IPL 2018 XI that can take on Windies in the Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge at Lord's

Finisher and Wicket-keeper

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is a fearless cricketer

Delhi Daredevils retained Rishabh Pant this season, to avoid a repetition of an error they made a decade ago with letting go of Virat Kohli. Although none of their changes and tactics this season could help them climb a position on the points table from the dreaded wooden spoon, they surely have invested in the right talent going forward.

A lone warrior apart from small contributions here and there, 20-year-old Rishabh Pant has already made a big reputation for himself. He may have got the snub as far as the Indian team is concerned, but it won't be long before we see the Delhi lad dawn India colors and smash opposition bowlers like he did in the IPL.

His tally of 684 runs was the best across the league stage. Scoring his runs at an average of 52.61 and a devastating strike rate of 173.60, Pant has shown how lethal he can be in the later stages of a T20 innings.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni: The King of IPL

It is just not possible to create an IPL XI without the King of IPL. A two year cooling off period was not enough to prevent Captain Cool from leading his Yellow Army into their seventh final in nine attempts. Once again stamping his authority as the most successful captain to lead the most consistent IPL franchise, Dhoni is back with his Midas touch.

Coming into the tournament, there were concerns not just regarding CSK's 'aged' outfit but also Dhoni's personal form with the bat. With age catching up, it was considered that his reflexes have faded away and we might never see the Dhoni of yesteryears ever again.

All those doubts have been put to rest, at least for the months to come. An average in excess of 75 and a strike rate in excess of 150 while amassing 455 runs, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has pulled off thrillers in the dramatic style that he always does.

Whipping off bails, finishing matches off with sixes and playing masterstrokes on the field are all Dhoni traits we are all aware of. A third IPL trophy in an already glittering cabinet will surely not come as a surprise.