Babar Azam’s World ODI XI Snubs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

A Bold Selection Stirs the Cricket World

In the high-stakes world of international cricket, few players command as much attention as Babar Azam. The Pakistan batting maestro, currently leading the Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), recently sat down for a media session where he was tasked with selecting his ultimate World ODI XI. The resulting team, however, has sent shockwaves across social media, primarily due to the glaring absence of Indian cricket icons.

The Notable Omissions

Perhaps the most discussed aspect of Babar Azam’s selection is the complete exclusion of Indian players. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, widely considered two of the greatest white-ball cricketers to have graced the game, failed to make the cut. Similarly, elite pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was also left out of the lineup. For many followers of the sport, these omissions were viewed as a surprising snub given the undeniable statistics and global impact these Indian players have had on the ODI format over the last decade.

Instead of opting for the established Indian stars, Babar pivoted toward a mix of Australian, South African, and English talent. His opening pair consists of explosive Australian hitters Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, while the crucial No. 3 spot is occupied by South Africa’s Aiden Markram. This selection strategy emphasizes a specific style of aggressive, modern-day limited-overs cricket that favors dynamic scoring over traditional accumulation.

The Balanced XI: Babar Azam’s Choices

Babar Azam’s full squad is as follows:

• Openers: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head
• Middle Order: Aiden Markram, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook
• All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner
• Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi, Kagiso Rabada

By including his teammate Mohammad Rizwan as the primary wicket-keeper and placing him in the middle order, Babar solidified his confidence in his compatriot. The bowling attack features a formidable mix of pace and spin, with Shaheen Afridi joining forces with Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada, supported by the spin wizardry of Rashid Khan and Mitchell Santner.

A Display of Humility or Lack of Confidence?

Perhaps the most intriguing takeaway from the session was not who he included, but rather who he relegated to the bench. In a move that surprised many, Babar Azam chose not to include himself in the starting XI, designating himself as the 12th man instead. While some might interpret this as an act of profound humility, critics have been quick to suggest that it may reflect a lack of confidence regarding his recent form in international ICC tournaments. Regardless of the intent, it is rare to see a batter of his caliber voluntarily exclude himself from his own ‘best of’ list.

Contextualizing the Decision

It is important to remember that cricket is a game defined by subjective opinions. As the T20 circuit keeps the world busy, the transition back to the 50-over format remains a challenge for every national team. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, players are naturally preoccupied with form and team dynamics. Babar Azam himself is currently focused on the PSL, where he has been in stellar form, accumulating over 500 runs and pushing the Peshawar Zalmi toward the final against the Hyderabad Kingsmen. His quest for a maiden PSL title as captain is undoubtedly his current priority.

Whether his team selection was based on tactical preference, team chemistry, or a desire to promote players he knows best, the list certainly highlights the depth of talent currently dominating the ODI landscape. One thing is certain: in the world of cricket, everyone has an opinion, and Babar Azam’s latest XI has provided plenty of fuel for discussion among fans and analysts alike.