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 group 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 group includes a formidable all-rounder core with Afghanistan’s veteran Mohammad Nabi, India’s dynamic Hardik Pandya, and a troublesome alternative between Azmatullah Omarzai and Ravindra Jadeja. Naib additionally went on to call his most popular bowlers, with a powerful 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 choice for a pacesetter from his personal nation, showcasing the depth of expertise and management throughout 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 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, rather than the legendary Dhoni, additional highlights his deal with present kind and white-ball dynamism.
This daring transfer showcased Naib’s unbiased considering and his willingness to make unconventional choices that go in opposition to well-liked opinion. His selections additionally mirror a powerful sense of satisfaction in his personal nation’s cricketing expertise, as he gave spots to a few Afghan bowlers, Mujeeb, Naveen and the captain Rashid, leaving out different completed Indian bowlers. The ensuing XI is a captivating and conversation-starting group 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
