Gautam Gambhir names his all-time World XI: Key details
What's the story
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India's men's cricket team, has unveiled his all-time World XI. This unique line-up comprises players he has faced during his illustrious career. The selection includes three captains: AB de Villiers from South Africa, Brian Lara from West Indies, and Inzamam-ul-Haq from Pakistan. However, Gambhir did not designate a specific captain for this team.
Team composition
Gambhir's World XI features Australian and Pakistani cricketers
Gambhir's World XI, revealed during a conversation with Sportskeeda, includes three players each from Australia and Pakistan. The opening pair comprises Australians Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden. They are followed by de Villiers and Lara in the batting order, with former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq in the middle order. Interestingly, no players from New Zealand or Bangladesh were included in this lineup.
Player roles
All-rounders and bowlers in Gambhir's World XI
The team also features three all-rounders: Australia's Andrew Symonds, Pakistan's Abdul Razzaq, and England's Andrew Flintoff. The inclusion of Razzaq is particularly surprising as he rarely appears in World XIs. Sri Lanka's Muthiah Muralidaran, the highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, is the only specialist spinner in Gambhir's team. The fast bowling department is handled by Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar and South Africa's Morne Morkel.