International cricket at the highest level is always the hallmark of any player. To play ODI cricket for your country is one thing, but to be the best at it, even amongst the others in the world, is another. Here is a list of the best international ODI XI in the world at the moment:
Opening pair of the best international XI
David Warner:
Warner is one of the best hitters of the ball in the world and can turn up the heat at any given moment. He had a lot of disciplinary problems earlier but his cricketing talent overcame it all and he is one of the best in the world.
Rohit Sharma:
The Hitman, as Sharma is popularly known is one player who showed that he has the skill at the very top. He was superb in the ICC Champions Trophy, especially after making a comeback and easily warrants a place in the squad.
Number 3 and 4 of the best international XI
Virat Kohli:
The Indian captain is at the top of his game and is easily the best batsman in ODI cricket today. Kohli is on the ascent to be an all-time great and he should continue his run at the top for many more years ahead.
AB De Villiers:
De Villiers is one player who can turn the tide at any given moment in the game and has shown that he deserves a place in any all-time XI for ODIs. The South African, known as Mr.360 is a fantastic batsman and though he had a bad Champions Trophy, is capable of much more.
Middle order of the best international XI
Kane Williamson:
Kane Williamson is another player who has shown his class over the last year or so and is a fantastic asset to any team that he appears for. His role as captain has bolstered his performances and he will go from strength to strength.
Quinton De kock (wicketkeeper)
The young South African has been superb over the last few years and is a rising star in international cricket. He has been in sublime form and is also a superb keeper, easily making his place in this squad.
All rounder of the best international XI
Ben Stokes:
Stokes has established himself as one of the best all-rounders in the game and he may not yet warrant a place in this best XI, but he surely belongs up there. He has been instrumental in all department for England.
Bowling attack of the best international XI
Mohammad Amir:
Amir showed his real class with a fantastic performance in the Champions Trophy where he destroyed the Indian top-order with some fantastic seam bowling. Amir is back after a long time away from the game and this year has shown that class is permanent.
Imran Tahir:
The old warhorse of South Africa seemed to have gotten a new lease of life over the past couple of years. He has a superb change of pace and is very hard to pick, making him one of the best spin bowlers in the world today.
Josh Hazlewood:
Hazlewood rose up the rankings to become the number one bowler in the world today and is an excellent bowler. He has been very important for the Australians and is an elite bowler who can pick up wickets at any moment.
Mitch Starc:
The Australian fast bowler is an excellent performer and is one of the best in the art of pace bowling in the modern game. He was out with injury and did not have the most convincing Champions Trophy but is still an exceptional player when fit.
By Rohit Nair
