Former batting coach of India Sanjay Bangar Discussion has started before the five-match T20 series against Team India. new zealand By unveiling his all-time Indian T20 XI. Speaking during a segment on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar picked a star-studded lineup made up of players he believes best define India’s success and adaptability in the shortest format. Virat Kohli Named as captain.
Announcement comes shortly after new zealand Won the ODI series against India by winning the decisive match held in Indore on Sunday. The focus has now shifted completely to T20 cricket, with the series set to begin on January 21 in Nagpur, making Bangar’s selection particularly timely as the debate over the revival of India’s T20 legacy continues.
Sanjay Bangar announces his all-time Indian T20 XI
Bangar’s XI has a mix of experience, match-winning pedigree and versatility, reflecting how India’s T20 approach has evolved over the years. From explosive opening batsmen to experienced all-rounders and a diverse bowling attack, the former coach stressed balance as the main theme behind his choices.
While the squad includes several players who are no longer active in T20Is, Bangar made it clear that past impact, consistency and ability to make an impact in big moments were the deciding criteria.
Virat Kohli will captain the Bangar team
Despite stepping away from T20 Internationals, Kohli remains at the center of Bangar’s vision. The former India captain has been selected not only as the opening batsman but also as the captain of the team. Bangar highlighted Kohli’s unmatched consistency, adaptability to circumstances and leadership qualities as reasons for handing him the responsibility.
Kohli’s opening partner in XI Shubman GillIndia’s current batting poster boy. Interestingly, Gill is not a part of India’s T20 squad for the upcoming New Zealand series and he is also absent from the plans for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, Bangar endorsed Gill’s technique and temperament as ideal qualities for a top order in an all-time setup.
Behind the opening batsmen, KL Rahul The position as the designated wicketkeeper-batsman provides flexibility and experience at the top and middle order.
Yuvraj Singh is in the headlines in the middle order and all-rounders club.
middle order is in the limelight Yuvraj SinghWhose legacy in T20 cricket is strongly imprinted in Indian folklore. Yuvraj played a pivotal role in India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, including his six sixes, and Bangar acknowledged his ability to change a game in a few overs.
want to join him Suryakumar YadavCurrent T20I captain of India and one of the most innovative batsmen in modern cricket. His 360-degree stroke play adds unpredictability to the lineup. Power-hitting all-rounder Shivam Dubey and swing-bowling options Deepak Chahar Complete the group of all-rounders, ensuring depth in both batting and bowling.
See also: Virat Kohli’s brilliant reaction to a pitch intruder during India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI
Ashish Nehra will lead the bowling attack
The bowling unit refers to a mixture of pace, swing and spin. left arm experienced fast bowler Ashish Nehra Leads the attack, recognized for his effectiveness and ability to attack early in white-ball cricket.
he is supported Mohammed ShamiWhose seam movement and experience makes him a powerful T20 option. The spin department comprises the wrist-spin pair -Kuldeep Yadav And Yuzvendra ChahalProvides variety and wicket-taking threat in the middle overs.
Sanjay Bangar’s All Time India T20 XI
Virat Kohli (captain), Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Shivam Dubey, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Ashish Nehra, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal.
