mind. He can change the course of the match in a matter of a few balls
To go with that, he is an electric wire in the field. With this kind of reputation and record, AB is a must pick in our XI.
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6. MS Dhoni ( C & WK)
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the next player. Dhoni is one of the superstars not only in IPL but also in world cricket.
Dhoni has 4,432 runs in 190 games to his name. One of the best finishers of all time, Dhoni has chased down some big totals from very difficult situations. He brings so much value to any team with his experience, and is also one of the best behind the wickets. Of course, his ultra-fast stumpings come to mind.
However, it is Dhoni’s captaincy which separates him from others. He is one of the most successful captains in the league, with a win percentage of 60.11% in 174 games. Under his leadership, CSK has qualified for the playoffs every time and has played eight Finals, winning three of them. MSD is the keeper and the captain of our XI, as he can change the odds in his favor with his batting, keeping and captaincy.

7. Andre Russell
Andre Russell is an absolute beast in the T20 format. He hits sixes for fun and is arguably the most destructive batter in the game currently. Russell has played only 64 matches in the IPL, which is on the lower end considering that we are picking an all-time XI, but the impact he has had is too good to ignore.
He has scored 1,400 runs in these 64 games and has a career strike of 186.41! Russell scored 510 runs in the 2019 season, averaging 56.66 at an unbelievable strike rate of 204.81. He smoked 52 sixes that season.
Russell is also a good hit the deck bowler and has picked up 55 wickets at an economy of 8.88. Russell is a complete package who can whack the ball in the death overs and can chip in with few wickets while bowling.

8. Harbhajan Singh
Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is the next player in our XI. Bhajji is a very experienced campaigner and has performed very well in these 12 years of the IPL. He was a crucial part of the MI side for most of his IPL career and has been of great value to CSK since 2018.
He’s the third-highest wicket-taker in the league with 150 wickets in 160 games at an economy of 7.05, which is very very impressive. Also, Harbhajan is handy with the bat in hand. With his highest score being 64, this indicates that he can swing the blade effectively when needed.
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9. Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is the second-highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League. Mishra has 157 wickets to his name in 147 matches at an excellent economy rate of 7.34. Also, Mishra also has three hat tricks to his name, which is an excellent record and shows how capable he is. Although the last few years haven’t been that good for him, his records are outstanding in the league and he is the leggie in our team.
10. Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga is the superstar in the T20 format. A legend. No IPL XI, or T20 XI, is complete without him.
Malinga is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 170 wickets in just 122 games. Known for his slinging action and deathly yorkers, Malinga has been the most important player in Mumbai’s four title wins. He has been a true match-winner for them. He is unmatchable in the death overs and is undoubtedly in our team.

11. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has played a fewer number of matches to be on everyone’s radar regarding an all-time IPL XI. However, it’s very difficult to ignore him with the kind of player he is.
Bumrah’s 82 wickets in 77 games at an economy of 7.55 might not seem extraordinary, but it’s the impact he has on the game that makes him stand out. He is an outstanding death bowler and has the ability to defend any score against most batsmen.
He gave away only six runs against the likes of Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum defending 12 in a super over after bowling a wide and a no-ball. Also, he played a crucial role in the classic IPL 2019 Final, winning man of the match. This shows how valuable he is in the death overs and as a result, is in our XI.
So this was our all-time IPL XI. There were many players who could’ve been the part of this team, but this is the best set of XI players according to us. Let us know your all-time IPL XI in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
Written by Robin Rounder – follow Robin on Twitter today.
Also read: Want to create your own customized IPL jersey? Find out more here
- How to create your own customized IPL jersey with Hyve Sports
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- 5 examples of customized RCB IPL fan jerseys
