Rahane names Dhoni captain, leaves Kohli and Rohit out (Img: X)
New Delhi: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were conspicuous omissions as former India batter Ajinkya Rahane unveiled his all-time India Test XI, featuring only players he has played alongside in international or domestic cricket.
The 38-year-old named MS Dhoni captain and wicketkeeper, citing the former India skipper’s role as his first captain in international cricket. Rahane chose Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan as openers, with Rahul Dravid at No. 3 and Sachin Tendulkar occupying the fourth spot.
Rahane selected himself at No. 5, followed by Dhoni at No. 6. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin completed the all-round and spin-bowling options, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma formed the pace attack.
The three fast bowlers were central to India's rise as a formidable pace-bowling side in 2018, helping the team secure several memorable Test victories overseas.
Kohli and Rohit, two of India's most prominent batters in recent years, did not make the cut in Rahane's selection.
Rahane's all-time India Test XI: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma.
Rahane had also left out Kohli and Rohit while selecting his top five T20 batters earlier. Abhishek Sharma was the only Indian on that list, which featured Heinrich Klaasen at No. 2, followed by Nicholas Pooran, Finn Allen and Jos Buttler.
Rahane placed Abhishek at the top, praising the young opener's consistency, aggressive approach and maturity in the shortest format.
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He also acknowledged Klaasen's development as a T20 batter and his ability to win matches in different situations. Pooran and Allen earned recognition for their capacity to turn games around with their attacking batting, while Buttler completed the list.
Rahane has played more than 300 T20 matches over a career spanning 15 years. He has represented several IPL franchises and shared dressing rooms with some of the leading international players.
