Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has revealed his current World ODI XI, bringing together some of the biggest names in international cricket. The experienced batter included six Indian players in his preferred lineup, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli headlining a formidable batting unit. His selection, shared on ESPNcricinfo, also features a blend of established international stars, exciting all-rounders and proven fast bowlers from different cricketing nations.
Choosing an XI from the pool of currently active ODI players is never straightforward, given the depth of talent available across international teams. However, Pujara has put together a well-balanced combination that offers plenty of batting firepower, flexibility and wicket-taking options.
Cheteshwar Pujara reveals his current World ODI XI
India dominate the selection with six representatives, while England, the West Indies, South Africa and New Zealand contribute players to complete the lineup. The selection reflects Pujara’s preference for a team that combines consistency at the top, experience in the middle order and variety across the bowling department. Rather than relying exclusively on explosive batters, his XI also features players capable of building substantial innings and handling pressure during crucial stages of a match.
Shubman Gill and Rohit form the opening combination, offering a mix of technical excellence and aggressive stroke play. Gill’s ability to construct long innings complements Rohit’s capacity to take the attack to opposition bowlers, particularly during the powerplay.
Kohli occupies the No. 3 position, bringing his remarkable consistency and experience in run chases to the side. Joe Root adds another dependable presence in the middle order, while KL Rahul provides flexibility with his ability to adapt to different batting situations. West Indies captain Shai Hope completes the specialist batting group, offering reliability and the ability to anchor an innings.
South African all-rounder Marco Jansen adds balance to the lineup with his left-arm pace and useful lower-order batting. His inclusion gives the team another option with the ball while strengthening its batting depth. The bowling attack looks equally threatening. Jasprit Bumrah leads the pace unit with his accuracy, variations and ability to deliver at the death. New Zealand’s Matt Henry brings control with the new ball, while West Indies quick Jayden Seales offers pace and aggression.
Kuldeep Yadav provides the specialist spin option, with his wrist-spin variations capable of troubling batters through the middle overs. Together, the bowling combination offers a useful balance of pace, spin and different angles of attack.
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Familiar stars miss out in Pujara’s XI
Despite the impressive depth of international cricket, several established names have failed to make Pujara’s selection. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, England’s Harry Brook, Pakistan’s Babar Azam and New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell are among the notable players left out.
Their omissions underline the difficulty of selecting just 11 players from a competitive international field. Each of these cricketers has qualities that could strengthen a World ODI side, but Pujara has opted for a combination that he believes offers the right balance across departments.
Ultimately, his XI brings together proven performers and players who can influence matches in different ways. With six Indians making the cut, the selection also highlights India’s considerable representation among the leading active ODI cricketers.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s current World ODI XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, KL Rahul, Shai Hope, Marco Jansen, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Matt Henry, Jayde Seales
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