IPL: New Zealand’s best XI in league history

In 2008, when the Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched, New Zealand wicketkeeper batter Brendon McCullum played a 158-run knock for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and made the opening game of the league scintillating and memorable for cricket supporters.

Over the years, New Zealand players have showcased their mettle in IPL and have won numerous hearts. Star New Zealand players such as Kane Williamson and Trent Boult enjoy large bases among avid cricket supporters not just because of their international performances but also due to their diligence in the cash-rich league. Remembering Kiwi stalwarts’ superb performances in the cash-rich league, it’s time to prepare their best IPL XI.

Here is New Zealand’s best XI in IPL history:

1. Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum played IPL from 2008 to 2018 and during those 10 years, he played 109 matches and scored 2880 runs with two centuries and 13 fifties. He kicked off his IPL career with KKR in 2008 and went on to serve the side until 2010. In 2011, he played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala, however, following the termination of the franchise, he returned to KKR in 2012 and also made a vital contribution to their maiden title victory.

In the 2014-15 seasons, he was in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp and scored 968 runs in 33 matches at a strike rate of 136.53 with a ton and five fifties. Following the suspension of CSK due to betting activities in 2015, he served Gujarat Lions (GL) for the next two years. The legendary stumper-batter played his last IPL season in 2018, donning Royal Challengers Bangalore’s jersey.