A Surprising Twist: Pat Cummins Reveals His All-Time ODI XI Without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

In a stunning turn of events for cricket fans, Australian captain Pat Cummins has unveiled his all-time ODI XI, creating quite the buzz by omitting two of the sport’s greatest players — India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This announcement has left fans and analysts alike questioning the criteria behind such an unexpected selection, as well as the implications amid the upcoming ODI series with India.

The Omission That Shocked Fans

Cummins made headlines during a recent press conference during the lead-up to the ODI series against India, where he revealed his dream team composed primarily of Australian legends. The 32-year-old pace spearhead hasn’t played since the 2025 ODI World Cup and noted the absence of players due to injuries, including himself. His all-time XI features iconic cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and David Warner as openers, alongside heavyweights such as Ricky Ponting and Steve Smith in the batting lineup.

Here’s a quick look at Cummins’ full selection:

Openers: David Warner, Sachin Tendulkar
Batters: Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Michael Bevan
Wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni
Bowling Attack: Brett Lee, Zaheer Khan, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne

While this team exudes talent, it raises eyebrows that two of the modern game’s highest run-scorers are absent.

What This Means for Australian Cricket

Cummins’ inability to rank Rohit and Kohli in his all-time XI adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming series, where Mitchell Starc will lead Australia’s bowling attack in Cummins’ absence. The series is sure to be pivotal for both teams, as both aim to establish dominance in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. With Mitchell Marsh stepping in to lead, the Australian squad boasts ample firepower and expertise, even without its captain.

Moreover, fan reactions have been mixed. Some hail Cummins for his bold selections, while others believe that excluding Sharma and Kohli is a significant oversight, especially given their impact in recent matches.

Reflecting on Modern Cricket

In a sport defined by stats and emotionally charged rivalries, selections like these foster discussions about legacy and impact. Players like Rohit and Kohli have etched their names into cricketing history, both having scored over 8,000 runs in ODIs. Their exclusion from Cummins’ list serves as a reminder that cricketing greatness is subjective.

As we prepare for the series, one thing’s for certain: the rivalry between Australia and India continues to ignite passion across the cricketing world.

Conclusion: The Fine Line Between Legacy and Selection

Pat Cummins’ all-time ODI XI may have stirred the pot, but it also invites fans to appreciate the highs and lows of our favorite sport. In cricket, as in life, we often find ourselves in heated debates about who deserves a spot at the top. Whether you agree with Cummins’ selections or not, it’s these conversations that keep the spirit of the game alive.

Original article: Times of India