IPL: CSK and RCB combined all-time XI

The Indian Premier League, one of the toughest franchise-based tournament in the sport of cricket across the globe, has seen many great players playing in it. While some pave their way into their respective national teams after playing in this tournament, others, who are already established in the international arena come in and win matches for their owners, entertaining the fans in the meantime.

Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore have emerged as two stalwarts of the Indian Premier League due to their mass fan-following and star-studded line-up. And it’s the dream of every player to be a part of the high-octane clash between the two eminent franchises of IPL. Over the years, both the franchises have produced and flourished many prolific players.

Many of the players, often tend to make a mark in the minds of the fans who watch this tournament. Be it for any team, a good player is always remembered for a long-long time. And, one of the dreams of the fans is to see their favourite players, who are in different teams during the tournament, get placed in a line-up with franchise not acting as a driving factor.

So, here’s one such line up drafted from the rosters of the best players of the two most popular teams in the history of the Indian Premier League:

1. Chris Gayle

The explosive opener, holder of the record for the highest ever individual score by any batsman in the history of the Indian Premier League, Christopher Henry Gayle is the name that pops up in the mind of any fan or expert as soon as the word T20 opener comes in. A master of the shortest format of the sport, Gayle has the power and technique to decimate any bowling line-up in the world.

Gayle’s early years in IPL were not successful, but the tables turned around when he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the 2011 edition of the tournament, Gayle was called up midway through the tournament and rest as they is history. In his very first match for the franchise, he scored 102 runs off just 55 deliveries, announcing his arrival in style.

Gayle played 7 seasons for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and during his stint was one of the most successful openers in the tournament. This makes him the perfect fit to be one of two the openers of this combined XI.