IPL 2018 :- The best All-Indian Playing XI of the season

Lower Order

MS Dhoni(c & wk) (Chennai Super Kings)

A return of Mahi of the old.

If there is one thing that this IPL has given to all the Indian fans, then it is the return of the MS Dhoni of the old. Although he is still capable of playing vital innings at plenty of times, the special talent that he was famous for throughout his career - his ability to accelerate the innings - was slowly fading away. However, the way he played in the league stage has proved one thing - Form is permanent, Class is temporary.

Back in the Yellow clothes after a gap of 2 years, Dhoni not only brought the best out of himself but also from other players of his team. In the 14 league matches, Dhoni managed a grand total of 446 runs at a stunning strike rate of 157 and a gargantuan average of almost 90. Leading his team from the front, Dhoni kept his record of taking CSK to the playoffs at a perfect 100% as well.

Krunal Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

Slowly climbing up the ladder.

In a short span of 3 years, Krunal Pandya has evolved from being a relatively unknown domestic player into one of the most versatile cricketers in the IPL. Be it taking wickets at vital stages of the match or finishing the inning with quick blows, Krunal is capable of doing anything for the Mumbai Indians. With his surreal skills, Krunal has surpassed Pollard and his younger brother as MI's premier all-rounder.

Even though Mumbai Indians struggled throughout the league stage, Krunal somehow managed to make a significant impact to earn a place in India A squad. Featuring in the playing XI in all league matches, Krunal accumulated 228 runs at a strike rate of over 145. With the ball, he was part of 12 dismissals at a fantastic economy of 7.07. Based on his current form, it won't be long before he joins Hardik Pandya in the national side.

Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)

A return of form for India's rockstar.

Speaking of Hardik Pandya, What a season he had for the Mumbai Indians. Let me make one thing clear first, I'm not a big fan of Hardik Pandya. In fact, I actually feel he is the weakest link in the Indian National Team. But the way he played for the Mumbai Indians in this season was a big throwback to the time when Hardik was titled as the next big thing in Indian cricket.

Along with his brother Krunal, Hardik was the backbone of the MI middle order. Part of the playing XI in 13 league matches, Hardik scored 260 runs at an average of 29 and strike rate of over 133. Before his season ended with MI's exit from IPL, Hardik was a contender for the Purple Cap and ended the league stage with 18 wickets to his name at a strike rate of just over 14.