As pleasure builds forward of the IPL 2026 mega public sale, set to happen on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has added to the thrill by revealing his all-time T20 XI. Talking to CricTracker, the 30-year-old crafted a power-packed facet stuffed with aggressive openers, dynamic all-rounders, match-winning finishers and world-class bowlers—reflecting the evolution of T20 cricket over the previous twenty years.
Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 XI
Explosive opening pair and a star-studded high order
On the high of the order, Venkatesh selected an unconventional however damaging pairing: former Indian opener Virender Sehwag and present T20I No. 1 batter Abhishek Sharma. Sehwag, recognized for redefining aggressive batting, brings fearless strokeplay and an unmatched capability to dominate the Powerplay. Abhishek, in the meantime, has emerged as one among India’s most harmful T20 batters, combining clear hanging with youthful confidence.
The one-down place is occupied by South African legend AB de Villiers, whose 360-degree shot vary and unmatched adaptability have earned him a spot in nearly each all-time T20 XI. Slotting in at No. 4 is Suresh Raina, one among India’s earliest and most constant T20 performers, famend for his sharp working, spin-hitting capability and expertise in strain conditions.
All-round energy and MS Dhoni’s management within the center order
The center order options two of the best pace-bowling all-rounders of the fashionable period—Ben Stokes and Hardik Pandya. Each provide game-changing batting and essential overs with the ball, offering the right stability between aggression and stability.
At No. 7, Venkatesh entrusted management duties to MS Dhoni, naming him each captain and wicketkeeper. Dhoni’s tactical genius, calmness beneath strain and ending talents make him the spine of Iyer’s XI. His presence additionally presents unmatched expertise and game-reading expertise, essential in high-pressure T20 eventualities.
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A deadly spin duo and iconic fast-bowling pair
For the spin division, Venkatesh chosen two of essentially the most impactful T20 spinners ever—Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine. Rashid’s management, variations and wicket-taking consistency have made him a worldwide celebrity, whereas Narine’s distinctive motion and talent to choke batters within the center overs present excellent complementarity.
The tempo assault is arguably the strongest facet of the XI. Venkatesh paired India’s premier quick bowler Jasprit Bumrah with Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga, making a death-overs duo that has dominated T20 cricket over time. Malinga’s yorkers and unorthodox angles mixed with Bumrah’s precision and deception kind a near-unplayable mixture in crunch moments.
No place for Virat Kohli in Iyer’s XI
Some of the hanging features of Iyer’s XI is the absence of Virat Kohli, one among T20 cricket’s most celebrated batters. Kohli, the best run-scorer in T20 World Cups and a former ICC T20I Participant of the Yr, has been a defining determine within the shortest format. His omission highlights Venkatesh’s desire for explosive, power-hitting profiles and multi-skilled contributors—a theme that runs all through his XI. Whereas Kohli’s class and consistency are undisputed, Iyer’s selections replicate a daring, trendy strategy prioritising affect over legacy.
Including a tactical IPL-style innovation, Venkatesh named former Australian opener Matthew Hayden as his Influence Participant. Recognized for his brute energy and talent to bully quick bowlers, Hayden gives an additional layer of batting depth that can be utilized relying on match conditions.
Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 taking part in XI: Virender Sehwag, Abhishek Sharma, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina, Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah; Matthew Hayden (Influence Participant).
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