The head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir, is currently on a break. As the Indian team prepares to take on Bangladesh in a Test series starting September 19, Gambhir has stirred up some buzz by unveiling his all-time best ODI XI for India. His selection has raised eyebrows, particularly with the omission of captain Rohit Sharma, who is considered one of the most successful batsmen in ODI history, boasting three double centuries to his name.
Gambhir’s Surprising Selections
In crafting his all-time Indian ODI XI, Gambhir has included legendary opener Virender Sehwag alongside himself as the other opener. This decision meant that Rohit Sharma, with his impressive ODI record, couldn’t make the cut. At number three, he selected Rahul Dravid, who is renowned for being the backbone of the Indian batting lineup during his era. Gambhir placed the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the ‘God of Cricket,’ at the fourth position.
Star Players Included
Gambhir chose Virat Kohli, one of the brightest stars in modern cricket and the highest century-maker in ODIs, to bat at number five. At the sixth position, he included the explosive all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, known for his game-changing performances in World Cups. Notably, former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni secured a place in Gambhir’s XI, showcasing his valuable contributions, particularly as a finisher, at the seventh spot.
Bowling Attack Composition
In terms of bowling, Gambhir opted for a balanced approach, featuring two spinners and two fast bowlers. The legendary Anil Kumble and the modern-day spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin were selected as the spinners due to their exceptional wicket-taking abilities. On the fast-bowling front, Gambhir included Irfan Pathan and Zaheer Khan, both of whom have left an indelible mark on the Indian cricketing landscape.
Omissions and Controversies
Interestingly, Gambhir’s choices prompted discussions among fans and experts alike, particularly due to the exclusion of Jasprit Bumrah, one of the leading fast bowlers in contemporary cricket. Additionally, none of the players from the 1983 World Cup-winning squad made it to his all-time XI, which has surprised many considering their historic contributions to Indian cricket.
Summary of Gambhir’s All-Time ODI XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Opener | Virender Sehwag |
| Opener | Gautam Gambhir |
| Number 3 | Rahul Dravid |
| Number 4 | Sachin Tendulkar |
| Number 5 | Virat Kohli |
| Number 6 | Yuvraj Singh |
| Wicketkeeper | Mahendra Singh Dhoni |
| Spinner | Anil Kumble |
| Spinner | Ravichandran Ashwin |
| Fast Bowler | Irfan Pathan |
| Fast Bowler | Zaheer Khan |
In conclusion, Gautam Gambhir’s all-time best ODI XI has sparked lively debates among cricket aficionados, highlighting the depth of talent that India has produced over the years. While some selections may raise eyebrows, it’s a testament to the rich history and evolving nature of Indian cricket.
