'Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest XI for sure' - Matthew Hayden opens up IPL's greatest all-rounder

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the commencement of the IPL 2024, Star Sports brings forth exclusive insights from cricket legends on the 'Star Sports Incredible 16 of IPL'. As 16 years have passed since the inaugural IPL auction on February 20th, 2024, the broadcaster embarked on a mission to assemble the 'All Time Greatest IPL Team'.

This elite squad comprised 11 players, 4 impact substitutes, and 1 coach, with input from over 25 cricket experts, 16 lakh fans, and 70 journalists who cast their votes to select their 'All Time Greatest IPL Team'. While these different stakeholders have selected the team, everyone is eagerly awaiting the final announcement from the 4 jury members and cricket legends- Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn, Wasim Akram, and Tom Moody. 

With the stage set for a thrilling showcase of talent, these former cricketing stalwarts shared their perspectives on selecting the all-time greatest IPL side, shedding light on the pivotal role played by dynamic all-rounders in shaping the course of IPL history.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram emphasizes the match-winning prowess of Andre Russell, lauding his ability to single-handedly shift the momentum with his explosive hitting. Akram's sentiments are echoed by former South African pace sensation Dale Steyn, who also highlights Ravindra Jadeja's multifaceted contributions to the game. Steyn's admiration for Jadeja's all-round skills is matched by his reverence for Russell's sheer power-hitting capabilities, cementing their places in his ultimate IPL lineup.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram chose his two all-rounders who would make the all-time greatest IPL side, he said “I'll pick Russel because he's just a big hitter, I mean Jadeja is a spin option, gun fielder, he can bat well at number 6 or 7. But to have a guy at number 7 who can hit, and hit big on a regular basis, for me I've seen Andre Russell in the past 6, 7, 8 years, he still is an unbelievable player at number 7. He takes the game away from you in a matter of two or three overs, that's how dangerous he is as a player.”

Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn echoed Akram’s sentiments and chose Jadeja And Russell as his two great all-rounders as well, he said “I've got two all-rounders and I suppose it would be up for debate, if we were in a selection panel as to where these two would bat, 7 or 8, but I've got Russel and Jadeja. Jadeja is a part of the Chennai group that has won many an IPL, he’s a left-hander, dynamic, he can bat anywhere in the order that you want, and with his left arm spin and his fielding, he's an incredible player. 

And from an all-rounder point of view, Andre Russell makes my team as a power hitter, he's amazing, clears the ropes and he is a great fielder. But then he also comes in and tips somebody else who is an all-rounder who could have made this team just because Andre, in his prime and when he's fit, he can bowl at 145 K per hour, so he comes in as my third seamer who bowls in at 145. I've got those two guys, where they bat is up for debate.”

However, former Australia cricketer and Coach Tom Moody opts for a strategic approach, prioritizing balance in his team composition. With an eye on maximizing resources, Moody selects Hardik Pandya as his primary all-rounder, citing his versatility as a finisher and a pace-bowling option. This decision, Moody believes, allows for the inclusion of additional overseas talents in critical bowling roles, enhancing the overall depth of his squad.

Former Australia cricketer and Coach Tom Moody had different opinions on who would make his all-time greatest all-rounder list, he said “I've gone in a different direction because 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. So I'm going with Hardik Pandya, on the basis that he can play as a finisher, he learnt that craft under the guidance of Pollard in MI for many years, he then took on his journey to 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.”

Matthew Hayden, aligning with Moody's strategic vision, underscores the importance of preserving opportunities for Indian talent within the squad. With this in mind, Hayden firmly places his trust in Hardik Pandya's explosive batting and dynamic fielding abilities. Additionally, he values Ravindra Jadeja's left-arm spin and exceptional fielding prowess, recognizing the significance of a well-rounded all-rounder in the ultimate IPL lineup.

Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden also agreed with Moody and said “I don't want to waste, if there is such a thing where you're picking greats, an opportunity for an Indian talent instead of an overseas talent, so Hardik Pandya walks into my greatest eleven side for sure. I'm going to pick Jadeja as well, as I want that left-arm option, and a great fielder, which Hardik is as well. So Hardik at this stage is my choice.