Ajinkya Rahane created a huge debate in the cricket world by unveiling his all-time right-handed T20 XI. speaks in a special segment for cricbuzz On February 11, 2026, the Indian veteran fielded a line-up of elite right-handers but made a “shocking” decision to opt out. Virat Kohli.
This omission is particularly striking given Kohli’s status as the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history and his legendary performances in 2014, 2016 and 2022. Rahane’s options favor high-impact strike rates and specialized T20 roles over career aggregates. His squad has a mix of modern power-hitters and iconic bowlers who have dominated the IPL and international competitions. The list serves as an interesting glimpse into how one of India’s most technically sound batsmen views the ‘ideal’ set-up of a T20 side.
Explosive openers and middle-order ‘X-factors’ dominate Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli
in his discussion with cricbuzzRahane opted for a dreadful opening combination Rohit Sharma and If Buttlerpicked two captains who won the most recent T20 World Cup to lead from the front. Rahane explained that Buttler’s “proven power play application” and Rohit’s unmatched pace made them the perfect pair.
Interestingly, Kohli’s traditional position at number three was Rahane. Suryakumar Yadav“beyond the stats”, referring to his match-winning ability and current status as T20I captain. The middle row is rounded off with legendary AB de Villiers in four and MS DhoniHe named Rahane as his side’s captain and wicketkeeper. Rahane seems to have prioritized 360-degree innings and raw strike-rate, opting for SKY and ABD over Kohli, noting that de Villiers’ career strike-rate of over 150 makes him indispensable in his all-time XI.
Caribbean power and a deadly multinational bowling attack in Rahane’s playing XI
To provide the necessary balance, Rahane included the iconic West Indian duo Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo as his main all-rounders. Russell’s game-changing ability with both bat and ball, combined with Bravo’s status as one of the greatest death-to-death specialists in history, gives the team great depth. The bowling department is a masterclass in diversity that embodies the secret Rashid Khan along with veteran off-spin Harbhajan Singh.
For the pace battery, Rahane reunited the legendary Mumbai Indians duo jasprit bumrah and Lasith Malingatogether they boast nine IPL titles and two T20 World Cups. He went to the last place Yuzvendra ChahalIf you include Harbhajan and part-time options, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker completes the four-man spin attack. The selection underscores Rahane’s confidence in his specialist T20 skills, even if it means leaving out one of his closest former teammates.
Ajinkya Rahane’s all-time right-handed T20 XI
| Position | Player | Main role |
|---|---|---|
| Openers | Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler | Aggressive Powerplay begins |
| No. 3 | Suryakumar Yadav | 360 degree anchor/aggressor |
| No. 4 | AB de Villiers | Middle Order Finisher |
| No. 5 (C & WK) | MS Dhoni | Graduate and Captain |
| Comprehensive competitions | Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo | Death Specialists |
| Spinners | Rashid Khan, Harbhajan Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal | Above average doors |
| Pacers | Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga | Elite Death Bowling |
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