England fast bowler chris jordan has created a buzz among cricket fans by unveiling its all-time Indian Premier League (IPL) XI ahead of the 2026 season. Shared via CricTracker Instagram handle, Jordan’s selection includes some of the most iconic names in IPL history, with MS Dhoni named as the captain.
However, the biggest talking point has been his absence from the Jordan XI Rohit SharmaDespite the fact that Jordan had previously played under him at Mumbai Indians (MI). The omission has sparked debate over selection criteria, leadership values and individual influence in T20 cricket.
Chris Jordan’s all-time IPL XI: The star-studded line-up
Jordan’s selected XI reflects a mix of explosive batting, proven all-rounders and elite bowlers who have consistently performed well in the IPL over the years. He has chosen Chris Gayle in the top order Virat KohliTwo of the most impressive run-scorers the tournament has seen so far.
The middle order is equally strong, with Suryakumar Yadav at No. 3, followed by Suresh Raina at No. 4 and AB de Villiers at No. 5. Together, this trio represents a blend of continuity, innovation and match-winning pedigree.
For the all-rounder roles, Jordan has included Hardik Pandya at No. 6, who provides balance with both bat and ball, while Dhoni has been placed at No. 7 as the wicketkeeper-captain. The bowling attack is equipped with proven IPL veterans: Sunil Narine, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Yuzvendra Chahal.
MS Dhoni to lead Chris Jordan’s all-time IPL XI
Jordan’s decision to appoint Dhoni as captain is hardly a surprise considering the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper’s illustrious IPL legacy. Dhoni is considered one of the greatest leaders in T20 history, having led CSK to five championship titles while maintaining remarkable consistency in playoff performances. His calm presence, tactical awareness and closing ability appear to have given him an edge over other leadership contenders.
Also read: Rahul Chahar told his all time IPL XI, there is no place for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine
Why did Rohit Sharma miss out on Jordan XI?
Rohit Sharma’s exclusion comes especially because of his unmatched success as an IPL captain. Rohit has led Mumbai Indians to five titles and is one of the most successful players in the history of the league. However, Jordan’s selection suggests a clear priority given to individual batting impact and adaptability rather than captaincy record alone.
By choosing Gayle and Kohli as openers, Jordan has prioritized explosive starts and run-scoring dominance at the top of the order. Since Dhoni has already been declared the captain, leadership might not have been the deciding factor in the selection of the playing XI, which would ultimately lead to Rohit being sidelined.