As anticipation grows for the 2025 Australia vs India ODI series, Australian fast bowler pat cummins The excitement has increased by revealing its all-time combined ODI XI on Star Sports. The World Cup-winning captain, who is known for his analytical cricket mind, made it clear that his list will include only retired players, hence the absence of modern stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma. travis head And Cummins himself.
Cummins’ selection draws heavily on Australia’s golden generation of ODI dominance between 1999 and 2007, while also celebrating India’s ODI icons who defined the game on its greatest stages. The inclusion of names like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Zaheer Khan highlights his appreciation for the impact India has had on global cricket, especially during the 2011 World Cup win.
India-Australia ODI XI: Pat Cummins explains his choice of players
Cummins shared detailed information about his thought process behind selecting each player.
On Tendulkar and Warner: “Both could dominate any bowling attack in their era,” Cummins commented, crediting Tendulkar’s classical stroke play and Warner’s fearless aggression as a dream combination to open the innings.
On Dhoni: Calling him “The ultimate finisher and leader,” Cummins praised MS Dhoni for his unmatched patience and for leading India to the 2011 World Cup title.
On Ponting: He praised Ricky Ponting “The epitome of Australian competitiveness,” For his leadership and match-winning consistency, he was handed the captaincy of the Dream XI.
Pat Cummins’s all-time India-Australia ODI XI
david warnerSachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Michael Bevan, Steve Smith, MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Shane Warne, Zaheer Khan, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee.
The combination is a blend of explosive batting depth, versatile all-round options and a lethal bowling attack – epitomizing the finest talent the two cricket giants have produced over the decades.
Also read: Glenn Maxwell unveils star-studded Australia-India-England ODI XI; 6 Indians got place
Cummins will not play in the upcoming ODI series against India
While his all-time XI has attracted global attention, Cummins also confirmed that he will miss the upcoming ODI series against India due to a lower back strain injury in early 2025. Given the threat of the Ashes in November, the Australian management has opted to rest him as a precaution.
In his absence, Mitchell Marsh will step in as captain, leading an Australian side keen to maintain their strong record on home soil. Cummins expressed hope of returning to full fitness for the Ashes series starting in Perth on November 21.