Virat Kohli rejected as Wasim Akram, Dale Steyn and others pick openers for the best-ever IPL team

Former cricketers in Wasim Akram, Dale Steyn, Tom Moody and Matthew Hayden picked the best openers for the best-ever team of the Indian Premier League (IPL). What caught the attention of many was star batter Virat Kohli didn’t get many votes and was rejected by few as well. 

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and David Warner were the contenders. The experts needed to pick two openers for the best IPL team. Matthew Hayden didn’t back the Indian duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and instead picked Chris Gayle and David Warner as two openers in the team. 

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the best batters in the league. They have been two powerhouses in the league and are amongst the leading run-getters in the tournament. They are one of the prime reasons behind the success of Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively in the league. 

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody voted for Chris Gayle along with Virat Kohli. The West Indies batter set the stage on fire for whatever time he played in the league. He was known for his explosive best and played some magical knocks on the league, helping his team win games in the tournament. 

Wasim Akram opted for Rohit Sharma and David Warner as two openers for the best IPL team. It came as a surprise after he didn’t pick Virat Kohli. The Australia opener on the other hand is the best overseas batters in the league and is the leading run-getter in the league among the foreign batters. 

Dale Steyn rooted for David Warner and Rohit Sharma as two openers for the best IPL team. The Australia opener overall got 3 votes, making him the best choice whereas Rohit and Chris Gayle were tied at 2 votes each while Virat Kohli bagged just one vote. 

Virat Kohli’s best in the league came as an opener. The batter is the leading run-getter in the league with over 7000 runs to his name. He has been an absolute beast as an opener for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He will be crucial for the team in the upcoming 7th edition of the league.

#IPL G.O.A.T. @imVkohli does not feature as opener in the Star Jury's #AllTimeIncredibleXI!

Today on the 16th anniversary of the first ever #IPLAuction, find out which players and coach make it to the Jury's 'Incredible 16' – at 7 PM and 10:30 PM on Star Sports Network & 8 PM… pic.twitter.com/AK4WCXPWs9

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 20, 2024

Virat Kohli becomes father for the second time; gets blessed with baby boy 

India batter Virat Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma gave birth to a baby boy, whom they have named Akaay. The couple were blessed with the baby boy on 15th February. He informed about the development with a special post on social media. 

He stated: “With abundant happiness and our hearts full of love, we are pleased to inform everyone that on 15th February, we welcomed our baby boy Akaay & Vamika’s little brother into this world! We seek your blessings and good wishes in this beautiful time in our lives. We request you to kindly respect our privacy at this time. Love & Gratitude. Virat & Anushka.” 

Virat Kohli pulled out of the Test series against England. He is now expected to make a comeback in the IPL. The league reportedly will begin on 22nd March.