All-time best overseas IPL XI

8. Sunil Narine

When Kolkata Knight Riders bought a mystery spinner by the name of Sunil Narine in 2012, not many were aware of the skills he possessed. But they found out very soon in the league when Narine spun an absolute web around the batsmen from all teams, picking up 24 wickets in the season, emerging as the highest wicket-taker as well as finishing at the most valuable player. He was their most important player in their first title win in 2012 as well as their second victory in 2014 where Narine picked up 21 wickets.

Things, however, didn’t stay as hunky-dory for Narine as his bowling action came under the scanner and he had to alter his action, and since then he’s not been the same. However, after a couple of mediocre seasons, KKR discovered Narine’s potential as a pinch hitter at the top, and Narine showed some flashes of brilliance in 2017 when he scored the then fastest IPL half-century off just 15 balls.

He transformed this potential to full-blown performance in 2018 when he incredibly scored 357 runs opening the batting as a pinch hitter at a super SR of 189.89. His batting form helped his bowling as well and Narine had a great season picking up 17 wickets and once again emerging as the MVP, this time for his all-round performance.

Playing him at 8, nullifies his role as a pinch hitter in this team, but having picked 122 wickets in 110 matches at a miserly economy of 6.67, Narine is worthy enough to have a spot in this team just on the basis of bowling as well. KKR, however, will continue to milk his pinch-hitting ability and hope for a great performance from their now veteran player.