The IPL party might be over, but the hangover's still there. Taking it a notch further, dna gives you its 11 of IPL 2016, a mix of superstars, experienced Indians and promising youngsters. It took us a considerable time to decide a few spots, while some walked into it right away. We also overlooked proven IPL performers like Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir and many others because our selection was purely based on this season. Agree, disagree, love it, hate it: whatever it maybe, do let us know...
David Warner (Captain, Overseas, No. 1)
Grew manifold this season, both as captain and batsman. Played match-winning knocks at the top of the order, and more importantly, finished many games off for his team. SRH owe a lot to him for their maiden triumph, for he led his troops with vigour, calmness and immense self-belief. Thus, he is our team's leader ahead of Kohli.
Virat Kohli (Vice-Captain, No. 2)
Batsman of the season, Most Valuable Player, Orange Cap holder, man of the moment: Kohli walked away with plenty of adjectives in IPL-9, except for the title. That said, he'll be the fulcrum of this team, with the bat and tactical inputs. We believed he would be best at the top, and hence found no place for Rohit Sharma.
AB de Villiers (Overseas, No. 3)
No T20 team can be complete without this guy. He's most effective at No. 3, where he can anchor the innings at a rapid pace as well as take his team out of doldrums. A perfect follow-up to the Warner-Kohli combination. Let's not forget his electrifying fielding as well.
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper, No. 4)
There were many wicketkeeper-batsmen in the fray, but we backed him to blossom at this position as well as focus more on his keeping, something he has been asked to do by the national selectors as well. Rahul was probably the silent performer for RCB, notching up four half-centuries and batting with an average of 44.11.
Yuvraj Singh (No. 5)
He didn't really set the IPL stage on fire this season, but he played two or three crucial, match-winning knocks to finish off games for SRH. But more than anything else, it's just the X-factor that he brings in that can make any opposition nervous when he walks out to bat. Can play the role of a left-arm spinner as well.
Yusuf Pathan (No. 6)
Much like in the Yuvi category, finished many a game for his team with his whirlwind, valuable knocks at the lower-middle order. Finished the season boasting the highest average for KKR: 72.20. He still has something left in the tank, one that can explode if opened. And, his off-spinners can come in handy anytime.
Andre Russell (Overseas, No. 7)
Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Shane Watson, Chris Morris, there were many contenders for the all-rounders' slot, but Russell got the nod due to his ability to pick up wickets with the fast, swinging new ball bowling. Has the natural ability to hit big and finish off games with ease with the bat, no matter how tough the task.
Ravichandran Ashwin (No. 8)
A very debatable selection, considering he wasn't in his complete elements in this IPL season. But we picked him up because of the bank of experience he gets with him, and the fact that he is still India's premier off-spinner. With a young leggie in the squad, Ashwin can guide him as well as take charge when the pressure is on.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (No. 9)
He has been the most improved bowler over the past two months, and the Purple Cap sits perfectly on him. If a batsman like Warner says he wouldn't like to face Bhuvi with the new ball, it speaks a lot of his ability. And, his pinpoint accuracy with the yorkers at the death has added another dimension to his bowling.
Yuzvendra Chahal (No. 10)
Probably the most impressive Indian youngster this IPL season, Chahal worked wonders for RCB with his leg-spinners, especially in the latter half of the tournament. It's no secret that wrist spinners are wicket-takers in any format of the game, and Chahal proved that this season. A very promising youngster, indeed.
Mustafizur Rahman (Overseas, No. 11)
Another death bowler specialist who made the difference for SRH this season. His clever variations of pace and length make him a bowler who is almost impossible to read off the hand. He's not just a death bowler, though. Whenever Warner wanted a wicket, he would turn to him, and the Fizz would deliver more often than not. Mumbai Indians' Mitchell McClenaghan ran him close for selection.
12th man: Rohit Sharma
The Mumbai Indians skipper had a solid IPL season with the bat as well, but couldn't make the cut because there was no room at the top, and playing in the middle-order wouldn't quite suit him.
SUPPORT STAFF
Head Coach: Ricky Ponting
Bowling coach: Wasim Akram
Batting coach: Brad Hodge
Fielding coach: Jonty Rhodes
Mentor: Rahul Dravid
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