Chris Gayle Reveals His All-time IPL XI, No Place For Rohit Sharma

Ever since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the gold standard for franchise-based cricket. A melting pot of global superstars, the tournament has produced iconic batters, match-defining all-rounders, and crafty bowlers, all leaving their mark on the league’s rich legacy.

So, when Chris Gayle, one of the most destructive T20 players in the history of cricket, sat down with journalist Shubankar Mishra on his podcast and revealed his all-time IPL XI, fans were bound to sit up and take notice. But what truly sparked a storm was not just the names included — but the one left out.

Let’s dive deep into Gayle’s picks, the rationale behind them, and the buzzworthy exclusion of Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful IPL players and captains of all time.

Gayle’s Dream IPL XI: The Breakdown

Openers: Power and Poise

1. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

IPL Runs: 4965
Best: 175* (Record highest individual IPL score)
Strike Rate: 148.96
Sixes: 357 (Most in IPL history)

Chris Gayle putting himself at the top is a no-brainer. He’s not just a batter; he’s a spectacle. With his monstrous hitting and swag, the ‘Universe Boss’ has defined what it means to dominate in T20 cricket.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

IPL Runs: 7263
Best: 113
Average: 37.25

Virat Kohli, the leading run-scorer in IPL history, brings a level-headed anchor to Gayle’s storm. His ability to accelerate, chase under pressure, and stabilize the innings makes him the ideal foil for Gayle’s fireworks.

🧠 Why this works: It’s a classic “aggressor-anchor” partnership — a combination that wins T20 games.

Middle Order: Flair Meets Reliability

3. Suresh Raina (India)

IPL Runs: 5528
Best: 100*
Matches: 205
Titles: 4 (CSK)

Known as ‘Mr. IPL’, Raina’s consistency, agility in the field, and calm temperament made him a fan favorite. His ability to rotate strike and take down spinners makes him an irreplaceable No. 3.

4. AB de Villiers (South Africa)

IPL Runs: 5162
Best: 133*
Strike Rate: 151.68

Mr. 360°, AB de Villiers was born for the T20 format. His presence in Gayle’s XI is inevitable — he’s a game-changer who could pull off impossible shots with grace and raw power.

5. KL Rahul (India)

IPL Runs: 5222
Best: 132*
Average: 46.64
Strike Rate: 134.79

Often underrated in all-time lists, KL Rahul’s numbers speak for themselves. He brings technical finesse and versatility — capable of opening or playing finisher. A flexible batting option Gayle clearly trusts.

All-Rounders: Spin, Steel & Experience

6. Ravindra Jadeja (India)

IPL Runs: 3260
Wickets: 170
Best Figures: 5/16

A one-man army — Jadeja can turn a match with the bat, break partnerships with his spin, and change momentum with fielding. No dream XI is complete without him.

7. Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)

IPL Wickets: 183
Best: 4/22
Runs: 1560

Bravo is the highest wicket-taking all-rounder in IPL history. His death-bowling skills, dance celebrations, and clever variations have won CSK many matches.

8. Sunil Narine (West Indies)

IPL Wickets: 192
Best Figures: 5/19
Runs: 1025 (as pinch-hitter)

An all-round enigma, Narine revolutionized both T20 bowling and batting. As a mystery spinner, he was unplayable. And at the top, he could decimate bowling attacks when promoted.

Bowlers: The Ultimate Finishers

9. Jasprit Bumrah (India)

IPL Wickets: 183
Economy: 7.39
Best: 5/10

Arguably the best death bowler in T20 history, Bumrah’s pace, toe-crushing yorkers, and ice-cold nerves make him a lethal weapon in this team.

10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)

IPL Wickets: 198
Economy: 7.39
Best: 5/19

Bhuvi is swing personified. Whether it’s the new ball or end overs, his ability to move the ball both ways and maintain discipline makes him one of the most dependable Indian pacers in IPL history.

The Shock: No Rohit Sharma?

Let’s address the elephant not in the room.

Rohit Sharma (India)

IPL Runs: 7046
Titles: 5 (as captain)
Best: 109*
Strike Rate: 131.02

Gayle’s omission of Rohit Sharma, a five-time winning captain and one of IPL’s highest run-scorers, sparked controversy. Known for his calm leadership, elegant strokeplay, and ability to win crunch games, Rohit’s absence is eyebrow-raising.

So, why was he excluded?

Gayle’s Likely Thought Process:

Personal Chemistry: Gayle has played extensively with Kohli, ABD, Bravo, and Narine — shared locker rooms matter.
Impact over Stats: He seemed to favor game-changers he’s personally seen win matches from improbable positions.
Leadership Not a Factor: Despite Rohit’s stellar record, Gayle didn’t choose based on captaincy or trophies.

Complete Chris Gayle’s All-Time IPL XI

No.	Player	Role
1	Chris Gayle	Left-hand opener
2	Virat Kohli	Right-hand opener
3	Suresh Raina	Left-hand batter
4	AB de Villiers	Right-hand batter
5	KL Rahul	Wicketkeeper/Batter
6	Ravindra Jadeja	All-rounder (LHB, SLA)
7	Dwayne Bravo	All-rounder (RHB, RAM)
8	Sunil Narine	All-rounder (RHB, Off-spin)
9	Jasprit Bumrah	Fast bowler
10	Bhuvneshwar Kumar	Swing bowler

The Beauty of Dream XIs

In sport, dream XIs are more art than science. They reflect not just stats and accolades but emotional imprints, match-winning memories, and locker room bonds.

Chris Gayle’s IPL XI is a celebration of:

Power-packed performances
Unforgettable partnerships
On-field audacity

And while Rohit Sharma might be missing, it only highlights how subjectivity is the soul of fantasy lineups. One thing’s for sure — Gayle’s XI would not just win games, it would put on a show every single night.

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