As the excitement builds for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has unveiled his all-time combined XI featuring players from Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Harbhajan, who has represented both franchises during his illustrious career, won four IPL titles and is uniquely positioned to curate this star-studded lineup.
The 2025 IPL season will kick off with a thrilling opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The much-awaited "El Clasico" clash between CSK and MI is scheduled for March 23 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings: The IPL Powerhouses
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are the most successful teams in IPL history, boasting a combined total of 10 titles. MI has clinched five championships, starting with their maiden win in 2013 and continuing their dominance until 2020. Their strong scouting system and team culture have kept them competitive, even after their last title victory.
CSK, equally dominant, has also lifted the IPL trophy five times. The two teams have faced each other in four IPL finals, the highest for any matchup in the tournament’s history. Known for their consistency, CSK missed the playoffs in 2024 for only the third time in their history but have a remarkable track record of bouncing back, winning titles in 2021 and 2023 after previous setbacks. Both teams will aim to secure a record-breaking sixth championship in the upcoming season.
Harbhajan Singh’s Combined MI-CSK All-Time XI
Selecting an all-time XI from these two franchises was no easy task, as Harbhajan acknowledged during his interaction with Star Sports. The former spinner named himself as the 12th player in the lineup but excluded notable names like CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He also did not designate a captain for the team.
Harbhajan’s playing XI includes:
- Openers: Rohit Sharma and Shane Watson
- Middle Order: Suresh Raina (No. 3), Suryakumar Yadav (No. 4), Kieron Pollard, and Hardik Pandya
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo
- Wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni
- Pacers: Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah
- Spinner: Harbhajan Singh
Notably, Harbhajan left out CSK’s Ravichandran Ashwin, who ranks as the franchise’s third-highest wicket-taker in history. Instead, he selected himself as the sole specialist spinner in the lineup.
Key Exclusions and Insights
Harbhajan’s XI drew attention for its exclusions, including players like Faf du Plessis, Michael Hussey, and Murali Vijay. He also omitted Ravichandran Ashwin, despite his impressive contributions to CSK. The inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4 highlights his growing reputation as one of India’s finest T20 batters.
When asked about the challenge of selecting the XI, Harbhajan said, "It’s a very difficult task to make a combined team between CSK and Mumbai Indians."
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
As the cricketing world gears up for another thrilling IPL season, Harbhajan’s all-time XI serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that has graced both MI and CSK over the years. With both franchises eyeing a record-breaking sixth title, fans can expect another season of intense competition and unforgettable moments.
Also Read: Watch: Shadab Khan turns villain, cruelly tricks kids with a cold-hearted prank in PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I
