No Rohit Sharma as Hashim Amla unveils his all-time ODI XI; 3 Indians make the cut

Former South Africa great Hashim Amla recently unveiled his all-time One Day International (ODI) XI on a YouTube podcast, which immediately sparked debate among cricket fans, mainly due to a surprising omission. Amla’s squad features an array of the game’s greatest legends, including three icons from India, all chosen for their monumental contributions to the 50-over format. The team is built on a foundation of legendary batting skills, formidable all-round talent and a balanced bowling attack comprising two of the greatest spinners and two iconic fast bowlers to have played the game.

Hashim Amla’s all-time ODI XI and notable Indian inclusions

Amla’s roster for his all-time ODI dream team is heavily populated by the top scorers and biggest match winners of the past decades, with three Indian greats securing their spots. The opening pair is dominated by all-time greats: India’s ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar and former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist. At the crucial number three position, Amla picked the Indian batting maestro Virat Kohliwho remains the only active international cricketer in the entire XI and holds the all-time record for most ODI centuries (51).

The middle order is anchored by the sheer brilliance of the former West Indies captain Brian Lara and Amla’s old South African teammate AB de Villierswhich is at number five. The lower middle class is strengthened by two more legends: the greatest all-rounder in the history of the game, the South African Jacques Kallis at number six, followed by legendary finisher and former Team India captain, MS Dhoniand ended up at number seven as the designated wicketkeeper. This selection underlines the dominant impact Indian cricket has had on the ODI format for generations, with a player from the 90s, 2000s and modern era all making it into this very exclusive XI.

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The Rohit Sharma stumping and bowling attack

The most notable bone of contention and biggest surprise in Amla’s all-time ODI XI squad is the exclusion of the modern Indian opener Rohit Sharmadespite his spectacular and record-breaking career in the format. Rohit is the only batsman in the history of ODI cricket to have scored three double centuries, including the all-time highest individual score of 264, which led to a minor backlash and disappointment from the fans following the announcement.

However, Amla’s decision to name Tendulkar and Gilchrist as openers meant there was no place available for the Indian captain at the top of the order. Amla’s bowling attack is a masterclass in balance, featuring two of the most successful spinners in cricket history: Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and the charismatic Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne.

This spin duo is completed by two iconic fast bowlers who epitomized the aggression and skill of their time: the legendary Pakistani left-arm swing bowler Wasim Akram and Amla’s formidable South African teammate Dal Steijnwho completes the tempo attack. The selection of these four bowlers gives the XI a perfect blend of high wicket-taking ability, control in the middle overs and lethal pace and swing with the new and old ball.

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