The Best left-handed IPL eleven of all-time

Left-handed cricketers are always crucial to the team, be it in Tests or the limited-overs. With skills, there also comes the advantage of being fewer in number than the right-handers. Over the last decade, we witnessed that bowlers are not that habituated to delivering against southpaws. At the same moment, not all batters are set properly to bat the overs of a left-hander bowler. The impact of left-handers in IPL is immeasurable.

We have seen the likes of David Warner, Chris Gayle, and Adam Gilchrist storming in the past. But, many left-handers have made their names in IPL with their performance. Let's jump into assembling a team with the best left-handed IPL eleven of all time. 

According to the IPL rule, only 4 overseas are allowed in a franchise. The same has been followed while selecting the cricketers of this team as well

David Warner

David Warner and the term consistency go hand-in-hand when it comes to T20 batting. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad player is one of the first bundle of cricketers to establish his name globally through his brilliant performance in the T20 league.

Till IPL 2024, Warner aggregated 6565 runs including 4 centuries and 61 half-centuries. It is a bit hard to find a hard-hitting left-handed opener like him. The best left-handed IPL eleven will be incomplete without him as the opener.

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is that player without whom this list would have remained incomplete. He started with Kolkata Knight Riders and then shifted to Royal Challengers Bangalore, he became one of the most successful batters in IPL history. His knock of 175 runs against Pune Warriors India, still remains the highest in the IPL history. 

Gayle then shifted his base to Punja Kings and ended his IPL career for the franchise from northern India. Before hanging his boots, Gayle scored 4695 runs with a career strike rate of 148.96. 

Gautam Gambhir (C)

Read also: Most centuries in IPL history

One of the strongest pillars behind Kolkata Knight Riders' success is Gautam Gambhir. From scoring runs to leading the team to the top, he did it all. He joined KKR in 2013 and since then, he has taken the team to win trophies twice. In 154 games, Gambhir scored 4217 runs including 36 fifties.

Suresh Raina

You said ferocious middle-order batter, we heard Suresh Raina. The IPL legend was one of the key members of Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Lions. His contribution to CSK's success is undeniable in no way. Raina is the 5th highest run-getter in IPL history with 5528 runs.

Michael Hussey

The former Australian cricketer is yet another player to build the name and fame of the CSK franchise. He is the second batter to hit a ton in IPL after Brendon McCullum. He was associated with the league for a short period and played only 14 innings. Within this time, he scored 492 runs including 4 half-centuries. He also received the "Man of the Match" award thrice in 14 innings.

Read also: Most Sixes by Indians in the IPL

Rishabh Pant (wk)

The Delhi Capitals captain is a great player to form the core of this middle-order. Apart from smashing boundaries, Pant's wicket-keeping skill and leadership abilities can help the leader from behind the stump as well. In 111 IPL matches, Pant has scored 3284 runs with an excellent strike rate of 148.93. 

Shakib Al Hasan

The Bangladeshi all-rounder is our preferred player on this list in the position of the all-rounder. Shakib is very much capable with bat and ball and his all-round ability proved good for KKR under Gautam Gambhir's leadership. He won two IPL trophies for KKR. Moreover, he can bat and ball at any stage of the game, which can be invaluable for any captain.

Ravindra Jadeja

The credit for CSK's immense success goes to a few more players apart from MS Dhoni, and Jadeja is one of them. No doubt, he is a terrific all-rounder and will be a great addition to this Playing XI. The reason to choose him in the place of a proper spinner is that he not only brings his spinning skills but also the overall package to the team. Like Shakib, Jadeja also can bat and bowl at any place. 

Read also: Most Sixes by Indians in the IPL

RP Singh

The Purple Cap winner of IPL 2009 is the next member of this Playing XI. Rudra Pratap Singh played for four franchises in the Indian Premier League. He took 90 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 7.90 in 82 games. 

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat has always been one of the most expensive bowlers in the Indian Premier League. The left-arm pacer is known for his slower deliveries and variations. Unadkat played for multiple teams and has taken 99 wickets in 103 matches with an economy rate of 8.99. He has also taken two five-wicket hauls.

Zaheer Khan

The former Indian cricketer played for a couple of franchises like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, and Royal Challenger Bangalore. Though at the fag end of his career, there were some doubts whether he would be able to perform like his prime, but the Indian legend proved everyone wrong by taking 99 wickets with an economy rate of 7.59. 

Playing XI:

• David Warner (Batter)
• Chris Gayle (Batter)
• Gautam Gambhir (Batter)
• Suresh Raina (Batter)
• Michael Hussey (Batter) 
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
• Shakib Al Hasan (all-rounder)
• Ravindra Jadeja (Spinner)
• RP Singh (Pacer)
• Jaydev Unadkat (Pacer)
• Zaheer Khan (Pacer)

These are our choices for the Playing XI. Unfortunately, we had to leave behind some of the legends of this league due to the rule of including 4 overseas cricketers. What do you think about this team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.