Sikandar Raza picks All-time T20 XI, names Rohit Sharma as captain, but no place for Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni [Exclusive]

Zimbabwe’s star all-rounder and captain Sikandar Raza recently revealed his all-time T20 XI, and named Rohit Sharma as captain while leaving out Indian legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. 

Raza was born in

Sialkot, Pakistan, and later moved to Zimbabwe to achieve his cricketing dreams. By 2013, Raza made his international debut for the African nation. Since then, Raza has become a crucial member of Zimbabwean cricket, guiding them to a historic ODI series win in Sri Lanka in 2017 to being the Player of the Tournament in the 2022 T20 World Cup Qualifier. He’s also been part of franchise leagues like the PSL, ILT20, and IPL. In his interview with CricTracker, Raza revealed a star-studded lineup.

Notably, Rohit is Sikandar Raza picks All-time T20 XI, names Rohit Sharma as captain, but no place for Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni [Exclusive]named as the captain of his team. His record as a T20 captain is among the best in the game. He guided the Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, making him the joint-most successful franchise in league history. He also led the Indian team to the T20 World Cup 2024 title, ending India’s 17-year wait for the trophy.

Despite their legendary status, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni did not find a place in Raza’s XI, not even solely as players. While Kohli is the third-highest run-scorer in T20I history, Dhoni remains India’s most successful T20 leader alongside Rohit, having won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

The all-rounder's XI, West Indian legend Chris Gayle, who would open the batting with Rohit. The wicketkeeping duties have been handed to Nicholas Pooran, who is set to walk in at No.3 and play the anchor role. Furthermore, Raza's middle-order features AB de Villiers, Henrich Klassen, and Kieron Pollard, all of whom are proven match-winners in white ball cricket.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and India's Ravindra Jadeja have been picked as the bowling all-rounders, while Rashid Khan has been picked as the specialist spinner. As far as the pace-bowling department is concerned, Raza went for Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, and Shaheen Afridi.

Sikandar Raza's all-time T20 XI: Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma (C), Nicholas Pooran (WK), AB de Villiers, Henrich Klaseen, Kieron Pollard, Ravindra Jadeja, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Afridi, Mitchell Starc