In a surprising revelation that has stirred discussions among cricket fans, Australian captain Pat Cummins named his all-time India-Australia ODI XI — and it notably does not feature Indian modern-day greats Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. Both players are among the most prolific ODI batsmen of the 21st century, which makes their omission all the more shocking for fans across the cricketing world.
Cummins, known for his composed leadership and sharp cricketing mind, reportedly selected his dream XI based on balance, impact in big games, and overall match-winning ability against top opposition. While the final lineup is undeniably filled with legends, the absence of Kohli and Rohit — two of India’s most successful ODI performers — has divided opinions.
According to Cummins, the focus was on players who have influenced the India-Australia rivalry over the years, particularly in pressure situations like World Cups and bilateral series. His chosen side featured a blend of Australian dominance from the 2000s and India’s golden generation from the early 2010s.
The top order included Sachin Tendulkar and Adam Gilchrist as openers — a pairing that most would agree could dismantle any bowling attack. Gilchrist’s explosive power at the top and Tendulkar’s technical brilliance form a near-perfect combination, providing balance and aggression. In the No. 3 position, Cummins went with Ricky Ponting, arguably Australia’s greatest ODI batsman, who scored over 13,000 runs and led his team to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007.
The middle order featured MS Dhoni as wicketkeeper and captain — a choice few would contest. Dhoni’s unmatched finishing skills, calm leadership, and proven record against Australia made him a natural inclusion. Alongside him, Cummins opted for Michael Bevan, one of the finest finishers in ODI history, known for his ability to rescue Australia from precarious situations.
In the all-rounder department, the Aussie skipper went with Andrew Symonds and Hardik Pandya. Symonds, a powerhouse performer, was known for his aggressive batting, athletic fielding, and handy off-spin and medium pace. Pandya, representing the modern era, provides the explosiveness and bowling depth that make him a valuable ODI asset.
The bowling attack reflected Cummins’ admiration for both countries’ pace and spin legends. Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath spearhead the fast-bowling department, bringing raw speed and surgical precision. Cummins also included Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging his world-class consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. The spin option went to Shane Warne, the magician who remains one of the greatest match-winners in cricket history.
Despite the lineup’s undeniable strength, the omission of Kohli and Rohit sparked heavy debate. Virat Kohli boasts over 13,000 ODI runs with 47 centuries — the second-most in history — and is known for his unmatched consistency in chases. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs (264) and three double centuries, a feat unmatched in the format.
Cummins defended his choices by saying that the team needed “balance and roles” rather than just star power. “You can’t pick everyone,” he reportedly said, emphasizing that selection was based on team composition rather than statistics alone.
While fans may not agree with every name, Cummins’ XI is a reminder of the rich cricketing legacy shared between India and Australia — two giants whose rivalry continues to shape the modern era of the sport.
