In a latest unique interview to CricTracker, Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has supplied an enchanting glimpse into his cricketing thoughts by revealing his all-time India-Afghanistan mixed XI. The choice, which has been shared extensively throughout social media platforms, is a daring and unconventional one, notably omitting two of India’s most revered cricketing icons, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni.
Gulbadin Naib’s all-time India-Afghanistan mixed XI forward of Asia Cup 2025
The staff curated by Naib, forward of Asia Cup 2025, is constructed on a transparent strategic basis, starting together with his alternative of openers. He defined his thought course of for the highest of the order, stating: “I wish to go together with the left-right opening mixture – Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings. Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Mohammad Nabi, and Hardik Pandya are the following to occupy my XI,” This alternative of a left-right hand mixture extends to the center order as properly, offering steadiness and a problem for opposing bowlers.
The staff includes a formidable all-rounder core with Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi, India’s dynamic Hardik Pandya, and a tricky alternative between Azmatullah Omarzai and Ravindra Jadeja. Naib additionally went on to call his most well-liked bowlers, with a robust tilt towards his compatriots. He continued, “Rashid Khan will captain my aspect. One participant between Azmatullah Omarzai and Ravindra Jadeja as an all-rounder. Jasprit Bumrah, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Naveen-ul-Haq are different gamers a part of my all-time XI.” By naming Rashid as captain, Naib has cemented his choice for a pacesetter from his personal nation, showcasing the depth of expertise and management inside the Afghanistan squad.
Additionally READ: Right here is Crew India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 – Predicted
Absence of iconic Indian legends MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma
Probably the most talked-about facet of Naib’s choice is undoubtedly the absence of two of Indian cricket’s greatest names, Rohit and Dhoni. Whereas Naib’s decisions have been deliberate and based mostly on particular team-building rules, the omission of such celebrated figures has sparked important debate. The choice to select the younger and aggressive Jaiswal over Rohit as an opener is a testomony to Naib’s choice for a contemporary, fearless method, whereas the selection of Gurbaz as wicketkeeper-batter, instead of the legendary Dhoni, additional highlights his give attention to present kind and white-ball dynamism.
This daring transfer showcased Naib’s unbiased considering and his willingness to make unconventional choices that go towards standard opinion. His decisions additionally mirror a robust sense of pleasure in his personal nation’s cricketing expertise, as he gave spots to 3 Afghan bowlers, Mujeeb, Naveen and the captain Rashid, leaving out different completed Indian bowlers. The ensuing XI is an enchanting and conversation-starting staff that challenges conventional notions of who belongs in an ‘all-time’ squad.
Additionally READ: Afghanistan unveils preliminary squad forward of UAE T20I Tri-Collection and Asia Cup 2025