Chris Jordan picks his all-time IPL XI; no place for Rohit Sharma

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England fast bowler Chris Jordan has sparked discussion among cricket fans by unveiling his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI ahead of the 2026 season. Shared via the Crictracker Instagram handle, Jordan’s selection features some of the most iconic names in IPL history, with MS Dhoni named as captain.

However, the biggest talking point from Jordan’s XI is the absence of Rohit Sharma, despite Jordan having previously played under him at Mumbai Indians (MI). The omission has ignited debate over selection criteria, leadership value, and individual impact in T20 cricket.

Jordan’s chosen XI reflects a blend of explosive batting, proven all-rounders, and elite bowlers who have consistently delivered in the IPL over the years. At the top of the order, he has opted for Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, two of the most dominant run-scorers the tournament has ever seen.

The middle order is equally formidable, featuring Suryakumar Yadav at No. 3, followed by Suresh Raina at No. 4 and AB de Villiers at No. 5. Together, the trio represents a mix of consistency, innovation, and match-winning pedigree.

For the all-rounder roles, Jordan has included Hardik Pandya at No. 6, offering balance with both bat and ball, while Dhoni slots in at No. 7 as wicketkeeper-captain. The bowling attack is stacked with proven IPL veterans: Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Jordan’s decision to appoint Dhoni as captain is hardly surprising given the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper’s legendary IPL legacy. Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in T20 history, having guided CSK to five championship titles while maintaining remarkable consistency in playoff appearances. His calm presence, tactical awareness, and finishing ability appear to have given him the edge over other leadership contenders.

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The exclusion of Rohit Sharma stands out, particularly because of his unmatched success as an IPL captain. Rohit has led Mumbai Indians to five titles and is one of the most decorated players in the league’s history. However, Jordan’s selection suggests a clear preference for individual batting impact and adaptability over captaincy records alone.

By choosing Gayle and Kohli as openers, Jordan appears to have prioritised explosive starts and run-scoring dominance at the top of the order. With Dhoni already named as captain, leadership may not have been a decisive factor in selecting the playing XI, ultimately leaving Rohit on the sidelines.

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