IPL 2019: Best combined XI on paper

Number 5 and 6: AB De Villiers and Dinesh Karthik

De Villiers will be fresh and available for the whole season as he has retired from International Cricket

As MS Dhoni moves up at number 4, the South African Legend AB De Villiers moves down to number 5. De Villiers along with India’s latest T20 finisher Dinesh Karthik take up the finishing duties. The lower order becomes extremely solid with De Villiers and DK (as he is popularly known) at the helm of the affairs.

AB De Villiers announced his retirement in May earlier last year. As a reason, the South African will be fresh and available for the whole season unlike other teams, who will have important players missing the last leg due to national commitments ahead of the big World Cup.

Dinesh Karthik had a fantastic IPL 2018 and has had a decent run at the International level over the past 2 years. His finishing skills have been impressive and that is the reason he plays at number 6 for this side. DK will also be the backup wicket keeping option for the side.