In a current unique interview to CricTracker, Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib has supplied a captivating glimpse into his cricketing thoughts by revealing his all-time India-Afghanistan mixed XI. The choice, which has been shared broadly 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 along with his selection 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 selection of a left-right hand mixture extends to the center order as properly, offering steadiness and a problem for opposing bowlers.
The staff encompasses a formidable all-rounder core with Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi, India’s dynamic Hardik Pandya, and a troublesome selection between Azmatullah Omarzai and Ravindra Jadeja. Naib additionally went on to call his most popular bowlers, with a robust tilt towards his compatriots. He continued, “Rashid Khan will captain my facet. 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 desire for a frontrunner from his personal nation, showcasing the depth of expertise and management inside the Afghanistan squad.
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Absence of iconic Indian legends MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma
Essentially 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 selections had been deliberate and primarily based on particular team-building ideas, the omission of such celebrated figures has sparked vital debate. The choice to choose the younger and aggressive Jaiswal over Rohit as an opener is a testomony to Naib’s desire for a contemporary, fearless strategy, whereas the selection of Gurbaz as wicketkeeper-batter, instead of the legendary Dhoni, additional highlights his concentrate on present kind and white-ball dynamism.
This daring transfer showcased Naib’s impartial pondering and his willingness to make unconventional choices that go towards well-liked opinion. His selections additionally replicate a robust sense of delight in his personal nation’s cricketing expertise, as he gave spots to 3 Afghan bowlers, Mujeeb, Naveen and the captain Rashid, leaving out different achieved Indian bowlers. The ensuing XI is a captivating and conversation-starting staff that challenges conventional notions of who belongs in an ‘all-time’ squad.
Additionally READ: Afghanistan unveils preliminary squad ahead of UAE T20I Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025
