Niall O'Brien picks his best XI of IPL 2022

The final of the Indian Premier League 2022 is underway between the two top teams of the tournament, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Titans secured a victory in Qualifier 1, while Royals got over the line comfortably against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Qualifier 2.

Apart from these top two teams, the players of other teams also produced impressive performances as well. There have been vivid choices from the cricket fraternity for the best performers of the season. The latest to have an opinion is the former Ireland batter, Niall O’Brien.

Rajat Patidar has been an absolute revelation in IPL 2022: Niall O’Brien

Niall went with just three overseas players in his best XI due to the better performances of the Indian players. He added that the RCB batter Rajat Patidar has been an absolute revelation this season. The 28-year-old smashed 333 runs and had delivered an unbeaten 112 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator. The former Irish cricketer was impressed with Umran Malik’s pace and also hailed the performance of Wanindu Hasaranga throughout the season.

In 14 matches, Malik scalped 22 wickets, while Hasaranga picked up 26 wickets in 16 appearances. The key contributors to their respective teams, Deepak Hooda, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Andre Russell also marked their presence in his Best XI. Niall chose the all-rounder Hardik Pandya to lead his Best XI side and Ashish Nehra as his coach.

“The big thing for me is I’ve only got three overseas players, instead of four. I know Patidar has come late in the tournament, but he’s been an absolute revelation. I am really impressed with Umran Malik, he’s got some real wheels. Hasaranga has been exceptional, and Hardik Pandya is gotta be my captain,” said Niall O’Brien on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

Niall’s Best XI of IPL 2022: Jos Buttler, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Rajat Patidar, Hardik Pandya (c), Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohsin Khan, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal

Coach: Ashish Nehra