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Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has unveiled his all-time IPL XI, featuring a lineup that includes seven Indian players. Notably, Ashwin selection has sparked discussions due to the exclusion of prominent names like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Gautam Gambhir. Despite his strong association with the Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin chose only two former CSK players for his team. while four Mumbai Indians stalwarts made the cut.
Ashwin top picks include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the opening pair. Both have long been fixtures as openers for their respective IPL teams and have also shared the field together in T20 Internationals. At No. 3, Ashwin opted for Suresh Raina, often dubbed Mr. IPL, a player known for his consistent performances in the league.
In the crucial No. 4 position, Ashwin chose Suryakumar Yadav, the Mumbai Indians star known for his dynamic batting. Following Yadav is the legendary AB de Villiers, the original Mr. 360. who has dazzled with his versatile batting skills over the years. For the wicket-keeper role and captaincy, Ashwin picked MS Dhoni, despite Rohit Sharma having won more IPL titles as a captain. Dhoni leadership and finishing abilities are clearly valued in Ashwin lineup.
For the spin department, Ashwin selected Sunil Narine and Rashid Khan. Both spinners are not only known for their exceptional bowling but also their ability to contribute with the bat. Ashwin pace attack includes the legendary Lasith Malinga alongside Indian pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. This combination reflects a blend of experience and modern-day prowess.
Here is Ravichandran Ashwin 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
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Lasith Malinga
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma; Comes Out In Support Of Ashwin On Controversial IPL Rule
Zaheer Khan has recently joined Ravichandran Ashwin in supporting the controversial impact player rule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the 2025 season approaches. This rule, introduced the ahead of the 2023 season to allows the teams to field an additional player by substituting one player during the match. it has sparked considerable debate among cricketing greats.
Earlier this year during the IPL 2024, prominent figures like an Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli expressed strong concerns about the rule impact. Rohit Sharma is noted to that the rule affected India preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup by limiting opportunities for young all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar to bowl.
Rohit Sharma criticized the rule during an appearance on the Club Praire Fire Podcast, saying, “I generally feel that it is going to hold back the development of all-rounders because eventually. cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. I’m not a big fan of the impact player rule. You are taking out so much from the game just to make it a little more entertaining for the people around. If you look at it from a purely cricketing perspective, I can give you many examples—players like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube are not getting to bowl, which is not good for the Indian team.
Virat Kohli also weighed in, expressing his disagreement with the rule. Speaking to Jio Cinema, he said, “I agree with Rohit. Entertainment is one side of it, but the bowlers are left wondering what they should do. I’ve never experienced a situation where bowlers feel they will concede a four or a six on every ball. This is high-level cricket, and in my opinion, it shouldn’t be so skewed towards one aspect. There is a beauty in having a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Kohli further elaborated, “Not every team has a Bumrah or a Rashid Khan or a mystery bowler. So what happens? I’m telling you, one extra batter is why I am able to play with a 200-plus strike rate in the powerplay. Knowing there’s a batsman coming in at No. 8 also influences how I play. While the impact player rule might seem beneficial for batsmen, it’s not ideal for creating exciting matches.
Excitement comes from the ability to defend totals like 160, not just from an endless stream of fours and sixes. The balance has been tipped too far. As the IPL 2025 season looms and teams prepare for the mega auction, the debate around the impact player rule continues, highlighting differing views on its implications for the game’s strategic balance and player development.
Zaheer Khan Comes Out In Ravichandran Ashwin’s Support
Ravichandran Ashwin, a prominent Indian spinner, has emerged as a leading advocate for the controversial Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ashwin has defended the rule on several occasions, emphasizing its strategic benefits and the opportunities it provides for young Indian players.
Ashwin argues that the Impact Player rule enhances the value of tactical decision-making by teams. While acknowledging that the rule might not promote the development of all-rounders, he points out that this isn’t necessarily a drawback. “The Impact Player rule adds more value to strategy,” Ashwin explained during a discussion on Kris Srikanth YouTube channel. It doesn’t discourage all-rounders; it’s just that current trends in the game have shifted. Look at Venkatesh Iyer, who doing well for Lancashire. There are opportunities for innovation, and it helps make the game fairer.
He also highlighted how the rule has provided chances for emerging talents like Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube and notably Dhruv Jurely. who might not have had these opportunities otherwise. It’s not the only way for players to rise, but it’s beneficial,” Ashwin added.
Zaheer Khan is another key figure in Indian cricket, has also voiced support for the rule. As the newly appointed mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Khan echoed Ashwin sentiments, praising the rule for giving opportunities to uncapped Indian players. I support the rule,” Khan stated at an LSG press conference. This opportunity is crucial for the development of Indian cricket. Genuine all-rounders will always find their value; the rule doesn’t negate their importance. If you have real all-round abilities, you will still be valued.
The Impact Player rule was a topic of discussion during a recent BCCI meeting with all ten IPL teams in Mumbai. Although there have been debates, there is currently no indication that the rule will be abolished and it is expected to remain in place for the 2025 season.
R Ashwin Explains Why IPL Should Not Discard Impact Player Rule
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his support for the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL), arguing that it improver there strategic depth. Introduced in 2023. the rule allows teams to substitute one player during a match, adding an extra dimension to tactical decisions. Despite some controversy, including criticism from Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who believes the rule hampers the development of all-rounders, Ashwin sees it in a positive light.
On Kris Srikanth YouTube show, Cheeky Cheeka, Ashwin defended the rule: The Impact Player rule adds value to strategy. While it might not promote all-rounders as much, it’s not a preventing their development. In today game, players don’t often perform both batting and bowling roles. Look at Venkatesh Iyer. who is the excelling with Lancashire. The rule offers opportunities for innovation and makes the game fairer.
Ashwin supported his view by referencing a specific example from IPL 2024. In Qualifier 2, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced Rajasthan Royals. After posting a score of 175/9, Sunrisers used Shahbaz Ahmed as their Impact Player. Ahmed three-wicket haul proved crucial and his performance highlighted the rule’s strategic benefits: When dew can influence a game, the rule gives teams bowling second an extra option to counterbalance. For instance, Shahbaz Ahmed was pivotal in that match, demonstrating how the rule can turn games.
He also noted that the rule has contributed to more competitive games: When batting second, teams can substitute a bowler for a batter if needed. This often keeps matches tighter. Except in high-scoring games like those involving Kolkata or Mumbai, scores have generally been balanced, like the 160-170 totals seen at Punjab King venue.
Ashwin further pointed out that the rule has provided opportunities for emerging players: Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube and specially Dhruv Jurel have benefitted from the Impact Player rule. Jurel might not have had his chance without it. While this isn’t the only way for players to rise, it has its advantages. Overall the Ashwin believes the Impact Player rule has positively impacted the game by improve tactical options and creating opportunities for new talent.
