Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a widely debated topic has been on the All-time Greatest XI. The tournament has featured some of the finest cricketers to ever grace the field and a big topic within this has been the all-rounder role.
The squad comprised 11 players, 4 impact substitutes, and 1 coach, with input from over 25 cricket experts, 16 lakh fans, and 70 journalists who will cast their votes to help put together the superteam.
Former cricketing stalwarts such as Wasim Akram, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden and Tom Moody all shared their perspectives on selecting the all-time greatest IPL side, shedding light on the pivotal role played by dynamic all-rounders in shaping the course of IPL history.
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Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram chose Ravindra Jadeja and Andre Russell as his two all-rounders who would make the all-time greatest IPL side.
“I’ll pick Russell because he’s just a big hitter, I mean Jadeja is a spin option and a gun fielder who can bat well at number 6 or 7. But, to have a guy at number 7 who can hit, and hit big on a regular basis is huge”.
Akram highlighted the power-hitting prowess of Russell as a fundamental reason to include him in the squad, stating that the West Indian was a true impact player, capable of shifting the momentum of the game in short intervals.
“I’ve seen Andre Russell in the past 6, 7, 8 years, he still is an unbelievable player at number 7. He takes the game away from you in a matter of two or three overs, that’s how dangerous he is as a player.”
Russell has proven his credentials time and again with masterful batting and bowling performances in the past for KKR. The dangerous hard-hitter has notched up 2262 runs across his IPL career at a swashbuckling strike rate of 174.00.
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In fact, former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn also echoed Akram’s sentiments and opted for the same two players as his picks for the all-rounders in the squad as well.
“I’ve got two all-rounders and I suppose it would be up for debate, if we were in a selection panel as to where these two would bat, 7 or 8, but I’ve got Russell and Jadeja,” said Steyn.
But, when talking about Russell, Steyn brought to light the fiery pace that the West Indian can generate with the ball, and exclaimed that as one of the major reasons to include the likes of Russell in the conversation at all times.
“He (Russell) also comes in and tips somebody else who is an all-rounder who could have made this team just because Andre, in his prime and when he’s fit, he can bowl at 145 K per hour, so he comes in as my third seamer who bowls in at 145. I’ve got those two guys, where they bat is up for debate.”
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