Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir is hailed as one of the biggest match-winners to have played for India. His heroics in World Cup 2007 and World Cup 2011 are still afresh in everyone’s minds. He is known for his bold opinions when it comes to the performances of cricketers and the game.
In an interview, Gautam Gambhir had revealed his all-time India playing XI and he decided to go with some of the legendary names in cricket history. Interestingly, both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were a part of the playing XI but Gambhir went with Anil Kumble for the role of the skipper of his side.
For the opening position, Gambhir chose the batting legends Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, with the Wall – Rahul Dravid coming out to bat on No. 3. The middle-order of Gambhir’s all-time playing XI is also very solid as he decided to go with Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev in an all-rounder role, and MS Dhoni as the wicket-keeper.
Anil Kumble, who was also picked as the captain, and Harbhajan Singh were chosen for the role of spinners while the pace departments included Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan.
Speaking to Sports Tak back then, Gambhir explained the reason for giving Anil Kumble the role of captaincy ahead of Virat and Dhoni, he had said: “Sehwag and I were having dinner when Kumble walked in and said that you guys will open throughout the series no matter what. Even if you get 8 ducks it doesn’t matter. I have never heard such words from anyone in my career. So, if I have to give my life for someone, it would be Anil Kumble. Those words are still in my heart,”
He added:
“Had he captained India for a longer duration like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, he would have made many records. He captained in tough series’ in Australia and Sri Lanka,”
Gautam Gambhir’s all-time India Test XI:
Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble (Captain), Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath.
