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Dinesh Karthik recently left fans fascinated when he was asked to pick a dream combined XI featuring stars from India’s two T20 World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2024. In a head-to-head selection process, Karthik was tasked with comparing players from the squads of both eras and finalizing just eleven names. His choices struck a fine balance between the pioneers of India’s first-ever T20 World Cup win under MS Dhoni and the modern-day champions who lifted the trophy in 2024.
Dinesh Karthik’s selection process and key calls for India’s best XI
The head-to-head showdown began at the very top. When in a Cricbuzz video he was asked to decide between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma as an opener, Karthik backed Rohit for his longevity and unmatched record in T20Is. For the other opening slot, Karthik chose Virat Kohli over Virender Sehwag, praising Kohli’s consistency in ICC tournaments and his remarkable ability to chase under pressure.
The middle order saw its own set of competitive calls. Robin Uthappa lost out to modern innovator Suryakumar Yadav thanks to the latter’s explosive 360-degree batting. Karthik then went with Yuvraj Singh over Shivam Dube, citing Yuvraj’s iconic 2007 performances, including the historic six sixes against England. For wicket-keeper, Karthik had little difficulty in preferring Dhoni over Rishabh Pant, calling Dhoni an irreplaceable figure in India’s T20 history due to his captaincy and finishing prowess.
The all-rounder discussion brought an interesting twist. Rohit was pitted in comparison as a part-time all-rounder against Hardik Pandya, and Karthik confidently went with Pandya, explaining his immense value as a finisher and seam-bowling option. Between Irfan Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran Karthik settled on Jadeja for his three-dimensional value in T20 cricket.
When it came to the bowlers, Karthik leaned heavily on a mix of spin and pace. He chose Harbhajan Singh over Axar Patel, pointing at Bhajji’s big-game temperament during the 2007 tournament. Sharma’s heroic last over in the 2007 final was acknowledged, but Karthik went with Arshdeep Singh over Joginder Sharma, stressing Arshdeep’s versatility at the death. In the spin duel, Kuldeep Yadav edged past S Sreesanth, while in the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah comprehensively won over RP Singh as the spearhead of India’s attack.
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Dinesh Karthik’s final combined XI
After all comparisons, Karthik unveiled his star-studded combined XI, blending legends from both eras with current icons. His final lineup read as follows:
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
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