Iconic Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on February 18 chosen as the captain of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) all-time greatest team. This selection was made to celebrate the success of the world's most popular T20 league, which was launched in 2008.
The selection panel included former cricketers Wasim Akram, Matthew Hayden, Tom Moody, and Dale Steyn. About 70 journalists also contributed to the selection process.
IPL's Power-packed Batting Lineup
Australia's dynamic David Warner and India's batting stalwart Virat Kohli were selected as the opening batters, while the 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle was positioned at number three in the batting order.
Dynamic Middle Order and Deadly Bowling Attack
The middle-order comprised of Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, and Dhoni, with Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kieron Pollard serving as the three all-rounders in the 15-member squad.
Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, and Yuzvendra Chahal formed the spin attack, while Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah were unanimously chosen for the fast bowlers' slots.
The prestigious tournament will mark 16 years since the first-ever IPL auction on February 20, 2024.
In the world of IPL cricket, few names stand out as brightly as Dhoni's. He is widely acclaimed as one of the most successful captains in cricket history, with his leadership skills earning praise from both peers and experts.
During an exclusive interview on the 'Star Sports Incredible 16 of IPL' show, former South Africa fast bowler Steyn echoed the sentiments of many by lauding Dhoni as the epitome of leadership excellence.
Dale Steyn Lauded Dhoni
"It has to be MS Dhoni. He has won everything -- World Cup, IPL, ICC Champions Trophy," said Steyn.
"He's a leader of men, and you've got a bunch of men here that are all at the highest level of their game, and they need someone who has been there and done that and can manage them extremely well on and off the field, so I will have to go with MS Dhoni," he said.
Former Australian cricketer and coach Moody highlighted Dhoni's remarkable achievement.
Lead a Variety of Talent: Moody
"It has to be MS Dhoni for me, the reason being MS Dhoni has won the title with very good squads and average squads, and that tells me a lot about the captain and how he can lead a variety of talent in a squad to success. "Rohit Sharma has been a brilliant captain for MI but MI have always had the best squads or up there with the best squads in the IPL since its inception," he said.
It wasn't only Dhoni's captaincy skills that received accolades. Former Australian cricketer Hayden went further, suggesting that Dhoni also possesses the potential to excel as a coach.
"It's an obvious choice, it's not a debate over here. It's going to be unanimous amongst the entire Indian community.
"Of course, Rohit Sharma, the Hitman, is such an incredible leader as well, so it's a tough choice, but I'm going to be bold and I'm going to pick Dhoni as a Captain and Coach as well.
"He started in 2008, Shane Warne was captain and coach, and he took the franchise, the double R's, to a title that year, and I just feel that MS Dhoni can also be a coach," he said.
Here's the all-time great IPL squad
MS Dhoni (c), Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, David Warner, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga, and Jasprit Bumrah.
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