IPL: Best Australia XI in tournament's history

Ever since its inception, the Indian Premier League has been a marquee event that has facilitated the coming together of stars from all across the world. Over the years, it has witnessed the congregation of nearly all the decorated stars of the cricket world, a large number of whom have been Australians.

Considered to be one of the most consistent and influential teams in the history of cricket, Australian cricketers have been some of the strongest pillars that have helped put up this incredible tournament. Right from the advent of the cash-rich league, Australian cricketers have not only been a constant feature in every edition of the league but have also taken up important responsibilities for their respective franchises, leaving behind an indelible mark in the history of the tournament. The impact Australian cricketers have had in this tournament can be gauged by the fact that the IPL trophy for the first ever time, was lifted by an Australian captain. Overall, a total of three Australians have led their respective teams to win the silverware in different seasons of the tournament. 

In the 15 editions of the tournament played so far, innumerable Australians have been a part of the illustrious league and have managed to mesmerize viewers with some of the tournament's finest performances. As we wait to embrace the 16th edition with open arms, we take a pause to look back at the past editions and enumerate the best Australian playing XI in the history of the Indian Premier League.

Here is the best Australian playing XI in IPL History:

1. Adam Gilchrist (wk)

he former Australian swashbuckling opener had been an integral part of the tournament in its initial years till the legendary wicketkeeper decided to hang up his boots in 2013. Although he left IPL, the tournament would probably never leave his memory because it was in the IPL itself where Gilchrist picked his first and only wicket, dismissing Harbhajan Singh while playing against Mumbai Indians. 

Gilchrist joined the league in its first-ever season after being picked up by Deccan Chargers at the inaugural auction. After a dismal performance in the inaugural season, the Deccan Chargers management sacked former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman from the captaincy duties and handed it to Gilchrist who then took the team to its first and only IPL title in 2009. Notably, even in the disastrous season of 2008, Gilchrist, at an individual level, did deliver great performances although not being able to garner support from the rest of the team on most occasions. Gilchrist ended the season as the highest run scorer for Deccan Chargers after having amassed 436 runs. 

Gilchrist played in the IPL for six seasons where he played a whopping 82 matches. Courtesy of his aggressive playing style, he also became the first-ever player to score 1000 runs in IPL. Overall, he has 2069 IPL runs to his name along with 2 centuries and 11 half-centuries.