As the excitement progresses ipl 2026 The Indian all-rounder’s mega auction is scheduled to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Venkatesh Iyer Has further increased the discussion by revealing his all-time T20 XI. talking to crictrackerThe 30-year-old has assembled a power-packed team full of aggressive openers, dynamic all-rounders, match-winning finishers and world-class bowlers – reflecting the evolution of T20 cricket over the last two decades.
Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 XI
Explosive opening pair and star-studded top order
At the top of the order, Venkatesh chose an unconventional but destructive pairing: Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag and current T20I number 1 batsman Abhishek SharmaKnown for redefining aggressive batting, Sehwag has the unmatched ability to dominate fearless strokeplay and powerplay, Meanwhile, Abhishek has emerged as one of India’s most dangerous T20 batsmen, combining clean striking with youthful confidence,
The South African giant occupies the one-down position AB de VilliersWhose 360-degree shot range and unmatched adaptability have earned him a place in almost every all-time T20 XI. slotting in at number 4 Suresh RainaOne of India’s earliest and most consistent T20 performers, he is renowned for his pace, spin-hitting ability and experience in pressure situations.
All-round strength and captaincy of MS Dhoni in the middle order.
The middle order includes two of the best fast bowling all-rounders of the modern era-ben stokes And hardik pandyaBoth provide crucial overs with game-changing batting and ball, providing the perfect balance between aggression and consistency,
Venkatesh handed over the responsibility of leadership at number 7 ms dhoniHe was named both captain and wicketkeeper. Dhoni’s tactical genius, calmness under pressure and finishing abilities make him the backbone of Iyer’s XI. His presence also provides unmatched experience and game-reading skills, which is vital in high-pressure T20 scenarios.
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A deadly spin pair and an iconic fast bowling pair
For the spin department, Venkatesh picked two of the most impressive T20 spinners of all time-Rashid Khan And Sunil NarineRashid’s control, versatility and consistency in taking wickets has made him a global superstar, while Narine’s unique action and ability to baffle batsmen in the middle overs provide the perfect complement,
The pace attack is arguably the strongest aspect of the XI. Venkatesh paired with India’s leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah with Sri Lankan legend Lasith MalingaBuilding a death over pair that has dominated T20 cricket over the years. Malinga’s yorkers and unorthodox angles, coupled with Bumrah’s accuracy and deception, make for an almost unplayable combination in tough moments.
No place for Virat Kohli in Iyer’s eleven
The most striking aspect of Iyer’s eleven is his absence Virat KohliOne of the most famous batsmen of T20 cricket. Kohli, the leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cup and a former ICC T20 Player of the Year, has been a pivotal figure in the shortest format. His omission highlights Venkatesh’s preference for explosive, power-hitting profiles and multi-skilled contributors – a theme that runs throughout his XI. While Kohli’s class and consistency is undeniable, Iyer’s choice reflects a bold, modern approach prioritizing impact over legacy.
Adding a tactical IPL-style innovation, Venkatesh named the former Australian opener Matthew Hayden As their impact player. Known for his brute power and ability to threaten fast bowlers, Hayden provides an additional layer of batting depth that can be used depending on match conditions.
Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 playing XI: Virender Sehwag, Abhishek Sharma, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina, Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah; Matthew Hayden (Impact Player).
