Venkatesh Iyer, one of Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir’s understudy at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has surprisingly ignored the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from his all-time T20 playing XI. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered two of the greatest batsmen of all time in this format.
He has won everything from T20 World Cup to IPL title, Asia Cup and many other big tournaments, yet he has not found a place in Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 playing XI. Iyer ignored Virat Kohli and Rohit but picked young, explosive opener Abhishek Sharma in his dream team.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not included in Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 XI
The Indian all-rounder’s all-time T20 XI is packed with some of the biggest names in world cricket. Interestingly, there are six Indian players in Iyer’s team, while the rest of the players are foreigners. He chose a strong opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Abhishek Sharma.
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It was a blend of fearless experience and modern flair. Sehwag brings the aggression from the first ball, while Abhishek adds left-arm variety and the ability to face spin and pace with confidence. At No. 3, Iyer chose AB de Villiers, considered one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time, over Virat Kohli. Notably, both Virat Kohli and Rohit retired from T20I cricket in 2024.
The Proteas legend’s ability to score all around the ground makes him the ideal player to control the middle overs or add instant momentum depending on the situation. Coming in at number 4 is Suresh Raina, due to his incredible consistency and impact in big games.
Venkatesh Iyer builds a fearless middle order with the strength of Ben Stokes-Hardik Pandya
Iyer’s top order with De Villiers and Raina at number three and four looks exceptionally strong and reliable. For the all-rounder slot, Iyer went with two of the most impressive performers in T20 cricket, and they are England captain Ben Stokes and Indian star Hardik Pandya.
Stokes brings an unmatched fighting spirit and the ability to dominate with both bat and ball. On the other hand, Hardik provides explosive finishing power and seam bowling options, making Iyer’s middle order even more dangerous in any T20 game.
Iyer chose the great MS Dhoni as his wicketkeeper-batsman and captain without any hesitation, trusting his game awareness, calmness under pressure and brilliant decision making. The former KKR all-rounder completed his bowling attack with two world-class spinners and two elite fast bowlers.
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Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine lead Venkatesh Iyer’s spin attack; Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah create lethal pace attack
In the spin department, Iyer chose Afghanistan’s spin wizard Rashid Khan and West Indies’ mystery spinner and his former KKR teammate Sunil Narine, who has dominated T20 leagues around the world. Rashid’s googly and Narine’s mysterious variations form a dangerous partnership that can break any batting lineup.
In his pace attack, Iyer chose the great Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga and the master of the modern era Jasprit Bumrah. Malinga’s lethal yorkers and unique action have made him one of the greatest death bowlers in history, while Bumrah’s control, pace and accuracy have made him India’s modern fast bowling superstar. Malinga and Bumrah together form a dangerous bowling attack.
Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 XI:
Virender Sehwag, Abhishek Sharma, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina, Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah.
