England fast bowler Chris Jordan Ahead of the 2026 season, it has sparked debate among cricket fans by unveiling its all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI. Shared by Crictracker Instagram handle, Jordan’s selection features some of the most famous names in IPL history, with MS Dhoni named as the captain.
However, the most talked about aspect of Jordan’s XI is his absence Rohit SharmaAlthough Jordan previously played under him for Mumbai Indians (MI). The release has ignited debates about selection criteria, value of leadership and individual impact in T20 cricket.
Chris Jordan’s all-time IPL XI: Star-studded squad
Jordan’s selection features a mix of explosive batsmen, proven all-rounders and elite bowlers who have featured in the IPL for the 11th consecutive year. At the top of the order he is Chris Gayle and Virat Kohlithe two top scorers the tournament has ever seen.
The middle order is equally formidable with No.3 Suryakumar Yadav followed by No.4 Suresh Raina and No.5 AB de Villiers. Together, the trio represents a blend of consistency, innovation and match-winning pedigree.
For the all-rounder roles, Jordan has included Hardik Pandya at number 6, who offers balance with both bat and ball, while Dhoni is at number 7 as the wicket-keeper-captain. The bowling attack is loaded with proven IPL veterans: Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Yuzvendra Chahal.
MS Dhoni to lead Chris Jordan’s all-time IPL XI
Given the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain’s legendary IPL legacy, Jordan’s decision to appoint Dhoni as captain comes as no surprise. Dhoni is regarded as one of the greatest leaders in T20 history, leading CSK to five championship titles while maintaining a remarkable consistency in play-off appearances. His calm presence, tactical awareness and finishing ability have given him an edge over other leadership contenders.
Also READ: Rahul Chahar reveals his all-time IPL XI, with no place for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine
Why is Rohit Sharma missing out on Jordan’s XI?
Rohit Sharma’s ouster is particularly noteworthy because of his unparalleled success as an IPL captain. Rohit has led Mumbai Indians to five titles and is one of the most decorated players in the history of the league. However, Jordan’s selection clearly favors individual impact and adaptability over captaincy records alone.
Picking Gayle and Kohli as openers, Jordan favored explosive starts and run-scoring dominance at the top of the order. With Dhoni already named as the captain, the lead may not be the deciding factor in selecting the playing XI, leaving Rohit out as a result.
Also READ: Not CSK! Amit Mishra predicts the top 4 of IPL 2026
