The advent of the Indian Premier League has certainly turned around the fortunes of many of the lesser known domestic players. In a broader sense, this king size tournament has changed the complexion of modern day cricket.
Innovative shots such as reverse sweeps and dil-scoops or subtle variations in bowling, be it the back of the hand slower delivery or the carom ball-are all products of this billion dollar league. But, have you ever wondered, what could have been the scenario had some of the greats of the game participated in this contemporary league? In those days, the idea of T20 cricket could not be thought of.
Hence, we explore this fascinating idea of forming an IPL side by selecting some of the stalwarts of the game
OPENERS
1. SUNIL GAVASKAR
No ‘All-Star’ team can be completed without the inclusion of the ‘Little Master’. The legendary opener from Mumbai may always be remembered for his classical batting technique (let alone the 174 ball 36* which he scored in the 1975 Prudential Cup opener), but one also needs to be reminded of the fact that his maiden ODI ton was a brutal 103* off 88 balls against New Zealand, which was filled with elusive stroke play. If Mr Gavaskar would really have been handed over an IPL contract, his owners would have expected such knocks from him more often than not.
ODI Career: 108 Matches, 3,092 Runs, Avg.-35.13.
2. FAROKH ENGINEER (Wicket Keeper)
This stylish player from Mumbai with dual skills of aggressive batting and tidy keeping is ideally the kind of player, who could have fitted into any T20 side. Having played for India from 1961 to 1974, the former Indian wicketkeeper is the perfect man to partner Gavaskar for the opening slot.
ODI Career: 5 Matches, 114 Runs, Avg.-38
3. SIR VIVIAN RICHARDS (O)
Trust me. If ever at all, an auction for these now old players had to take place, the highest bid would have been kept aside for this ‘chewing gum maestro’ from Antigua. It’s almost impossible to define Sir Richards’ charisma in just a few lines. He had scored over 8,000 runs at a strike rate over 90 and that too in a time when the faces of the willows were as much as the area that accounts for Gayle’s edges today.
ODI Career: 187 Matches, 6,721 Runs, Avg.-47
4. RAVI SHASTRI
Who wouldn’t want this uber-cool Mumbaikar in his/her IPL side?
A talented all-rounder capable of performing with both the bat and the ball, this cricketer turned commentator could Add the much-needed balance to his side and we are not even counting his ‘after match party’ capabilities. Even though a Mumbaikar, he could have been a perfect fit for RCB.
ODI Career: 150 Matches, 3,108 Runs, Avg.-29.04
Bowling: 129 Wickets, Bowl Avg.-36.04
5. DEAN JONES (O)
Our second overseas player in this team, Dean Jones certainly had the guts and the confidence to win his side a match almost single-handedly. His career comprised 164 ODIs, in which he scored 6,068 runs at an average of 44.61 and a strike rate of 72.56, which by pedestrian modern standards, was a benchmark.
Add to that, his nimble running between the wickets, outstanding out-fielding skills, backed by aggressive batting against the fast bowlers, and what you get is a dynamic T20 package.
ODI Career: 164 Matches, 6,068 Runs, Avg.-44.61
6. ROBIN SINGH
If this former Indian all-rounder of Trinidadian origin would still be playing active cricket; be rest assured about one thing; placards would have seized the limelight in all the eight bidding tables. Such was the quality of this man during his playing days. Famous for his middle lower order batting and medium pace bowling, he was one of the best fielders in the world during his active years as a cricketer.
ODI Career: Batting- 136 Matches, 2,336 Runs, Avg.-25.95
Bowling- 69 Wickets, Bowl Avg.-43.26
7. KAPIL DEV (Captain)
The man who played an instrumental part in India’s first World Cup triumph is still a lovable personality wherever he goes. The Haryana Hurricane could bowl, could score 175* and rescue his side from an arduous situation of 17-5 and could also take blinders on the field, like the one he did when he dismissed Sir Viv Richards in the 1983 Prudential Cup Final. And then, he was also a valiant leader. So, this former talismanic all-rounder is the skipper of this champion side.
ODI Career: Batting 225 Matches, 3,783 Runs, Avg.-23.79
Bowling- Wickets-253, Bowl Avg.-27.45
8. SIR RICHARD HADLEE (O)
One of the most celebrated bowlers of all time, Sir Richard Hadlee could just be the catalyst that sometimes proves so useful in a T20 game. Having taken 158 wickets and scored 1,751 runs in 115 ODIs, this Kiwi stalwart is certainly the ‘X-factor’ of the team.
ODI Career: Batting- 115 Matches, 1,751 Runs, Avg.-21.61
Bowling- Wickets-158, Bowl Avg.-21.56
9. WASIM AKRAM (O)
Partnering Sir Hadlee with the new ball would be Wasim Akram. The current KKR bowling coach with his threatening in-swingers and yorkers could prove detrimental for the opposition sides. He was no monk with the bat either. His highest test score of 257* is just a testimony to the fact.
ODI Career: Batting- 356 Matches, 3,717 Runs, Avg.-16.52
Bowling- Wickets-502, Bowl Avg.-23.52
10. BS CHANDRASEKHAR
‘’A right wrist withered by polio was converted into a weapon that struck fear in the hearts of batsmen.’’ If you have to define Chandrasekhar’s career with an anecdote, I bet you won’t get one better than this. This Kannada spinner was a gentleman off the field and was equally ruthless when on it. Although, the erstwhile Indian leg-spinner doesn’t have impressive batting records to be proud of, in 1972, his string of impressive performances had earned him the ‘Wisden Cricketers’ award.
ODI Career: Batting- 1 Match, 11 Runs
Bowling- Wickets-3, Bowling Avg.-12
11. BISHAN SINGH BEDI
The former Indian Captain, who was a potent match winner during his playing days with his left arm slow bowling has always been a cynic of the happenings in modern day cricket. But sometimes, I reckon, you need such iron-hearted players in your side who loves to grab opportunities rather than wait for them. It’s almost as if we are asking Nasiruddin Shah to act in an out and out a commercial flick.
ODI Career: Batting- 10 Matches, 31 Runs, Avg.-6.20
Bowling- Wickets-7, Bowling Avg.- 48.57.
To conclude, it would be apt to draw an illustrious quote from Salman Rushdie which reads, ‘’Sometimes legends make reality, and become more useful than facts’’.
There are no two ways about it.
Notes- 1. ‘O’ Stands for ‘Overseas Players’.
- Even though Chandrasekhar and Bedi had managed to play a handful of ODIs, we have picked them on the basis of their Test performances.