Ajinkya Rahane has sparked a huge debate in the cricket world by unveiling its all-time right-handed T20 XI. speaking on a special segment for cricbuzz On February 11, 2026, the veteran Indian batsman carefully built a lineup of elite right-handers but took the ‘surprising’ decision of leaving them out. Virat Kohli.
The omission is particularly shocking given Kohli’s status as the leading run-scorer in T20 World Cup history and his stellar performances in the 2014, 2016 and 2022 editions. Rahane’s selection appears to prioritize high-impact strike rates and specialist T20 roles over career aggregate. Their lineup features a mix of modern-day power-hitters and iconic bowlers who have dominated the IPL and the international circuit. This list takes a fascinating look at how one of India’s most technically sound batsmen views the ‘ideal’ composition of a T20 team.
Ajinkya Rahane prefers explosive openers and ‘X-factor’ of middle order over Virat Kohli
in his discussion with cricbuzzRahane opted for a terrible opening combination Rohit Sharma And jos buttlerPicking the two most recent T20 World Cup-winning captains to lead from the front. Rahane said Buttler’s ‘proven powerplay execution’ and Rohit’s unmatched ability to accelerate made them an ideal pair.
Interestingly, at number three, the position traditionally occupied by Kohli, Rahane got the place. Suryakumar YadavCiting his ability to win matches “beyond statistics” and his position as the current T20I captain. The middle order has been rounded up by veterans. AB de Villiers at four o’clock and ms dhoniWhom Rahane described as the captain and wicketkeeper of his team. By choosing SKY and ABD over Kohli, Rahane appears to have prioritized 360-degree shot-making and raw strike rate, given that de Villiers’ career strike rate of over 150 makes him indispensable in any all-time XI.
Caribbean strength and lethal multinational bowling attack in Rahane’s XI
To provide the necessary balance, Rahane included the iconic West Indies duo andre russell And dwayne bravo As their primary all-rounder. Russell’s ability to change games with both bat and ball, coupled with Bravo’s status as one of the greatest death over specialists in history, gives the team considerable depth. The bowling department is a masterclass in variety, featuring mystery Rashid Khan With experienced off spin Harbhajan Singh.
For pace battery, Rahane reunites Mumbai Indians’ legendary duo Jasprit Bumrah And Lasith MalingaWho have won nine IPL titles and two T20 World Cups together. went to last place Yuzvendra ChahalThe IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, if you include Harbhajan and the part-time options, completes the four-man spin attack. The selection underlines the confidence he has in Rahane’s elite T20 skills, even if it means leaving out one of his closest former teammates.
Ajinkya Rahane’s all-time right-handed T20 XI
| Post | player | leading role |
|---|---|---|
| opener | Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler | Aggressive power play starts |
| No. 3 | Suryakumar Yadav | 360-degree anchor/aggressive |
| number 4 | AB de Villiers | middle order finisher |
| No.5 (C&WK) | ms dhoni | finisher and captain |
| all rounder | Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo | death-over specialist |
| spinners | Rashid Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal | middle-over wicket |
| fast bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga | elite death bowling |
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