Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya OUT! Ex-England star picks IPL XI, names 'worst decision' in history

NEW DELHI: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has named his all-time IPL XI, leaving out several big names, including Rohit Sharma, who captained Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Pietersen, who represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Rising Pune Supergiants during his IPL career, also left out star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.While unveiling his XI, Pietersen described Yuzvendra Chahal’s release by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the 'worst decision' in the league’s history. On For the Love of Cricket, Pietersen and Jos Buttler selected their all-time IPL XI.Pietersen referred to MS Dhoni as the “only non-negotiable” pick in his side.He included Yuzvendra Chahal in the XI and reiterated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s decision to release him was “the worst in IPL history”.Pietersen’s IPL XI:Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Andre Russell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah. Pietersen also overlooked a key IPL rule while finalising his XI, selecting more than the permitted four overseas players in the lineup.Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions, having won the IPL 2025 title after defeating Punjab Kings in the final.Stay updated with the IPL Schedule 2026, check where your team stands on the IPL 2026 points table, and follow the race for the IPL Orange Cap Winner 2026 and IPL Purple Cap Winner 2026.