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Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali selected his all-time XI for the India National Cricket Team, choosing a formidable lineup for the Test format that includes legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Jasprit Bumrah.
For the opening slot, Ali chose Sunil Gavaskar, praising him as the best opener he has ever seen. He highlighted Gavaskar’s remarkable ability to handle fast bowlers from the West Indies, Australia, and Pakistan.
Ali emphasized that his selection of Gavaskar was based not only on his impressive career runs but also on his performance in challenging overseas conditions. He shared his thoughts in a video on his YouTube channel.
“I will start from India. Sunil Gavaskar, great Sunil Gavaskar. There is no better opener than him. I have not seen a better opener than him. The way he has tackled the fast bowlers of West Indies, Australia, England, and Pakistan, survived and made runs. There is no opener like him. I can say this openly. India has created great names.
“But there is no greater name than Sunil Gavaskar. Not according to runs but according to runs he has made on the West Indies tour. He has made runs all over the world. He has made runs in Pakistan. Top class, and without a helmet.”
Basit Ali then selected Virender Sehwag as the second opener but admitted he was torn between Sehwag and Rohit Sharma. Consequently, he left the decision open between the two. Additionally, Ali included Virat Kohli at No. 3, describing it as an obvious choice.
“No. 2 opener from India, Virender Sehwag. And here I have put Oblique, Rohit Sharma. This is your choice as to whose name you will put. On number 3, Virat Kohli. That is an obvious choice.”
In Basit Ali’s playing XI, Sachin Tendulkar occupies the No. 4 spot. Ali believes there is no comparison to the batting legend and commended Tendulkar’s ability to execute straight drives flawlessly, even against tall fast bowlers.
“Number 4. There is no need to take the name. Because when I say number 4, you should understand. He is the one who has made the most runs in the world. And not just me. People send messages that Joe Root will break his record, I find it difficult and it should not be broken. Because there is a difference in class of both the batters. Sachin Tendulkar. We call him ST. And you call him Sachin Tendulkar. There is no match. I will say it again.
“From a small height, the world’s fastest bowlers, on the up, hit straight drive. I have not seen it. I took the name of Sunny Bhai. Sunny Bhai also didn’t hit such a good straight drive on the up, as much as Sachin Tendulkar. And with heavy bats. So, I am lucky to have played with him. And, I saw his innings, how he used to play, how he used to prepare himself. Top class.”
Basit Ali selected both Mohammad Azharuddin and Rahul Dravid for the No. 5 position in his all-time India XI. He invited fans to choose their preferred option for this spot.
“On number 5, two names. Azharuddin has developed great players in his team. Oblique Rahul Dravid. This choice is left to you. That, from these, who do you select?”
Basit Ali appointed MS Dhoni as the vice-captain and Kapil Dev as the captain of his all-time India XI.
“Remember, this is a Test match team. This is not a T20 team. On number 6, Captain and Vice-Captain. Both are together. MS Dhoni, vice-captain, great performer and, a great captain. Top class. And Kapil Paji, 1983 champion captain.”
The former Pakistan captain subsequently chose Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh as the team’s spinners. For the pace attack, he selected Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan, explaining:
Basit Ali names his all-time India XI:
Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag/Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammad Azharuddin/Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni (vc), Kapil Dev (C), Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Zaheer Khan/ Javagal Srinath
