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1) Sir Issac Vivian Alexander Richards
World cricket has never seen any cricketer bludgeon a cricket ball consistently for over 15 years the way Richards did. Richards had the ability to score runs at the rate of knots and demoralize the opponents. An amazing fielder and more than a useful off spinner, Richards would have been the most expensive player in the history of IPL.
Role in the IPL
- Bat at number 3 and attack right from the outset. Richards batted at a time when there were no powerplay overs. Imagine if Viv batted for 20 overs what the score would look like and how depressed the opposition bowlers would feel.
- Bowl useful 1-2 overs and give the captain more bowling options.
- Field at covers and short midwicket and save 5-10 runs consistently.
Ideal Team:
Delhi Daredevils have had ferocious hitters in their line up over the years. Just imagine Richards batting with Sehwag. Who would want to be a bowler then?
2) Sir Garfield Sobers
Gary Sobers was undoubtedly the finest all rounder the game has ever seen. Sobers had the ability to score at a brisk rate and had great powers of concentration. He also was an aggressive fast bowler and had a knack of picking up important wickets with the new ball. He was the best fielder of his generation and inspired a lot of budding cricketers worldwide with his class. He has been a rare gem in the history of cricket.
Role in the IPL
- To pick up wickets with the new ball and stem the flow of runs.
- To bat in the middle overs and finish off the games for his side with his powerful strokes.
Ideal Team:
Kolkata Knight Riders would have been an ideal team for this classy all-rounder. He would have been the “Dada” of the team. Sobers has had a Bollywood connection and would certainly have enjoyed being an integral part of the KKR setup.
3) Malcolm Marshall
Malcolm Marshall was one bowler who no batsman never fancied to face even if he was batting on 150. Marshall’s deliveries hurried on to the batsman and he had the ability to trigger collapses. Marshall had a wonderful bouncer which has troubled many batsmen around the world. Marshall was also a handy batsman.
Role in the IPL
- Bowl a fiery spell and rough up the opposition batsmen. Have slips in place for the first couple of overs and bowl to take wickets.
- Use the long handle in the death overs.
Ideal Team
Deccan Chargers have had problems with their bowling attack. Marshall’s presence in the playing XI would have addressed their concerns and Chargers would have fancied their chances of defending even modest scores.
4) Brian Lara
Brian Charles Lara has been the most stylish batsman the world has ever seen. His drives, cuts, pulls have all been classy. Lara was an absolute murderer of spin bowling and often used his feet to score heavily off the spinners. The appetite for runs, the work ethic and the confidence to hit his shots ensured that Lara was always in a league of extraordinary cricketers who have played the game of Cricket.
Role in the IPL:
- To open the innings and play his shots right from the first over. Murder the spinners in the middle part of the innings. To consume as many overs as he can and control the innings.
Ideal Team:
Kings XI Punjab would have loved to see this King represent their franchise. Lara would have addressed the top-order conundrum that Punjab have often faced in the history of IPL. Lara, I dare say would have had the Orange Cap considering the fact that he has always been a man with an affinity to big scores.
5) Courtney Walsh
Courtney Walsh was a genuine strike bowler who had the ability to move the ball both ways. Walsh had an amazing short delivery which surprised the batsman. Walsh had an open-chested action and his wicket taking ball was the one which moved away from the right hander.
Role in the IPL:
- Swing the new ball and get early wickets. The captain would love to have a strike bowler like Walsh in the lineup.
Ideal Team:
Kings XI Punjab would have hoped that Courtney Walsh would give them some early wickets on a responsive Mohali track, Punjab’s home ground.
6) Curtly Ambrose
Ambrose was an aggressive, tall right arm fast bowler. He had the ability to intimidate the opposition batsmen with his stature. Ambrose bowled an unremitting line around off stump which was always difficult to score off.
Role in the IPL
- Bowl tight line and length around off stump. Stop the flow of runs.
Ideal Team:
Royal Challengers Bangalore has been guilty of conceding far too many runs in the recent past. Ambrose would certainly stem the flow of runs and help them solve their bowling conundrum.
