This edition of the IPL has been full of exciting matches. As the tournament progressed, we came across magnificent performances from multiple players. The senior players stood up when it mattered the most and ensured that their side went over the line. The same is the story about youngsters. Multiple new faces shocked the experienced sides with their performances.

As IPL is more of a platform where talent meets opportunity, it is interesting to see the foreign players taking IPL as a platform to make a statement. It is a no-brainer that IPL stands as the toughest league in the sport, and hence it becomes a big platform for mega-stars to showcase their value for their national side too.

IPL has been the go-to platform for many players like Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Rashid Khan, and Kieron Pollard. Therefore, for the upcoming bunch of players, IPL will serve as the bridge which may lead to a national side selection. Talking about this year’s IPL, we have witnessed amazing performances from multiple overseas players.

Be it Nicholas Pooran’s miraculous save, or the Universe Boss guiding KXIP to multiple victories, the fans have enjoyed the heroic performances from the overseas superstars. Even the retired players have made a huge impact in this edition of the IPL. The tournament has been an absolute spectacle.

let us have a look at the best overseas XI of IPL 2020:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-458748" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Quinton-de-Kock-3.jpg" alt="Quinton de Kock" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-458748" class="wp-caption-text">Quinton de Kock plays a pull shot. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in the history of the tournament. Well, one of the main reasons for their success is their core group. Taking a similar strategy like the CSK, MI have retained their core group over the years and the newest addition to this core group is Quinton de Kock. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman has been the go-to man in the top order for MI and he has played exceedingly well.

Well, RCB’s team management might be pulling their hairs for letting de Kock go. His performance this year has been outstanding. This year, the southpaw has scored over 480 runs with a strike rate of 139.59. Apart from scoring sensibly, de Kock has ensured that he is a member of the maximum sixes list.

This year too, he has smacked over 21 sixes in the campaign. De Kock’s performance has been quite like his 2019 campaign with MI. Last year, he scored 529 runs in sixteen matches. Talking about wicket-keeping, de Kock has been the most impressive one, and with 20 dismissals as a keeper, he has kept the wickets exceedingly well.

During their encounter against CSK, de Kock, along with Ishan Kishan took the charge against the bowlers and ensured that MI was over the line without any damages. An emphatic 10-wicket win over CSK was more of a statement made by the MI. His consistency has made him one of the key players of the defending champions. Hence, de Kock is the opener in this list of best overseas XI of IPL 2020.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459634" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-5.jpg" alt="David Warner" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459634" class="wp-caption-text">David Warner of SRH. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

One might describe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/4059334557430568" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">David Warner</a> as someone who likes to showcase his dancing skills on various social media platforms. But, when he steps onto a cricket field, he is the most focused man. This year, when SRH lost against KXIP while chasing a small target, few would have thought that they will make it to the playoffs.

However, few tough changes along with inspirational performances helped the Hyderabad-based franchise to sneak into the playoffs. If we look at the stats, Warner is the most consistent batsman in the history of the tournament. This year, his average is over 40 and his strike rate is well over 130 (135.14) to be exact.

SRH are well known for their strong line-up, but after the inclusion of Warner, they are one of the most balanced sides. This year too, he has scored 546 runs and has ended his campaign. Hence, he is the kernel of this SRH squad. He took the charge against DC, KXIP, and on numerous occasions this season. But middle-order failures hampered the team’s performance.

Since 2014, Warner has scored more than 500 runs every season. Hence, there is no doubt that he is one of the all-time greats of the tournament. Most of the teams have witnessed opening failures this season, but SRH have not.

Even after dropping Jonny Bairstow, SRH performed well. Also, Warner has been the best captain this year. He has rotated his bowlers well and has taken tough calls which were fruitful for the team. Therefore, Warner is the captain of this team!

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459527" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle-4.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459527" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

No one had thought that KXIP will give the top four teams of the table a run for their money. Even after losing most of their matches, they made a strong comeback and became the most entertaining side of the season. Well, if one would analyse their performance, the turnaround came after the inclusion of the universe boss: Chris Gayle.

As many fans were criticizing the decision made by the management by not looking to add Gayle to the playing XI, he was finally included after the team&#8217;s loss against KKR. Maxwell’s worst season meant KXIP lost the easy games, and after Gayle’s inclusion, KXIP looked like a different team.

His power-packed performances in seven matches gave KXIP the much-needed middle-order firepower and as a result, Punjab defeated a team like MI in the double super over. Gayle was a part of the playing XI for only seven games, but his 23 sixes depicted the impact he had in this format even after turning 40!

It is a no-brainer that Gayle is the legend of this format and hence, in any tournament he plays, he must be included in the playing XI. With an impressive strike rate of 137.14 and an average of 41.14, he makes into the playing XI of this team. All hail the universe boss!

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-457574" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Nicholas-Pooran-2.jpg" alt="Nicholas Pooran" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-457574" class="wp-caption-text">Nicholas Pooran. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

KXIP were never short of a strong batting line up, but in most of the cases, they were unlucky. This year, Nicholas Pooran was the kernel of their middle order. Coming in at number 4 or 5, he managed to clear the fences regularly and is a proud owner of the record of the fastest fifty in this edition of the IPL.

However, poor individual performances by the members of KXIP ensured that the team did not qualify for the playoffs. This year, Pooran managed to score 353 runs at an average of 35.30. With a couple of half-centuries and 25 sixes, he ensured that KXIP’s openers had a good backup in case one of them fails to score.

Apart from hitting massive sixes, Pooran was also the backup wicketkeeper for KXIP. Hence, he was a regular member of the KXIP playing XI. Apart from batting and keeping, Pooran produced a magical moment in a game against RR.

After watching his efforts, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar addressed Pooran’s efforts as the best fielding effort in a game. He was the go-to man for KL Rahul when it came to super over. Therefore, because of his power-hitting and exceptional fielding abilities, Pooran is included in this team.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452093" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan-1.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452093" class="wp-caption-text">Eoin Morgan (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

For most of the season, KKR faced the captaincy crisis. Fans wanted Morgan to take over from Dinesh Karthik and there were questions over the selection and batting order of the team. Well, during the back end of the tournament, the captaincy was finally handed to the world-cup winning captain Eoin Morgan!

But, it turned out to be a decision made in desperation as it was too late for Captain Morgan to guide his team to recovery as they were kicked out of the upper half of the table when SRH defeated MI handsomely. In this team, we have chosen Morgan as a batsman, not as a captain. The main reason being Warner’s excellent captaincy in this season.

However, it is no secret that Morgan is one of the most destructive batsmen in the limited-overs format (You might have watched his CWC inning against Afghanistan). This year, he scored 418 runs in 14 games with an average of 41.80 and a strike rate of 138.41. Apart from scoring valuable runs for KKR, Morgan was a good skipper too. He rotated his bowlers regularly and took crucial decisions on the field.

The 418 runs scored by Morgan might not represent the irregularities in the KKR batting line up. For most of the season, he never received ample time to settle himself in the crease. Even that could not stop him from scoring more than 400 runs! This showcases his class as a batsman. Therefore, for his sheer batting abilities and composure, he finds himself in this team.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-463164" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jason-Holder.jpg" alt="Jason Holder" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-463164" class="wp-caption-text">Jason Holder. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

It is a well-known perspective of many franchises that Test specialists can not blend into the T20 format of the game. Jason Holder’s four seasons depict the underestimation made by the IPL franchises. However, this year, luck was in favour of Holder as he was brought in as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh. The Australian all-rounder was injured during the very first game this season.

SRH were performing poorly during the initial phase of the tournament. They lacked an allrounder who could bowl four overs. Vijay Shankar’s poor performance was affecting the team’s performance and morale. However, Shankar’s poor show paved the way for Holder into the playing XI. And the number one all-rounder, according to the ICC rankings never disappointed his skipper.

In this edition, he scored valuable runs for his team with a strike rate of 144.73. Apart from that, the all-rounder played a significant role during SRH’s matches against MI and RCB.

His highest Test score of 200 is more of proof that when the situation demands he can tear off any bowling attack and when the situation is a bit tensed, he can hang in there. Nobody would like to exclude an all-rounder like Holder, and so he finds a place in this playing XI.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-449563" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sam-Curran-1.jpg" alt="Sam Curran" width="640" height="427" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-449563" class="wp-caption-text">Sam Curran. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Sam Curran might be the next big thing in the all-rounder genre. The youngster can take wickets in the middle overs in the limited-overs and has been the third seamer for the English Test team since 2018. This year, he was a member of the second most successful IPL team, the Chennai Super Kings. However, this edition of the IPL was a forgetful one for the fans.

An ageing captain and an out-of-form batting order never helped CSK to get back on track after their loss against RR. But Curran was one of the few players who looked positive throughout the tournament. His ball-striking ability enabled him to open a couple of inning for CSK too. Apart from contributing with bat and ball, Curran is an excellent fielder too!

With CSK entering a transition phase, Curran will be an important member of the CSK squad. For the next season, the CSK management might be looking to create a team with new core members.

Under the wise leadership of MS Dhoni, who will play for another season, Curran will grow as a cricketer. For his maturity and skills in every sector of the game, Curran finds himself in this list of best overseas XI of IPL 2020.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-458260" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-2.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-458260" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

This spinner from Afghanistan is arguably the best in the world. Logically, whenever SRH fields, it is all about playing out Rashid Khan as this year, is economy rate is just 5.30. This gives a huge advantage to his side because they can place an attacking field, which is rare in the T20 format. Since, 2017, Rashid’s worst IPL economy rate is 6.73 during the 2018 season.

Well, for a spinner like Rashid, it is taking a couple of overs to take a wicket. A strike rate of 18.94 depicts that batsmen were unable to read his deliveries and often, had to defend instead of placing the balls in the gaps. This year too, Rashid was in the purple cap contenders list, and he is the most valuable player for the Sunrisers. Even with the bat, he can clear the park and score some valuable runs for his team.

If we look at his career, only two batsmen have demolished his spells, and they are Chris Gayle and Eoin Morgan, who are also a part of this team. But even after leaking runs (which is exceedingly rare), Rashid has managed to come back stronger the very next game.

And talking about his fielding skills, he ran out Moeen Ali on a free hit! Well, every team wants Rashid, and this team look even stronger with Rashid Khan ready to outsmart the batsman!

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-451087" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Jofra-Archer.jpg" alt="Jofra Archer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-451087" class="wp-caption-text">Jofra Archer. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The more he plays, the more he terrorises the batsmen. Nowadays, when a cricket fan hears the word pace, he/she thinks of Jofra Archer. The English pacer has been the most valuable player this season. And apart from being the most valuable player, he was Smith’s go-to man whenever the team needed wickets.

The English pacer was very economical, with an economy rate of 6.55 and a strike rate of 16.70. He bowled Test match lengths consistently which made life difficult for the opposition openers. During the tough phases, he was able to pick crucial wickets, and hence, Jofra finished with 20 wickets this year.

It was a bitter-sweet IPL for the Royals as they were unable to reach the playoffs, but they have Archer in their arsenal, who regularly bowls over 150 which can trouble any batsman. Hence, the team management can look forward to building a bowling unit around Archer for the next season.

In this era, any team would like to have a bowler who can bowl over 145 kmph. But, if you have someone like Archer, who bowls over 150 kmph consistently, consider yourself lucky! Apart from bowling, he is a clean striker of the cricket bowl and an excellent fielder.

If we list down the best fielders of this season, then Archer makes it into the list. Therefore, because of his athleticism, Archer is our lead bowler in this best Overseas XI of this IPL.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-452795" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kagiso-Rabada-1.jpg" alt="Kagiso Rabada" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-452795" class="wp-caption-text">Kagiso Rabada. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2020-kagiso-rabadas-rattling-toe-crusher-leaves-david-warner-in-sheer-disbelief/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kagiso Rabada’s</a> ability to bowl aggressively is one of the most valuable assets for any team. In the shorter format of the game, where batsman’s thick willow and smaller grounds make the format biased towards the batsmen, Rabada has been the standout bowler for his team. Although lately, he has been a bit expensive, his deadly yorkers can trouble any batsman in this format.

The Capitals have taken their time to create a strong team, and Rabada is one of their main players who can decimate any batting line up on his day. This year, Rabada is on the list of purple cap contenders and is one of the most valuable players this season. A strike rate of 14.08 clearly shows his dominance during the group stages of the league and he is Iyer’s go-to man wherever the game is out of reach for the Capitals.

Last year too, Rabada was very economical with an economy rate of 7.82 during the whole season. Apart from bowling, he can hit the ball out of the park, which makes him more of a bowling all-rounder. Rabada’s ability to bowl and bat makes him one of the best tailenders in the game.

So, if a captain is looking for someone who can bowl the super over, Rabada is his man! During their game against KXIP, Rabada managed to take the two wickets and ensure that the batsmen had to chase a small target in the super over. Being a skilful bowler, KG is in this list of best overseas XI of IPL 2020.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-455714" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Anrich-Nortje-1.jpg" alt="Anrich Nortje" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-455714" class="wp-caption-text">Anrich Nortje. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

While most of us struggle to pronounce his name, similarly most of the batsmen fail to hit this pacer out of the park. This South African bowler is now one of the fastest bowlers in the history of IPL. Coming in as the replacement of Chris Woakes, Nortje has impressed everyone with his simple, fast, and accurate bowling.

However, the South African bowler’s economy rate was damaged by the Mumbai Indians, but it is acceptable as this is T20, the batsman-friendly game. No one had expected Nortje to play for the Delhi Capitals. This year, he was the surprise inclusion in the playing XI. And from the very first match, he started to create a problem for the top order batsmen of the opposition team.

An economy rate of 8.30 is acceptable for someone who has to bowl in the powerplay and the deaths. Therefore, Nortje makes it to the best overseas eleven of IPL 2020. This year, he has taken over 20 wickets, which depicts his abilities to take quick wickets both in the powerplay and in the late phase of the inning.

Nortje has been DC’s backbone this season as he took the charge of the bowling line-up whenever Rabada was expensive. Therefore, any team would like to have three world-class pace bowlers in this line-up, and hence, Nortje completes this playing XI.

~Written by Kumar Tatwamasi

The foreign players have sparkled in the ongoing edition.

IPL 2020: Best overseas XI of the tournament

This edition of the IPL has been full of exciting matches. As the tournament progressed, we came across magnificent performances

IPL 2020: Best overseas XI of the tournament

The foreign players have sparkled in the ongoing edition.

4. Nicholas Pooran