The 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) hasn’t been short of action. The good thing has been that there has been an even balance between bat and ball. Yes, there have been a couple of games where the bat has dominated the ball hands down, but then there have been a couple of games where the ball dictated terms. When it comes down to our performance, our boys had all-round exploits to boast of. There have been some exceptional knocks and some determined spells that have brought us victories and kept us in the top half of the table.

Our former player and coach, Ricky Ponting has been watching the IPL closely, although some of the matches start around mid-night in Australia. Ponting drafted out what he thinks is the best XI of the IPL, thus far. His team, which includes 7 foreign players and 4 Indians has four of our consistent and most dynamic performers of the season. Here’s how Punter lined-up his playing XI.

Hashim Amla
David Warner
Suresh Raina
Jos Buttler (wk)
Nitish Rana
Glenn Maxwell
Chris Morris
Harbhajan Singh
Rashid Khan
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Mitchell McClenaghan

Jos Buttler has had an outstanding season with us. His promotion as an opener was a move catalysed by Mahela Jayawardene, who was appointed as our coach a few months before the season. Mahela had worked with Jos in the England setup and saw a new opportunity for the wicket-keeper batsman to take full toll of bowling attacks in the Powerplay. And, boy, didn’t that move prove to be a master-stroke. Ponting was a bit surprised himself, when he saw the innovative batsman given a new role, but slotted him at number four in his team. “I know he has been opening for Mumbai, which is an unusual role for him. Having coached him last year with Mumbai (Indians), every time he was exposed to the new ball, he was left wanting. But they have got a different game plan this year, with him and Parthiv Patel opening the batting. He’d also be my wicket-keeper in this team.”

Under Ponting’s tutelage, Nitish Rana got noticed last year with a swashbuckling 70 in our final game of the league stages. Rana was given a better run this season. He has played in each of our 8 games and with good results to show as well. Once the Orange Cap holder, Nitish Rana bagged three fifty-plus scores and bailed the team out of tough situations more than once. Ponting was all praises for the youngster. “Number 5 in this side, I’ve got young Mumbai batsman, Nitish Rana. He is a very dynamic left-handed batsman. He hits spin particularly well. If he has a weakness, or a chink in his armour, it’s going to be against good, quality fast bowling. But, so far in the tournament, he has been outstanding. He is someone who can potentially play for India as well and is a very exciting young talent.”

Harhajan Singh has been one of the most economical bowlers in the IPL, this year. He may not have the wickets to show, but when you need to apply brakes on oppositions’ scoring rates or when you need to break a partnership, Bhajji is the man to be brought into the attack. Ponting has played a lot of cricket against and with Bhajji In his career and he chose the Turbanator as one of the spinning options in his side. “One of my old sparring partners and someone I coached at Mumbai – Harbhajan Singh. Interestingly, after he missed the first game of the tournament due to conditions. But, since he has been back in the team, his economy rate has been really good. He has got great variations and is a wily customer. He has been around for a long time and bowls well in all conditions.”

Last year, Mitchell McClenaghan filled in effectively for Lasith Malinga who missed the season due to injury. Mitch has played in all our games and is our leading wicket-taker too. Even when the odds are against you, McClenaghan gives more than his 100 percent and his never-say-die attitude has got him wickets. Ponting remembers how we got him in the auction and emphasizes on how dangerous he can be in his side. “We got him in the auction as a bit of a bargain buy, about 3 years ago. When you look at his T20 record, he just picks up more wickets than someone like a Trent Boult, or even a Mitchell Johnson.”

Ponting was more than happy with his picks and felt that even if the team of the tournament changed after its conclusion, this team could give any opposition a run for their money. “At the half-way stage of the tournament that would be my XI. I’m sure, as the tournament rolls on, there could be a lot of changes in the team of the tournament. But, I wouldn’t mind taking that team out to play more often than not.”
Our success in the tournament has been pretty evident and it is there for everyone to see as well. These boys have been a part of a strong vertebrae that we have fielded this year and their pedigree is next to none in this competition. We can hope for them to continue doing their good work with consistency and more hunger to perform.

Our success in the tournament has been pretty evident and it is there for everyone to see as well. These boys have been a part of a strong vertebrae that we have fielded this year and their pedigree is next to none in this competition. We can hope for them to continue doing their good work with consistency and more hunger to perform.