2023 is the year of the ODI World Cup returning to India after 2011. The wait for an ICC title has been extended for Indian fans. Since 2013, the ‘Men in Blue’ have consistently choked on crucial occasions in knockout matches. Today we’re counting down on the ‘All-time ODI XI’ for the Indian team.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
An all-time XI cannot be completed without having the ‘God of cricket’ in it. In our playing XI, Sachin will be opening the innings, and there is no one denying that he has the track record to be the opener. In 463 ODI matches, he has scored 18,426 runs, averaging 44.83; he has scored 96 Half-centuries and 49 centuries in the process.
2. Rohit Sharma
The current Indian Captain, Rohit Sharma, has been among India's best openers to play One-Day cricket. He tends to bat for a long time once he sets his eyes on and owing to that ability, he has scored 9,825 runs, averaging 48.64 in ODIs. He has 48 fifties and 30 centuries to his name, of which three have been Double hundreds. He has the highest score in ODIs, having scored 264 against Sri Lanka.
3. Virat Kohli
Modern-day batting maestro, Virat Kohli has cemented his place as the number 3 batter in the team. He has a never-ending appetite for runs, which has caused numerous records to shatter in a short period. Inhuman consistency has placed him miles ahead of anyone in this format currently. In just 265 innings, he scored 12,898 runs at an average of 57.32 and scored 65 half-centuries and 46 centuries in the process.
4. Yuvraj Singh
Among the greatest white-ball cricketers ever produced, Yuvraj Singh comes in at number four playing the role of middle-order batter. His left-arm spin can be helpful for the team when needed. The 2011 Player of the Tournament, Yuvraj, scored 8,701 runs, averaging 36.55, scoring 14 hundred and 52 fifties. He has also taken 111 ODI wickets, with the best figures of 5/31.
5. Sourav Ganguly
Despite many candidates, Ganguly fits in the role of aggressive Middle-order batter who can score some handy runs for the team. He is also a part-time medium pacer, so he can play the role of 6th or 7th bowler if needed. In 311 ODI matches, Ganguly scored 11,363 runs, averaging 40.73 with 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries; he has also taken 100 wickets with a best of 5/16.
6. MS Dhoni (C/Wk.)
At number six comes MS Dhoni, who is also handling the responsibility of keeping the wickets for this team. The only guy to win all major ICC titles, MS is also the captain of the side. In 350 ODI matches, Dhoni has scored 10,773 runs at an average of 50.58 with the help of 73 fifties and 10 centuries. As a wicketkeeper, he has 444 dismissals with 321 catches and 123 stumpings.
7. Kapil Dev
The greatest All-rounder ever produced by India, Kapil Dev, is anybody’s guess for the role of a fast-bowling all-rounder. The 1983 World Cup winner, has amassed 3,783 runs and taken 253 wickets in the ODI format. He has one century to his name which is his highest score of 175*, although he was leading the pace attack and had an average of 27.45 giving away 3.72 runs. His best figures were 5/43.
8. Harbhajan Singh
Among the most passionate players on the field, Harbhajan is the finger spinner of the team. He is the second-highest wicket-taker among spinners for India in ODIs. Having played 236 games, he took 269 wickets with the best figure of 5/31. His strike rate and average were 46.3 and 33.35 while giving away only 4.31 runs.
9. Anil Kumble
The greatest leg-spinner India ever had, Anil Kumble, is a no-brainer for the team. India’s leading spinner in ODIs, Kumble has played 271 matches and has taken 337 wickets at an average and strike rate of 30.89 and 43, respectively. He had an economy of 4.30 with the best figures of 6/12.
10. Zaheer Khan
The role of left-arm fast bowler has been handed over to Zaheer Khan, who played a pivotal role in the 2011 World Cup triumph. He has been among the frontline bowlers for India throughout his career. Having played 200 games, he has taken 282 wickets with a best figure of 5/42. His average, strike rate and economy were 29.44,35.8 and 4.93, respectively.
11. Mohammed Shami
Among the most surprising entries in the list, Shami has done a lot more for India in this format than what he’s known for; criminally underrated, and he has been the fastest to take 100 ODI wickets for India in just 56 matches. He has played 90 ODIs till now but has left a significant impact, taking 162 wickets with best figures of 5/69. He is among the only 2 Indians to take a World Cup hat trick. I hope that this team ticks all the departments.
