Lalchand Rajput picks his all-time combined MI-CSK XI, MS Dhoni to lead

The game of cricket has seen many players earning a legendary status due to their performances on the field, which have helped their respective teams to do well in international cricket. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been no exception, and the two most successful teams in the form of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have certainly provided a platform for the players to showcase their talent. In this regard, the former Indian cricketer Lalchand Rajput has chosen his All-Time Combined XI team from MI and CSK.

Rajput chose Sanath Jayasuriya and Rohit Sharma as the openers and said that the former’s batting style was perfectly suited for T20 cricket. He picked Suresh Raina at number three and hailed the batter for his consistent scores and match-winning abilities. The 60-year-old picked Yuvraj Singh at number four and reckoned that the southpaw had a wide range of shots in his armoury. MS Dhoni marked a presence in his team at the number five position.

“I feel Sanath Jayasuriya was one of the best openers and was made for T20 and put him at the top with Rohit. Then at number three will be Suresh Raina, who has scored runs, bailed them, and won many matches for CSK. Yuvraj Singh, I have seen enough of him, as I was present in the T20 World Cup 2007, where he hit six sixes and he has a variety of shots and is a strong player. Then obviously Dhoni is a captain and wicket-keeper,” said Rajput on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

Malinga took wickets in every stage of the innings: Lalchand Rajput 

Rajput picked Ravindra Jadeja as his number six batter due to his all-round abilities and put Caribbean players Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo at the subsequent positions. He picked Harbhajan Singh as his next player, mentioning his fine varieties as an off-spinner. For the last two positions, he chose pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga and showered praise on the latter for his wicket-taking abilities over the years. In the end, Rajput chose Hardik Pandya the 12th man but added that the all-rounder would have made the cut if he had bowled regularly.

“I have picked Jadeja, as he is a brilliant fielder, can bowl, and has improved his batting. Kieron Pollard, a very good finisher, and Dwayne Bravo for his bowling at the death. Then Harbhajan as an off-spinner and his usefulness with the bat, and not many have varieties like him.

“Then, Bumrah, whose performances have been witnessed by everyone, and one of the best death bowlers, Malinga, who took wickets in every stage of the innings. Then the 12th man will be Hardik Pandya, but if he was bowling enough, he would be ahead of some cricketers,” Rajput added.

Lalchand Rajput’s all-time combined MI-CSK XI: Sanath Jayasuriya, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga