IPL 2022: Sachin Tendulkar picks his combined best XI of the tournament, names Hardik Pandya captain

Gujarat Titans won the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, in their maiden season itself. It was a commendable effort, given that not many had given them a chance after the mega auction. This IPL season witnessed several different players put up exceptional performances while star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma among many others couldn’t do much.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has come up with his best XI for IPL 2022. He has named Hardik as the skipper of his team for obvious reasons. Jos Buttler who won the Orange Cap scoring a whopping 863 runs will open with Shikhar Dhawan in Sachin’s XI. Dhawan also fared decently opening the innings for Punjab Kings this season but hasn’t been considered for South Africa T20Is.

Sachin Tendulkar then went with the middle-order comprising the likes of KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, David Miller, and Liam Livingstone. All four players had a fantastic IPL season. While Rahul amassed more than 600 runs leading from the front for Lucknow Super Giants, Hardik’s all-round prowess was hailed by many. He scored almost 500 runs and also picked up 8 wickets this season.

Meanwhile, David Miller had the best IPL season of his entire career amassing 481 runs in 16 matches at an exceptional average of 68.71 and a strike rate of close to 143. On the other hand, Livingstone kept hitting sixes for fun throughout the season and also hit a gigantic 117-meter maximum during the tournament.

“(Livingstone) has the ability to hit sixes, a dangerous player. He is very clear in his mind and backs himself. Dinesh Karthik showed extraordinary consistency this season. I felt he looked calm and composed. He looked in control,” Sachin said while speaking on his Youtube channel. The master blaster then handed the finishing responsibilities to Dinesh Karthik who was at the peak of his powers right through while performing the role for RCB.

Karthik had the best strike rate of 183.33 the entire season scoring 330 runs in 16 matches at an average of 55. He also made a stunning comeback to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming South Africa series.

Rashid Khan the final overseas player in Sachin’s XI

Interestingly, Sachin Tendulkar went with Jasprit Bumrah as the leader of the pack despite the MI bowler not having the best of IPL seasons. He picked up 15 wickets in 14 matches but had a stunning five-fer to show for his efforts against KKR. The rest of the bowling attack consisted of Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Rashid Khan, all of whom were excellent at playing for their respective teams.

Sachin Tendulkar’s IPL 2022 Best XI: Jos Buttler, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya (captain), David Miller, Liam Livingstone, Dinesh Karthik, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal.