Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma removed from another team by Gautam Gambhir's pawn

Venkatesh Iyer, one of Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir’s students at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has shockingly overlooked legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from his all-time T20 playing XI. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered two of the greatest batters of all time in the format.

They have won everything—from the T20 World Cup to IPL titles, the Asia Cup, and many other big tournaments—yet they have not found a place in Venkatesh Iyer’s all-time T20 playing XI. Iyer ignored Virat Kohli and Rohit but picked the young, explosive opener Abhishek Sharma in his dream team.

Venkatesh Iyer’s All-Time T20 XI excludes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

The Indian all-rounder’s all-time T20 XI is packed with some of the biggest names from world cricket. Interestingly, Iyer’s squad features six Indian players, while the rest of the players are overseas. He picked a powerful opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Abhishek Sharma.

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It was a combination of fearless experience and modern-day flair. Sehwag brings raw aggression from ball one, while Abhishek adds left-hand variety and the ability to take on spin and pace with confidence. At No. 3, Iyer picked AB de Villiers, widely considered one of the greatest T20 batters ever, over Virat Kohli. Notably, Virat Kohli and Rohit both retired from T20I cricket in 2024.

The Proteas legend’s ability to score all around the ground makes him the perfect player to control the middle overs or accelerate instantly, depending on the situation. Coming in at No. 4 is Suresh Raina, thanks to his incredible consistency and influence in big games.

Ventakesh Iyer builds a fearless middle order with Ben Stokes–Hardik Pandya power

Iyer’s top order looks extraordinarily strong and reliable with de Villiers and Raina at three and four. For the all-rounder slots, Iyer went with two of the most impactful performers in T20 cricket, and they are England captain Ben Stokes and Indian star Hardik Pandya.

Stokes brings an unmatched fighting spirit and the ability to dominate with both bat and ball. On the other hand, Hardik offers explosive finishing power and a seam bowling option, making Iyer’s middle order even more dangerous for any T20 game.

Iyer picked the legendary MS Dhoni as his wicketkeeper-batter and captain without hesitation, trusting his game awareness, calmness under pressure, and brilliant decision-making. The former KKR all-rounder completed his bowling attack with two world-class spinners and two iconic pacers.

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Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine lead Venkatesh Iyer’s spin attack; Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah form deadly pace attack

In the spin department, Iyer picked the Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan and West Indies’ mystery spinner and his former KKR teammate Sunil Narine, who have dominated T20 leagues across the world. Rashid’s googlies and Narine’s mystery variations form a threatening partnership that can break any batting lineup.

In his pace attack, Iyer picked legendary Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga and modern-era master Jasprit Bumrah. Malinga’s deadly yorkers and unique action made him one of the greatest death bowlers in history, while Bumrah’s control, pace, and accuracy have made him India’s modern fast-bowling superstar. Together, Malinga and Bumrah make a dangerous bowling attack.

Venkatesh Iyer's All-Time T20 XI:

Virender Sehwag, Abhishek Sharma, AB De Villiers, Suresh Raina, Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni, Rashid Khan, Sunil Narine, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah