Dinesh Karthik has named his all-time India XI for T20I cricket. Unsurprisingly, he picked Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. There’s no debate about these players. But what about the remaining six spots?
Who will open with Rohit Sharma?
He didn’t choose to open with Rohit and Kohli. Instead, he decided to slot Kohli at number three. For the other opener, he didn’t pick Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir, or Virender Sehwag, but Abhishek Sharma.
“I’m going to start with the newest entrant who has just made his mark in international cricket in the last couple of years. And I think he has a superb future. Terrific player at this format, Abhishek Sharma. He gives you a little bit of the ball, but man, when he gets going, he is a million bucks to watch. Great player, great shots, but most importantly, an intent monster. And that I love about him,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.
Kuldeep Yadav & Jadeja ignored
Coming to spin bowling all-rounders, he picked Axar Patel over Ravindra Jadeja. Yuvraj Singh was slotted at number five in the team, someone who can destroy bowling attacks and give a handy couple of overs of spin. But the rather interesting pick was decided on Varun Chakaravarthy over Kuldeep Yadav.
“At No. 9, one of the most talented mystery spinners India has ever had. He’s been very consistent in the limited time that he’s played for India. Across nations, I have to say, South Africa has done well. In Dubai, we all know how consistently he’s done well. He’s been an asset for KKR for many, many years, and he will continue to be so. Varun Chakaravarthy, who is slowly but steadily growing in the ranks of international cricket. Easily one of the most talented bowlers along with the rest of the world in this format,” said Karthik.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Arshdeep Singh
As the second frontline spinner, the former wicketkeeper chooses Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm pacer is the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is and still didn’t find a spot, as Karthik went with experience.
“At No. 11 was a tough one. I thought Arshdeep Singh has been brilliant, but I have gone for someone who I have played a lot with, and I have found it hard to always try and get hold of him. A very talented player across spaces, he is able to pick wickets if you want him to bowl defensively. He does that. He does what the team needs. An absolute team man, and it was a tough choice between Ashdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But at number 11, I have gone for Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” he concluded.
Dinesh Karthik’s all-time India T20I XI
Abhishek Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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