Although the IPL tournament was suspended just after 29 matches, the viewers were entertained with some astonishing performances. Based on the performances delivered by different players, former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg came up with the Best XI of IPL 2021.
Hogg chose Delhi Capitals’ stylish and explosive opening duo of Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan. Both Shaw and Dhawan were at their absolute best throughout the season. They guided the Capitals to several wins without much hassle. The right and the left opening combination proved to be a headache for almost every other side in the IPL. Moreover, Shikhar Dhawan was also the highest run-getter till the season was halted. He scored 380 runs, whereas Shaw scored 308 runs in the 2021 edition.
Hogg included Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Sanju Samson as the best number option for the number 3 position. The right-hander had a terrific season with the bat as he managed to score 277 runs in seven matches at an impressive average of 46.17. However, what came as a huge surprise was Hogg’s pick for the captain’s position. The Australian named young Rishabh Pant as the captain of his side.
Under Rishabh’s captaincy, DC won six out of the eight games the side played. As far as batting is concerned, the flamboyant batsman scored 213 runs in eight games. Rishabh was followed by RCB’s wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers who guided RCB to several important victories.
Brad named Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran as two all-rounders in his side. Both Jadeja and Curran played for the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and impressed everyone with the bat and the ball.
He further named Rashid Khan and Mumbai Indians’ Rahul Chahar as the two spinners in the side. As far as the pace attack is concerned, DC’s Avesh Khan and MI’s Jasprit Bumrah were able to make the cut.
Brad Hogg’s best XI of IPL 2021
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant (WK) (C), AB de Villiers, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Rashid Khan, Rahul Chahar, Avesh Khan, Jasprit Bumrah
