Indian national cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has named his all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) playing XI. The former Kolkata Knight Riders captain named 5 Indian players in the squad but what caught the attention of many was that he did not name Virender Sehwag in his team.

Virender Sehwag is one of the best players to have played in the Indian Premier League. The former India captain picked a team of players who mostly played for Kolkata Knight Riders under his leadership in the tournament. Gambhir also played a significant role in the league as he was one of the best batsmen in the league apart from being the captain. He helped KKR win two titles in the league in 2012 and 2014.

Gambhir picked himself as the team’s opener alongside Robin Uthappa. The duo were two of the main reasons behind Kolkata Knight Riders’ success as their opening partnership was the main reason the franchise won the title in 2014.

At number 3, Gautam Gambhir picked Suryakumar Yadav for the team. The Mumbai Indians batsman, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders under Gambhir, is the best T20 batsman India has produced and in the 150 matches he has amassed around 3600 runs in the tournament.

At number 4, Jacques Kallis found a place in Gambhir’s starting XI. The former South African all-rounder was one of the main reasons for Kolkata Knight Riders’ success in the league. He was equally good for the team with both bat and ball throughout his career.

Yusuf Pathan, who also played under Gambhir in the IPL, also found a place in his all-time XI. The former Indian pacer won titles with Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders and played a pivotal role for the teams he played for.

Andre Russell is the most versatile second-speed bowler in the team along with Jacques Kallis. The Caribbean player has been one of the best bowlers in the history of the league. He has played for Kolkata Knight Riders throughout his career and has played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

Shakib Al Hasan and Sunil Narine are the two all-rounders Gambhir picked for his all-time IPL XI. The duo also represented Kolkata Knight Riders and played with Gambhir. They are arguably two of the best players to have played in the league.

Piyush Chawla, who has 192 wickets in the IPL, along with New Zealand great Daniel Vettori were also picked by the current head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team. Morne Morkel, who is the bowling coach of Team India, is the frontline player picked in the squad.

Gautam Gambhir picks his all-time best XI for the IPL

Here is Gautam Gambhir’s all-time IPL best XI

Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Suryakumar Yadav, Jacques Kallis, Yusuf Pathan, Andre Russell, Shakib-Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Daniel Vettori, Morne Morkel.