All-time Australia IPL XI

The Australian cricket players form a vital part of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over the years, Australia has produced a plethora of cricketers who have delivered sensational performances in the T20 extravaganza and have played a major role in steering their respective franchises towards victory. In this article, let’s take a look at Australia’s strongest XI to have played in the IPL.

David Warner

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper David Warner is undoubtedly one of the best overseas players to feature in the Indian Premier League. The left-handed opening batsman is the highest overseas run-getter in IPL with a whopping 5447 runs under his belt from 148 matches. The Australian star has won as many as three Orange Caps in the tournament, the most by any foreign player. 

Adam Gilchrist (wicketkeeper)

Adam Gilchrist occupies the position of the second opening batsman in the elite list. Gilchrist was phenomenal during his stint in IPL as he amassed 2069 runs in 80 matches at an average of 27.2 and strike rate of 138.4. The veteran also proved his leadership qualities in the tournament as he led Deccan Chargers to their first title in 2009. 

Shaun Marsh

Another Australian batter who stamped his authority in the Indian Premier League has to be Shaun Marsh. Playing for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Marsh was the first batter to win the Orange Cap in the 2008 edition. His exploits with the willow helped his franchise in reaching the semi-final in 2008 and the finals in 2014.

Steve Smith

Former Australia skipper Steve Smith occupies the fourth position in the All-time Australia IPL XI. Throughout his IPL career, the right-hander has represented different teams including Pune Warriors, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Smith has amassed 2437 runs so far in 91 IPL innings at an average of 34.81. The batsman also has one century and eleven half-centuries to his credit. 

Shane Watson

Shane Watson has experienced a rollercoaster ride in the Indian Premier League. The man was responsible for steering Chennai Super Kings to their third title in 2018 as he delivered a sensational performance in the final. The 40-year-old played a whopping 145 matches scoring 3874 runs and picking 92 wickets. The veteran also has two Man of the Tournament awards. 

Glenn Maxwell

The Big Show Maxi definitely deserves a place in Australia’s all-time IPL XI. Glenn Maxwell was at the peak of his IPL career during the 2014 edition. He completely decimated the bowling attacks by accumulating 552 runs in 16 matches at a stunning strike rate of 187.5. The batsman again looked in fine touch during the 2017 edition as he made headlines owing to his exploits both with the bat and ball. 

James Faulkner

James Faulkner was once considered as one of the best all-rounders of the gentlemen’s game. The Australian star dominated the T20 Championship by delivering impressive performances both with the bat and ball. Apart from being the finest power-hitter, the veteran also has a lot of varieties to his disposal including slower ones and yorkers. 

Shane Warne (captain)

The greatest leg spinner of all time Shane Warne will captain the Australia IPL XI. In his illustrious IPL career, the legendary spinner picked a whopping 57 wickets. The 52-year-old has stunned the entire cricket fraternity with his impressive leadership skills. Warne had led Rajasthan Royals to their only IPL title so far during the inaugural edition. 

Mitchell Johnson

The left-arm fast bowler from Australia, Mitchell Johnson holds the reputation of being one of the finest seamers in IPL. The 39-year-old took the T20 league by storm as he picked an astounding 24 wickets to steer Mumbai Indians to their maiden IPL title in 13 wickets. The left-hander has a stunning 61 wickets to his credit in 54 matches.

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins is the only active fast bowler to make it to the elite list. The right-arm seamer had grabbed all the headlines in 2020 by being the highest overseas buy. Playing for teams like Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Cummins has featured in 37 IPL matches scalping 38 wickets. 

Doug Bollinger

The last player to feature in Australia’s Playing XI is Doug Bollinger. He claimed 37 wickets in the IPL at an average of 18.73, the best among Aussies with at least 30 wickets. The 40-year-old played a vital role in helping Chennai Super Kings win the competition in 2010 and 2011. 

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