Hardik Pandya thrown out of all-time CSK-MI combined Playing XI before IPL 2026

Former Team India pacers Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma recently picked their combined all-time playing XI for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Zaheer and Mohit ignored Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya from their combined all-time playing XI ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

The Super Kings and the Indians share a fierce rivalry, having won five tournament titles each since the league began. The two teams have played four grand finals against each other in league history. They will aim to secure a sixth title in the upcoming season, which is set to begin on Saturday, March 28.

Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma Pick Combined MI-CSK All-Time XI

Speaking on a Cricbuzz show, Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma picked Sachin Tendulkar and veteran batter Rohit Sharma as their opening pair. Tendulkar provided a strong foundation in the early years, while Sharma scored consistently and led the team to multiple trophies.

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Tendulkar scored 2,334 runs in 78 IPL matches for the Mumbai Indians. Rohit, who joined the Mumbai-based franchise in the IPL 2011 mega auction, has amassed 5,876 runs in 227 IPL matches played so far as a player.

For the number three position, the duo picked Suresh Raina without hesitation. The former left-handed batter delivered consistent runs for the Chennai franchise throughout his tournament career. Raina remains the leading run-scorer for the team, playing a key role in their title victories.

Zaheer Khan And Mohit Sharma Pick Ambati Rayudu Over Hardik Pandya

The number four slot sparked discussion between Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma. They initially considered Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya for the position. However, they selected Ambati Rayudu due to his longevity and batting contributions to both franchises.

Kieron Pollard secured the number five spot in the combined lineup. Pollard delivered match-finishing performances and produced several key knocks in knockout games for the Mumbai Indians over a decade.

The duo picked legendary skipper MS Dhoni for the wicketkeeper role. He guided the Chennai Super Kings to five titles as captain. The right-handed batter handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2025.

Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma Pick Harbhajan Singh In Combined MI-CSK XI

Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma picked Ravindra Jadeja at number seven, while Dwayne Bravo slotted in at number eight. Both players contributed to the success of the Chennai Super Kings franchise over the years.

Zaheer and Mohit selected Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga as the primary fast bowlers. Zaheer intentionally kept his own name out of the playing eleven. Harbhajan Singh was selected as the sole specialist spinner for this combined lineup on the broadcast show.

The pacers also acknowledged several international players who missed out on the combined team. They mentioned Shane Watson, Matthew Hayden, and Brendon McCullum for their batting contributions. Dwayne Smith, who represented both franchises, was also discussed.

🚨 CSK & MI - Combined All-time XI

🏏 Rohit, Dhoni✅ SKY - OUT❓@ImZaheer & @imohitsharma18 reveal it#IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/vTAp8hc4nl

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 14, 2026

Zaheer Khan and Mohit Sharma's combined MI-CSK All-Time XI:

Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga.

Also read: Harshit Rana replacement at KKR: 3 pacers who could replace him in IPL 2026