Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has revealed his best XI from the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. The debutants Gujarat Titans won the tournament by defeating the Rajasthan Royals in the finals.
In a conversation with Sportskeeda, Harbhajan Singh named Hardik Pandya as the skipper of his XI. The all-rounder led the Gujarat Titans from the front, scoring the most runs for the franchise. In fifteen matches, Hardik scored 487 runs at an average of 44.27, including four half-centuries.
The former off-spinner picked the obvious opening duo of Jos Buttler and KL Rahul. Jos Buttler was the leading run-scorer in the season, with 863 runs. While KL Rahul was second on the table with 616 runs. Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Rahul Tripathi and Punjab Kings’ Liam Livingstone followed the openers at number three and four respectively.
Rashid Khan’s leg spin is magical – Harbhajan Singh
Wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik performed brilliantly in the finisher’s role for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season. Harbhajan slotted him in the middle order along with Hardik Pandya and Andre Russell.
The former Indian off-spinner picked Rashid Khan in his XI. He expressed that Rashid can also be effective with the bat. Along with Rashid, Harbhajan Singh another leg-spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal. The Rajasthan Royals spinner was the leading wicket-taker in the season.
Further, Harbhajan picked Umran Malik and Josh Hazlewood as the pacers. He also named Mohammed Shami in the reserves.
“Rashid can bat as well while his leg-spin is magical. You might ask why (there are) two leg-spinners in the team. Well, both are best, that’s why. Hazlewood and Umran would open the bowling in my team. Russell and Hardik both can come in as the third seamer. After that, there are two proper spinners, who would definitely give you eight overs on any pitch,” said Harbhajan Singh.
Harbhajan Singh’s IPL 2022 XI: Jos Buttler, KL Rahul, Rahul Tripathi, Liam Livingstone, Hardik Pandya (captain), Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rashid Khan, Umran Malik, Josh Hazlewood
12th Man: Mohammed Shami
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