Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his all-time IPL XI, raising eyebrows with some unexpected inclusions and omissions. In a surprising move, Ashwin excluded some of the most iconic players in IPL history, particularly from the batting line-up, while choosing a blend of consistent performers and match-winners across different editions of the tournament.

Speaking on Kris Srikanth’s Cheeky Cheeka YouTube channel, Ashwin opted for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as his opening pair, leaving out explosive openers like Chris Gayle, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner

For the crucial number three spot, Ashwin chose Suresh Raina, a key figure in Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) success, helping them to four IPL titles. Following Raina, Suryakumar Yadav secured the number four position. The middle order was further strengthened by AB de Villiers, the former RCB legend known for his ability to play unorthodox shots and win games from seemingly impossible situations.

MS Dhoni, Ashwin's former captain at CSK, was picked to bat at number six and take up the wicketkeeping duties. In the all-rounder department, Ashwin made some bold choices by selecting Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. Both are known for their spin-bowling prowess and ability to contribute valuable runs with the bat.

Among the bowlers, Ashwin picked MI’s iconic pace duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga, renowned for their death-over expertise and wicket-taking ability. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, known for his swing bowling and consistency, completed the pace attack, holding the record as the highest wicket-taker among Indian pacers in IPL history.

Ashwin’s all-time IPL XI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Suryakumar Yadav, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah.