Indian Premier League or IPL is known for its quality and entertainment. IPL is not only the best cricket league in India but is dominating throughout the world and every player wants to play IPL. But we know the harsh reality that IPL can’t be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s so omnipotent that some countries don’t conduct any kind of series because their crucial players are playing in the IPL. If we talk about country-wise playing 11 the best 11 will surely come from South Africa because of their top-notch performers. Even in the Auction most of them get sold, and their role becomes very crucial. In this article, we will talk about the best South African Playing XI which will surely include big names. So, let’s have a look at the all-time South African IPL XI.
Wicketkeeper and Openers – Quinton de Kock & Faf du Plessis
Having left, and the right-handed opening combination is still a dream for many teams. But everyone has noticed how De Kock and Du Plessis have been actively involved in their respective teams and have played a crucial role to help their team win matches. Both of them are former captains of South Africa.
Quinton De Kock has scored 2114 runs in 72 IPL matches with a strike rate of 132.2 whereas Faf has played 91 matches and scored 2622 runs with a strike rate of 131.0. Not only Faf can be a solid opener, but he is also quite capable to lead the side. Both these players will make it to the 11 as they provide a solid foundation for their team.
Middle-order – Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers & David MillerÂ
Jacques Kallis has not only dominated in IPL but has been a powerful All Rounder all over the world. Many teams struggle to find a middle-order batsman and then there’s Kallis who can bat and who can bowl. Kallis was one of the most important players for South Africa. Kallis played for RCB and KKR by playing 98 matches and scored 2427 runs and 89 wickets.
AB de Villiers doesn’t need any introduction. We all know how he can be a nightmare for the bowlers. AB has helped RCB whenever they were in a tough position. AB has scored over 5000 runs with a classy strike rate of 152.38. After AB another powerful hitter which will play at number 5 and can score quick runs is non-other than furious David Miller.
In 2013 Miller was in his Prime form and he showed the world how powerful a hitter he can be. By winning matches for Punjab this South African surely comes in all-time playing 11. This year he was into his prime form and also helped Rajasthan Royals to win a tough match against Delhi Capitals. With a terrific strike rate of 138.15 Miller has played 86 matches and scored 1952 runs. So these three can be the best middle-order any team could get.
All-rounders – Albie Morkel and Chris MorrisÂ
Both all-rounders started their IPL career at Chennai Super Kings and were valued by their respective franchises. If we talk about Albie Morkel he has helped Chennai to win numerous matches and played crucial knocks wherever needed and grabbed wickets and also bowled with the new ball. Albie has played 91 IPL matches and scored 974 runs and 85 wickets which is a decent stats for a good all-rounder.
Talking about Morris he has played 77 matches and being a bowling all-rounder he has grabbed 94 wickets and scored 599 runs with a strike rate of 157.63. This speedster was the costliest player of the current IPL season and plays for Rajasthan Royals. This includes both of them in the best South African IPL XI.
Bowlers –Â Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Anrich Nortje, and Dale Steyn
Without quality bowlers, a team is incomplete. Whereas the South Bowlers are very aggressive. Kagiso Rabada can be stunning even with the new ball and bowling in the death overs. Rabada has played 42 IPL matches and grabbed 69 wickets with the best figures of 4/21. Imran Tahir’s age is just a number as he is still fit and capable of taking wickets in the middle and an important member of CSK. Tahir has played 59 matches and grabbed 82 wickets and best figures of 4/12.
Another important bowler is Anrich Nortje. Even though Nortje isn’t that experienced, last year he helped the Delhi Capitals to reach the playoffs and helped them to be runners-up. Because of his consistent performance in the IPL, he got a call-up from the South African team. As of now Nortje has played 16 matches and has 22 wickets with the best figures of 3/33. Nortje is known for his speed.
Here comes the final player who will complete our list of best playing 11. He is none other than speedster Dale Steyn. Apart from his last year’s performance, Steyn has been very crucial for every franchise he has played with before. A phenomenal bowler who had scared everyone with his pace and swing has played 95 matches and clinched 97 wickets with outstanding best bowling figures of 3 / 8 with an economy of 6.92. Steyn was at his best when he played for RCB and Deccan Chargers. In 2020 RCB gave him a chance, but he wasn’t in his greatest form but still, he finishes our all-time South African IPL XI.
