IPL 2020: Best XI consisting of left-handers

In all formats of the game of cricket, left-handers are invaluable to the composition of teams. With there being far more right-handed players, both currently and in the past, bowlers are simply not as used to bowling to southpaws, just like batsmen are not as used to facing left-handed bowlers.

And in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left-handers have made merry over the years, often being key components of teams primarily due to their favoured hand. With IPL 2020 less than two weeks away, we attempt to assemble the best possible left-handed XI.

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IPL 2020: Best left-handers XI

Note: In the cases of players bowling with one hand and batting with the other, their primary skill has been considered. The IPL rule that says only 4 overseas players can be part of a team's XI has been followed.

Honorable mentions: Quinton de Kock, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Mitchell McClenaghan, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Gayle

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Openers: David Warner (c), Shikhar Dhawan

David Warner is the captain of this IPL 2020 left-handers XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper David Warner is one of the first names on this team sheet, and he is the captain of this IPL 2020 left-handers XI as well. The Australian is the leading run-scorer among overseas players in IPL history, and he forms a formidable opening partnership in this XI with former SRH teammate Shikhar Dhawan.

Dhawan, who currently plays for the Delhi Capitals (DC), is another IPL batting great who must feature in this XI. The opener isn't guaranteed a spot in the Indian team at the moment, and he will look to secure one with his performances in IPL 2020.

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Middle Order: Nitish Rana, Rishabh Pant (wk), Eoin Morgan

England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan will play for KKR in IPL 2020

Young star Nitish Rana is one of the few Indian batsmen in the KKR side who have reasonable IPL experience, and he will be key to the Dinesh Karthik-led side's fortunes in this year's tournament. He has scored over 300 runs in each of the last 3 editions of the IPL, and will look to go one step further this time around.

Rana's KKR teammate Eoin Morgan takes up the second overseas slot in this IPL 2020 left-handers XI. The England white-ball captain hasn't had a successful IPL career so far, but he is one of the most destructive batsmen in limited-overs cricket and his leadership qualities will lend immense value to his team.

DC wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant dons the gloves in this IPL 2020 left-handers XI. The Delhi lad has been at the centre of major criticism lately due to his performances for India, but his IPL form has never waned.

All-rounders: Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya

Ben Stokes' participation in IPL 2020 is in doubt

Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Ben Stokes' participation in IPL 2020 is under doubt due to personal reasons, and his record in India's premier tournament isn't great either. But the Englishman's world-class performances in international cricket recently ensure that he makes it into this XI. [Note: Batting has been taken to be Stokes' primary skill]

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is one of two spin-bowling all-rounders in this IPL 2020 left-handers XI. He is one of MS Dhoni's most trusted lieutenants, and will play a massive tole in the friendly UAE conditions.

Mumbai Indians (MI) left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya is a very similar cricketer to Jadeja, and will be equally important to his franchise in IPL 2020. The Baroda all-rounder is the final recognised batsman in this left-handers XI.

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Bowlers: Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Trent Boult

Kuldeep Yadav will be one of KKR's lead spinners in IPL 2020

Khaleel Ahmed is one of the few Indian left-armers who are playing at an IPL level, and he is part of an extremely strong SRH bowling attack. The 22-year-old has already played a few games for India, and he will be keen on making a return to the side soon.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is the only bowler of his type in IPL 2020, making him an automatic choice in this team. The KKR spinner had a torrid tournament last year, and will be keen on setting the record straight in IPL 2020.

MI's new acquisition Trent Boult is the final overseas player in this left-handers XI. The Kiwi will partner Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in IPL 2020, and makes it into this team as he is likely to get the nod over countryman Mitchell McClenaghan.

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IPL 2020 Left-handers XI: David Warner (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Nitish Rana, Rishabh Pant (wk), Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Trent Boult

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