Former batting coach of India Sanjay Bangar It has sparked debate ahead of the Indian team’s five-match T20I series New Zealand showcasing the all-time Indian T20 XI. Speaking during a segment on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar picked a star-studded line-up of players who he believes best define India’s success and adaptability in the shortest format. Virat Kohli called captain.
A little later comes the announcement New Zealand It closed the ODI series against India, sealing the decider in Indore on Sunday. With the focus now firmly on T20 cricket, the series opener is scheduled for January 21 in Nagpur, making Bangar’s selections particularly relevant during the debate surrounding India’s T20 legacy.
Sanjay Bangar named all-time Indian T20 XI
Bangar’s XI combines experience, match-winning pedigree and versatility, reflecting how India’s T20 approach has evolved over the years. From explosive openers to seasoned all-rounders and varied bowling attacks, the former coach emphasized balance as his main theme of choice.
While the squad includes several players who are no longer active in T20Is, Bangar made it clear that past impact, consistency and ability to make an impact in big moments are the defining criteria.
The Bangar side will be led by Virat Kohli
Even though he is away from T20 internationals, Kohli remains central to Bangar’s vision. The former Indian captain was not only chosen as the wicket-keeper but also as the captain of the team. Bangar cited Kohli’s unmatched consistency, adaptability and leadership qualities as the reason why he was given the armband.
Kohli’s opening XI Shubman GillIndia’s current batting poster boy. Interestingly, Gill is not part of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series and is also not in the plans for the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to start on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, Bangar upheld Gill’s technique and temperament as ideal attributes for the highest level in the all-time structure.
Behind the openers, KL Rahul slots as the designated wicketkeeper-batsman, offering flexibility and experience in the top and middle order.
Yuvraj Singh heads the club as a middle-order and all-rounder
The middle row is titled Yuvraj SinghHis legacy in T20 cricket is firmly etched in Indian folklore. Yuvraj played a crucial role in India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, including the iconic six sixes, and Bangar acknowledged his ability to change games within a few overs.
Join him Suryakumar YadavIndia’s current T20I captain and one of the most innovative batsmen in modern cricket. His 360-degree stroke play adds unpredictability to the lineup. Strong all-rounder Shivam Dubey and a swing-bowling option Deepak Chahar complete the all-rounders, providing depth in both batting and bowling.
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Ashish Nehra will lead the bowling attack
The bowling section features a mix of pace, swing and spin. Veteran left arm pacer Ashish Nehra leads an attack known for his efficiency and ability to strike early in white-ball cricket.
supported by Muhammad Shamihis seam movement and experience make him a strong T20 option. In the spin department, there’s a wrist-flipping duo Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahalproviding variety and a wicket-taking threat through the middle overs.
Sanjay Bangar’s all-time India T20 XI
Virat Kohli (c), Shubman Gill, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Mohammad Shami, Ashish Nehra, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal.
