Moeen Ali picks all-time IPL XI, overlooks Rohit Sharma, AB de Villiers thrown out

Amidst the Indian Premier League 2025 actions, Moeen Ali has unveiled his all-time IPL XI, and it’s a power-packed lineup featuring Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Hardik Pandya. Moeen Ali has named MS Dhoni captain of his all-time best IPL XI, but he has surprisingly overlooked Rohit Sharma.

The former England all-rounder ignored the two-time IPL-winning captain Gautam Gambhir as well. But the most surprising exclusion was Rohit Sharma, who led the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles and is one of the leading run scorers in the history of the tournament.

Moeen Ali shocks fans with all-time IPL XI, no place for Rohit Sharma or Gautam Gambhir

Moeen, who is currently representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) led by Ajinkya Rahane in the ongoing IPL 2025, revealed his all-time IPL XI during an exclusive chat with Beard Before Wicket. The legendary spinner’s selection has sparked debate among fans on social media.

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At the top of the order, Ali chose two of the most iconic openers in T20 history—the destructive Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli. He shared the Royal Challengers Bangalore dressing room with both Gayle and Kohli in the IPL. The spin all-rounder also revealed why he picked them as his openers.

Moeen said that Gayle’s sheer dominance as one of the most dangerous T20 batters ever made him an automatic pick, while Kohli’s unmatched consistency as the ultimate chase master made him pick the duo as his openers for the all-time best IPL XI.

Moeen Ali picks four West Indians in his all-time IPL XI

The Englishman has given the crucial number three spot to none other than former West Indies and Mumbai Indians’ hard-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard. Known for his game-changing abilities with both bat and ball, Pollard adds a formidable punch to Moeen’s all-time IPL XI.

Meanwhile, Ali formed a deadly middle order, picking Caribbean giants Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo alongside Indian superstars Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. These four dynamic all-rounders, capable of smashing sixes and delivering crucial breakthroughs, make Moeen’s all-time best IPL XI truly unstoppable.

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The KKR spinner then made the legendary MS Dhoni the captain and wicket-keeper of his dream XI. Dhoni’s magical captaincy doesn’t need any explanation, having won all ICC trophies and five IPL titles for Chennai Super Kings and being one of the most destructive finishers in the world; Moeen’s call was perfect.

MS Dhoni to lead Moeen Ali's all-time IPL XI

Notably, the Englishman also played under Dhoni’s captaincy for CSK in the IPL. Ali picked South African pace sensation Kagiso Rabada and India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to form a lethal fast-bowling attack that can leave batters trembling.

And when it comes to spinning a web around opponents, Moeen put his faith in Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan, who is known for bamboozling the best with his magical deliveries across the formats.

Rashid will lead Moeen’s spin attack, and he will be assisted by Ravindra Jadeja, while Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Dwayne Bravo’s seam bowling will be crucial for Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada from the other end.

Here's Moeen Ali's all-time IPL XI:

Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Hardik Pandya, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah.