The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 group stage has concluded with a thrilling display of cricket. While only four teams – Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore – have progressed to the playoffs, the eliminated franchises also boasted some exceptional talent.
Imagine a team formed with the standout performers from the eliminated sides. This hypothetical XI presents a formidable force, with a potent batting lineup, a balanced bowling attack, and a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman at the helm.
Top-Order Troopers
Ruturaj Gaikwad: Leading the charge at the top is the newly crowned captain of the Chennai Super Kings, Ruturaj Gaikwad. He enjoyed a breakout season, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 583 runs at an average of 53 and a blistering strike rate of 141.16. His century and four half-centuries were instrumental in CSK’s campaign.
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Jake Fraser McGurk: Partnering Gaikwad is the breakout star of IPL 2024, Jake Fraser McGurk. The Australian left a lasting impression in his debut season, amassing 330 runs at a staggering strike rate of 234.04. His aggressive approach and consistent starts make him a valuable asset.
Solid Middle-Order:
B Sai Sudharsan: Representing the Gujarat Titans in this XI is the young prodigy, B Sai Sudharsan. Emerging as a consistent run-getter at the top of the order, he played a crucial role in providing solid starts for his team. His impressive strike rate of 141.28 and 527 runs in 12 innings, including a brilliant century against CSK, showcase his potential.
Tilak Verma: Holding the middle-order fort is the talented Tilak Verma from Mumbai Indians. Despite his team’s struggles, Verma displayed remarkable talent, scoring 416 runs at a healthy strike rate of 149.64. His three half-centuries solidified his position as a future prospect for the national team.
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Nicholas Pooran: The finisher extraordinaire, Nicholas Pooran, brings his big-hitting prowess to this team. He amassed 499 runs for Lucknow Super Giants in 14 innings, boasting an exceptional average of 62.37 and a phenomenal strike rate of 178.21. His three half-centuries and a century make him a nightmare for bowlers in the death overs.
All-Rounders and Wicketkeeper:
Rishabh Pant (Captain & Wicketkeeper): Leading this team from behind the stumps is the explosive Rishabh Pant. Returning from an injury, he showcased his fighting spirit by scoring 446 runs in 13 innings, including three half-centuries. His leadership qualities and wicketkeeping skills add valuable depth to the team.
Axar Patel: Providing all-round balance is Axar Patel. He contributed significantly with both bat and ball for Delhi Capitals, scoring 235 runs and picking up 11 wickets with an exceptional economy rate of 7.65. His consistent performances earned him a well-deserved spot in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024.
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Sam Curran: The versatile Sam Curran, who captained Punjab Kings after Shikhar Dhawan’s injury, embodies the spirit of a true all-rounder. He shouldered the responsibility of opening the batting and bowling, contributing 270 runs with the bat and picking up 16 wickets with his left-arm swing bowling.
Bowling Attack:
Kuldeep Yadav: The lone specialist spinner in this team is the crafty chinaman bowler, Kuldeep Yadav. Playing for Delhi Capitals, he displayed exceptional control with an impressive economy rate of 8.65 and picked up 16 crucial wickets.
Harshal Patel: The turnaround king of IPL 2024, Harshal Patel, finds a place in this XI. After a slow start, he bounced back remarkably, leading the wicket-taking charts with 24 scalps. His ability to pick up wickets at crucial junctures makes him a valuable asset.
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Jasprit Bumrah: The ever-reliable Jasprit Bumrah, despite playing for the last-placed Mumbai Indians, stands out with his lethal bowling. He picked up 20 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of just 6.48 in 13 matches. Bumrah’s ability to swing the new ball, control the middle overs, and restrict runs at the death is unmatched
