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Former South Africa great Hashim Amla recently unveiled his all-time One Day International (ODI) XI on a YouTube podcast, sparking immediate discussion among cricket fans, especially for a surprising omission. Amla’s selection features an array of the game’s biggest legends, including three icons from India, all chosen for their monumental contributions to the 50-over format. The team is built on a foundation of legendary batting prowess, formidable all-round talent and a well-balanced bowling attack consisting of two of the greatest spinners and two iconic fast bowlers to have played the game.
The all-time ODI XI of Hashim Amla and notable Indian inclusions
Amla’s selection for his all-time ODI dream team is heavily populated by the top run-scorers and biggest match-winners of the last few decades, with three Indian greats securing their spots. The opening pair is dominated by all-time greats: India’s ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar and former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist. At the crucial number three position, Amla picked India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli, who remains the only active international cricketer in the entire XI and holds the all-time record for the most ODI centuries (51).
The middle order is anchored by the sheer brilliance of former West Indies captain Brian Lara and Amla’s long-time South African teammate AB de Villiers, who is listed at number five. The lower middle order is bolstered by two more legends: the greatest all-rounder in the history of the game, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis at number six, followed by Team India’s legendary finisher and former captain, MS Dhoni, slotting in at number seven as the designated wicketkeeper. This selection underscores the dominant impact Indian cricket has had on the ODI format over generations, with a player from the 90s, the 2000s, and the modern era all making the cut in this highly exclusive XI.
The Rohit Sharma snub and bowling attack
The most notable point of contention and the biggest surprise in Amla’s all-time ODI XI selection is the exclusion of modern Indian opener Rohit Sharma, despite his spectacular and record-breaking career in the format. Rohit is the only batter in the history of ODI cricket to have scored three double centuries, including the all-time highest individual score of 264, which led to a minor backlash and disappointment from the fans following the announcement.
However, Amla’s decision to name Tendulkar and Gilchrist as openers meant there was no slot available at the top of the order for the Indian captain. Amla’s bowling attack is a masterclass in balance, featuring two of the most successful spinners in cricket history: Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan and the charismatic Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne.
This spin duo is complemented by two iconic fast bowlers who epitomized aggression and skill in their eras: Pakistan’s legendary left-arm swing bowler Wasim Akram and Amla’s formidable South African teammate Dale Steyn, who completes the pace attack. The selection of these four bowlers provides the XI with a perfect blend of high wicket-taking ability, control in the middle overs, and lethal pace and swing with the new and old ball.
