PSL-IPL Combined XI

MIDDLE ORDER:

Rajasthan Royals v Sunrisers Hyderabad - IPL T20

Kane Williamson: The Kiwi skipper surprised many who thought he was not suited for the shortest format of the game. Williamson led the SRH side superbly after David Warner was ruled out following a ball-tampering scandal.

The 27-year-old took over the baton from Warner and went on to become the leading run-scorer of IPL 2018 by hitting 736 runs at a strike rate of 142.22. He also scored the most half-centuries (8) in the season and shut down his critics in the best possible manner. Williamson was lauded as the backbone of the SRH side.

Babar Azam: The Pakistani batsman was one of the finest players to have played in this season of PSL. Although his team Karachi Kings failed to get into the finals after finishing second in the league table, Azam caught the eyes of many with his superb consistency.

Babar Azam

The 23-year-old scored 402 runs in 11 matches at an average of 40.20. He scored five fifties during the tournament, which was the joint highest with Luke Ronchi. Azam’s ability to control the game with his bat and pace it according to the situation earned him praise from all across the globe.

Rishabh Pant: The Delhi Daredevils’ dynamic wicket-keeper batsman enjoyed an astonishing IPL. He was the star of the DD side which failed miserably and ended at the bottom of the league table. Pant was the leading run-getter during the league stages with 684 runs at a strike rate of a whopping 173.60.

His highlight of the tournament was the unbeaten knock of 128 runs off just 63 balls against arguably the best bowling side of the IPL – SunRisers Hyderabad. The youngster, however, does not get the wicket keeper’s gloves in this combined XI.

Shane Watson: The Aussie enjoyed a fantastic IPL season, but he makes the list for his PSL outing, which was equally brilliant. Watson continued his brilliant form from the Big Bash League (BBL), scoring 319 runs in the PSL in just 10 matches with a strike rate of 135.16, becoming the fifth leading run scorer of the tournament.

The veteran also took 11 wickets for his team Quetta Gladiators.

MS Dhoni (C/wk): The former Indian skipper gets into this combined XI, not just because he is arguably the best captain in the last decade and one of the greatest of all time, but because he had a fantastic IPL season 2018 as well.

Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings - IPL T20

Dhoni’s return to CSK was an emotional one, and he led the team to their third IPL title. He scored 455 runs at a strike rate of 150.66, at an average of 75.83 which was the best in the campaign.