Rohit Sharma, Mrs. Dhoni has been omitted from Gulbadin Naib’s all-time India-Afghanistan XI for Asia Cup 2025

In a recent exclusive interview with Crictracker, Afghanistan all -rounder Gulbadin Naib Has offered a fascinating look in his cricket spirit by revealing India-Afghanistan combined combined XI. The selection, which is shared on social media platforms on a large scale, is a daring and unconventional one, in particular the omission of two of India’s most respected cricket icons, Rohit Sharma And Mrs. Dona.

Gulbadin Naib’s all-time India-Afghanistan combined XI for Asia Cup 2025

The team compiled by NAIB, Vooruit Asia Cup 2025is built on a clear strategic basis, starting with his choice of openers. He explained his thinking process for the top of the order and explained: “I would like to go with the left-right opening combination-Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings. Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Mohammad Nabi and Hardik Pandya are the next to occupy my XI,” “ This choice of a combination of left-right hand also extends to the middle order, so that balance and a challenge for opposite bowlers are offered.

The team has a formidable all -rounder core with the veteran of Afghanistan Mohammad ProphetIndia’s dynamics Hardik Pandya, and a tough choice between Azmatullah Omarzai And Ravindra Jadaja. NAIB also called his desired bowlers, with a strong tilt to his countrymen. He went on “Rashid Khan will request my side. A player between Azmatullah Omarzai and Ravindra Jadeja as an all-rounder. Jasprit Bumrah, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and NAVEEN-OL-HAQ are other players part of my all time XI.” By calling Rashid as a captain, NAIB has cemented his preference for a leader from his own country, with the depth of talent and leadership in the team of Afghanistan.

Also read: Here is the 15-person team of Team India for the Asia Cup 2025 predict

Absence of iconic Indian legends Mrs. Dhoni and Rohit Sharma

The most spoken aspect of the selection of NAIB is undoubtedly the absence of two of the biggest names of Indian Cricket, Rohit and Dhoni. Although NAIB’s choices were intentional and based on specific principles for building team building, omitting such celebrated figures caused a significant debate. The decision to choose the young and aggressive Jaiswal above Rohit as an opener is a proof of the preference of NAIB for a modern, fearless approach, while the choice of Gurbaz as a Wicketkeeper batter, instead of the legendary Dhoni, further focus on the current shape and the dynamics of the white ball.

This bold movement showed the independent thinking of NAIB and his willingness to make unconventional decisions that are contrary to the popular opinion. His choices also reflect a strong sense of pride of the cricket language of his own country, while giving places to three Afghan bowlers, Mujeeb, Naveen and the captain Rashid, leaving other accomplished Indian bowlers behind. The resulting XI is a fascinating and conversation team that challenges traditional notions who belongs to an ‘all-time’ team.

Also read: Afghanistan unveils the provisional team prior to the VAE T20i Tri series and Asia Cup 2025