IPL 2019: The all-time XI of players who will play this season

#2 David Warner

David Warner

4014 runs in 114 innings; Average: 40.54; Strike-Rate: 142.13; 50/100: 36/3; 4s/6s: 401/160

The Australians call David Warner a 'pocket-rocket'. He has been a revelation at the top of the order, first for Delhi Daredevils and then for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has matured with every year and became wittier, with his hitting becoming a lot more measured as he has become more experienced.

He perhaps learned the art of bashing the ball from the word 'go' from Virender Sehwag, his opening partner when he played for Delhi. However, he switched to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and that's where he really blossomed.

He led them to their maiden title in 2016. He led them from the front, amassing 848 runs, which was the second-most by any player in one season. He was the Orange Cap holder in the 2015 and 2017 seasons. He also holds the record for the highest individual score by a captain; 126 vs KKR in 2017. What makes him special is the fact that he has the highest run tally by an overseas player in IPL.

After a forgettable year following the sandpaper-gate controversy, he will look to start afresh and set new records.

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#3 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

4948 runs in 155 innings, Average: 38.35, Strike-Rate: 130.76; 50/100: 34/4: 4s/6s: 434/178

Virat 'King' Kohliis the master of breaking records, mainly in white-ball cricket. He is only 10 years into his international career and is already regarded by many as the greatest white-ball player ever. In the IPL too, he occupies a special place in the record books, being the second highest run-scorer in the history of the 11 years of IPL.

He had a modest start to his IPL career. His performances prior to the 2011 season were inconsistent and he failed to realize his full potential. After the 2011 season, he has been utterly consistent and a match-winner in a true sense.

The year where he tore apart the record-books was 2016. Not only did he lead his team to the final but also ended up scoring 973 runs - most by any player in a single season. He also smashed four centuries, which is again most by a player in one season.

He has redefined the art of chasing. His conventional yet effective strokeplay makes him an inspiration for youngsters. RCB retained him for 17 crores in the 2018 season, making him the most expensive player in the IPL history.

In spite of all these glittering achievements, he still does not have an IPL trophy in his cabinet. He will wish to win one this season.