Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently revealed his all-time XI for India, sparking interest among cricket fans. Gambhir’s selection includes some of the biggest names in Indian cricket history. However, it is surprising that he left out two current stars—Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. This has become a major talking point among the Indian cricket fans.
Gautam Gambhir’s All-Time Indian XI
Gautam Gambhir recently revealed his all-time XI for India, featuring some of the most iconic players in Indian cricket history.
Opening the innings, the head coach chose Virender Sehwag and himself. Sehwag was known for his aggressive and fearless batting, making him one of India’s most dangerous openers, while the former batsman’s solid technique made him a reliable partner, forming a successful opening pair.
The middle order includes Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Yuvraj Singh. Dravid, famously known as “The Wall,” was admired for his patience and defense. Tendulkar, one of cricket’s greatest, holds the record for the most runs in both Tests and ODIs.
Kohli is celebrated for his consistent performances and aggressive chase capabilities, while Yuvraj is remembered for his match-winning knocks in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup.
MS Dhoni was selected as the wicketkeeper-batsman. Known for his calmness and finishing skills, Dhoni led India to multiple ICC trophies, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy, making him an invaluable asset.
Gambhir’s bowling attack features a mix of spin and pace with Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Irfan Pathan, and Zaheer Khan.
Kumble, India’s leading Test wicket-taker, was known for his fighting spirit. Ashwin, a match-winner in various conditions, has been crucial with his spin. Zaheer, a key figure in India’s pace attack, was known for his ability to swing the ball, while Pathan’s all-round capabilities made him a versatile bowler in cutting situations.
Gambhir’s All-Time XI Raises Eyebrows with Rohit and Bumrah’s Absence
Gautam Gambhir’s all-time XI for India features many legendary players, but the absence of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah has sparked discussions. Rohit, one of the best modern-day openers, is known for his ability to score big hundreds and dominate bowlers in both Tests and ODIs. His consistent performances at the top make his absence surprising to many fans. Similarly, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s leading fast bowler, is renowned for his unique bowling action and ability to excel in all conditions. Bumrah has been India’s key bowler across all formats, especially in high-pressure situations.
The current head coach’s decision to leave out Rohit and Bumrah might stem from his preference for players he played alongside during his career. This selection also highlights the incredible depth of talent in Indian cricket, with many greats competing for limited spots. Fans may debate his choices, but Gambhir’s XI still showcases some of the finest players to have ever represented the country.
Ultimately, the former batsman’s all-time XI is a tribute to legendary cricketers who have made a significant impact on Indian cricket. While the absence of stars like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah might raise eyebrows, it also highlights the competition among India’s greatest players. Gambhir’s selections reflect his personal experiences and highlight the rich cricketing legacy of India.
