Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a widely debated topic has been on the All-time Greatest XI. The tournament has featured some of the finest cricketers to ever grace the field and a big topic within this has been the all-rounder role.
The squad comprises of the playing 11, 4 impact substitutes, and 1 coach which will be selected with the inputs from 25 experts in the sport, 16 lakh fans, and 70 journalists who will vote for their picks in the team.
The IPL has seen some of the finest all-rounders to have played the game. But the former Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody and the legendary Australian opener, Matthew Hayden, had only one name in mind for the pivotal role as all-rounder in the elite side.
Speaking to Star Sports, Moody has opted for India’s star all-rounder in the white-ball format, Hardik Pandya in his eleven.
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“I don’t want to use one of my overseas positions for this, purely for the balance in the side, I still want to have room for an overseas fast bowler and an overseas spinner that make my best XI,” said Moody.
Ever since being bought by the Mumbai Indians in 2015, the all-rounder has gone on to establish himself as a reliable customer with both bat and ball. He has already amassed five IPL titles, four of which came with the Mumbai Indians and his latest came during his recent stint with the Gujarat Titans (GT).
“He can play as a finisher, he learned that craft under the guidance of Pollard in MI for many years, he then took on his journey in a different direction at Gujarat Titans, and batted further up the order. But for me, he’s a boundary hitter, can bat seven, but also gives you those valuable overs at a good pace,” Moody added.
After his move to GT, Hardik was appointed as the captain of the franchise and then went on to lead the side to their maiden title and followed it up with another appearance in the finals.
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Agreeing with Moody’s pick, Matthew Hayden also went with Pandya as his all-rounder pick. He said, “I don’t want to waste an opportunity for an Indian talent instead of an overseas talent, so Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest eleven side for sure.”
Since his time with the Titans, Hardik has gone on to make his return to MI and has been appointed as the new captain of the franchise as the side will look to get back to where they belong, as champions once again.
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