PBKS Batter Prabhsimran Singh Picks His All-time IPL XI, No Place For Rohit Sharma And Shreyas Iyer

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been more than just a cricket tournament — it is a global spectacle that has shaped careers, redefined T20 cricket, and provided fans with countless unforgettable memories. Over the years, hundreds of players have left their mark, but only a select few have managed to etch their names in history as true IPL icons.

Recently, Prabhsimran Singh, the energetic wicketkeeper-batter of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), joined the long list of cricketers who have named their all-time IPL XI. Known for his fearless strokeplay in domestic cricket and his growing stature in the IPL, Prabhsimran’s selections reveal not just admiration for legends but also a clear understanding of what it takes to dominate the world’s toughest T20 league.

In an interview with CricTracker, he unveiled his dream team. Unsurprisingly, the XI was packed with power hitters, versatile all-rounders, and legendary bowlers. Yet, a few surprising omissions also sparked debates among fans and experts. Let’s break down his team, role by role, and analyze why these names make his ultimate IPL XI.

Openers: Chris Gayle and Virender Sehwag – Fireworks from Ball One

If there’s one way to start an innings with a bang, it’s with Chris Gayle and Virender Sehwag walking out together.

Chris Gayle – The Universe Boss

For IPL fans, Gayle needs no introduction. Nicknamed the Universe Boss, the West Indian superstar transformed the IPL with his brute power. Whether it was his record-shattering 175 off 66 balls* in 2013 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) or his consistent dominance across seasons, Gayle remains the face of destructive batting.

Prabhsimran’s choice of Gayle also has an emotional touch. Gayle was part of the Punjab Kings setup during his final IPL years, and his larger-than-life persona left a lasting impact on teammates and fans alike. “Chris Gayle could win matches on his own” — that’s a fact few would dispute.

Virender Sehwag – The Original Aggressor

Partnering Gayle at the top is Virender Sehwag, the fearless Indian opener who redefined batting aggression long before T20s became mainstream. Sehwag’s approach was simple: see the ball, hit the ball. His explosive strokeplay gave Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and later Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) flying starts.

Sehwag’s two IPL centuries, including a blistering 122 against Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 2 (2014), still stand as testimony to his match-winning ability. Pairing Sehwag with Gayle creates an opening duo capable of destroying any bowling attack in the world.

Number 3: Virat Kohli – The Run Machine

At one-down, Prabhsimran picked the leading run-scorer in IPL history — Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s journey in the IPL has been nothing short of legendary. From a young Delhi boy drafted into RCB in 2008 to becoming the tournament’s all-time run leader, Kohli’s consistency and hunger for runs are unmatched. His record-breaking 2016 season, where he amassed 973 runs with four centuries, remains the gold standard for batting dominance.

Beyond the numbers, Kohli also brings intensity, leadership, and unmatched fitness standards. Slotting him at No. 3 ensures stability if the openers fall early while still maintaining aggression.

Number 4: Suryakumar Yadav – Mr. 360 of Modern T20s

In recent years, Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) has become the most talked-about T20 batter in the world. Prabhsimran’s decision to include him at number four reflects the recognition of SKY’s ability to adapt, innovate, and destroy bowlers in ways reminiscent of AB de Villiers.

Currently leading the Indian side in T20Is, SKY’s role in the IPL for Mumbai Indians has been pivotal. With his 360-degree strokeplay, he can change the tempo of an innings within a few balls. His presence in this XI brings a modern, fearless touch to the middle order, blending perfectly with the experience of Gayle, Sehwag, and Kohli.

Number 5: AB de Villiers – The Ultimate Game-Changer

At number five, Prabhsimran went with AB de Villiers, the man who needs no superlatives. Known as Mr. 360, ABD has been the heartbeat of RCB for nearly a decade.

What makes de Villiers indispensable in any all-time XI is his ability to:

Play unorthodox shots and innovate under pressure.
Switch gears effortlessly, anchoring if required or exploding with breathtaking sixes.
Deliver in clutch moments, often single-handedly carrying RCB’s hopes.

For many IPL fans, ABD is not just a player but an emotion. With SKY and Kohli around him, his inclusion ensures this team has the best middle order ever assembled.

All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard – Power, Balance, and Flexibility

No T20 team is complete without world-class all-rounders, and Prabhsimran chose Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard.

Hardik Pandya – India’s Modern T20 Star

Hardik’s rise has mirrored India’s evolution in T20 cricket. Once a raw finisher, he is now a proven leader and genuine all-rounder. His big-hitting at the death, coupled with handy seam bowling, makes him an ideal No. 6 or No. 7.

Leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title added another feather to his cap, showcasing his tactical maturity and calm under pressure.

Kieron Pollard – The MI Legend

If Hardik represents India’s present, Kieron Pollard is a symbol of Mumbai Indians’ dominance in the IPL. Across 13 seasons, Pollard delivered countless match-winning knocks and chipped in with crucial overs. His partnership with Rohit Sharma became one of the cornerstones of MI’s five titles.

With Pandya and Pollard in the same XI, this team has a finishing duo capable of chasing down 20 runs an over if needed.

Wicketkeeper and Captain: MS Dhoni – The Inevitable Choice

No IPL XI feels complete without MS Dhoni. For Prabhsimran, the decision was simple: Dhoni is the captain, wicketkeeper, and finisher of his dream team.

Dhoni’s credentials are unmatched:

Four-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings.
Over 5000 runs as a finisher in the toughest batting role.
Tactical genius who redefined captaincy in T20 cricket.

His calmness under pressure and unparalleled decision-making make him the ultimate leader of this side. Even in the twilight of his career, Dhoni’s finishing instincts and crowd-pulling aura remain unmatched.

The Bowling Attack: Bumrah, Malinga, and Chahal – A Perfect Trio

Jasprit Bumrah – The Death Overs Maestro

Prabhsimran entrusted the new ball and death overs to Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the best T20 bowler of his generation. Known for his pinpoint yorkers and nerves of steel, Bumrah has been MI’s strike bowler in every title-winning campaign. He is the kind of bowler captains trust to defend even 10 runs in the final over.

Lasith Malinga – The Yorker King

If Bumrah is today’s yorker specialist, Lasith Malinga is the original master. With his slingy action and devastating slower balls, Malinga remains one of the most feared bowlers in IPL history. His final-over heroics in IPL 2019, where he defended 9 runs against CSK to win MI the title, are etched in tournament folklore.

Together, Bumrah and Malinga form the deadliest death-bowling duo ever imagined.

Yuzvendra Chahal – Spin Wizard

For the lone specialist spinner, Prabhsimran went with Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL’s highest wicket-taker. Known for his clever variations and attacking mindset, Chahal has consistently provided breakthroughs for RCB and Rajasthan Royals.

In an all-time XI packed with batting legends, Chahal’s ability to outthink batters and pick wickets in the middle overs makes him invaluable.

Prabhsimran Singh’s All-Time IPL XI

Chris Gayle
Virender Sehwag
Virat Kohli
Suryakumar Yadav
AB de Villiers
Hardik Pandya
Kieron Pollard
MS Dhoni (c & wk)
Jasprit Bumrah
Lasith Malinga
Yuzvendra Chahal

The Talking Points: Who Missed Out?

While the XI is undeniably star-studded, the omissions have also sparked debates:

Rohit Sharma, the most successful IPL captain, misses out despite his batting and leadership achievements.
David Warner, one of the most consistent overseas batters and an IPL-winning captain, is absent.
Sunil Narine, a game-changing spinner and pinch-hitter, doesn’t make the cut.
Andre Russell, arguably the most destructive T20 all-rounder, also finds no place.

Prabhsimran’s choices lean towards personal impact and iconic moments, rather than just stats. And that’s what makes this XI unique — it’s built on match-winners who defined eras.

A Team for the Ages

Prabhsimran Singh’s all-time IPL XI is more than just a list — it’s a celebration of the IPL’s greatest entertainers. From the six-hitting machines like Gayle and Pollard to the calm finishers like Dhoni, and from Kohli’s run-machine consistency to Bumrah’s death-bowling brilliance, this team has it all.

In many ways, this XI mirrors the essence of the IPL: fearless batting, dynamic all-rounders, legendary bowlers, and a captain who thrives under pressure. While fans may debate the omissions, few can argue that this side, if ever assembled, would be virtually unbeatable.

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