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Ajinkya Rahane has sparked a massive debate across the cricketing world by unveiling his all-time right-handed T20 XI. Speaking on a special segment for Cricbuzz on February 11, 2026, the veteran Indian batter meticulously constructed a lineup of elite right-handers but made the ‘stunning’ decision to exclude 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 the 2014, 2016 and 2022 editions. Rahane’s selections seem to prioritize high-impact strike rates and specialized T20 roles over career aggregates. His lineup features a blend of modern-day power-hitters and iconic bowlers who dominated the IPL and international circuits. The list serves as a fascinating look into how one of India’s most technically sound batters views the ‘ideal’ structure of a T20 side.
Ajinkya Rahane favours explosive openers and middle-order ‘X-factors’ over Virat Kohli
In his discussion with Cricbuzz, Rahane opted for a terrifying opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler, choosing the two most recent T20 World Cup-winning captains to lead from the front. Rahane explained that Buttler’s ‘proven powerplay enforcement’ and Rohit’s unmatched ability to accelerate made them the perfect pair.
Interestingly, at number three, the spot traditionally occupied by Kohli, Rahane slotted in Suryakumar Yadav, citing his ability to win matches “beyond stats” and his status as the current T20I captain. The middle order is rounded out by the legendary AB de Villiers at four and MS Dhoni, whom Rahane named as the captain and wicketkeeper of his side. By choosing SKY and ABD over Kohli, Rahane appears to have prioritized 360-degree shot-making and raw strike rate, noting that de Villiers’ career strike rate of over 150 makes him indispensable in any all-time XI.
Caribbean power and a lethal multi-nation bowling attack in Rahane’s XI
To provide the necessary balance, Rahane included the iconic West Indian duo of Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo as his primary all-rounders. Russell’s ability to change a game with both bat and ball, combined with Bravo’s status as one of the greatest death-overs specialists in history, gives the team immense depth. The bowling department is a masterclass in variety, featuring the mystery of Rashid Khan alongside the veteran off-spin of Harbhajan Singh.
For the pace battery, Rahane reunited the legendary Mumbai Indians duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga, who together boast nine IPL titles and two T20 World Cups. The final spot went to Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, completing a four-man spin attack if you include Harbhajan and the part-time options. This selection underscores Rahane’s belief in specialized T20 skills, even if it meant leaving out one of his closest former teammates.
Ajinkya Rahane’s All-Time Right-Handed T20 XI
| Position | Player | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| Openers | Rohit Sharma & Jos Buttler | Aggressive Powerplay Starts |
| No. 3 | Suryakumar Yadav | 360-Degree Anchor/Aggressor |
| No. 4 | AB de Villiers | Middle-Order Finisher |
| No. 5 (C & WK) | MS Dhoni | Finisher & Captain |
| All-Rounders | Andre Russell & Dwayne Bravo | Death-Over Specialists |
| Spinners | Rashid Khan, Harbhajan Singh & Yuzvendra Chahal | Middle-Over Wickets |
| Pacers | Jasprit Bumrah & Lasith Malinga | Elite Death Bowling |
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