Reece Topley All-Time T20 11: England’s experienced left-arm fast bowler Reece Topley recently selected his all-time best T20 team in a special interview with CricTracker. While several legends feature in Topley’s dream team, some of his choices have sparked a fresh debate within the cricketing world.
Major Shock: Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni Snubbed
The most surprising aspect of Reece Topley’s playing XI is the exclusion of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma—the two most successful captains to have led India to T20 World Cup victories.
This decision has come as a shock to cricket fans, given that Rohit Sharma—popularly known as ‘Hitman’—ranks among the top run-scorers and century-makers in T20 Internationals. Meanwhile, ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni is widely regarded as the world’s finest finisher and an exceptionally astute T20 captain.
Despite this, Topley overlooked these two Indian legends.
3 Indian Stars Make It to Reece Topley’s T20 XI
Even though Rohit and Dhoni were not selected, three players from the Indian cricket team have secured a spot in Topley’s all-time team:
- Virat Kohli: Kohli has been placed in the middle order due to his remarkable consistency in the T20 format and his reputation as a ‘chase-master’.
- Suryakumar Yadav: The world’s number-1 T20 batsman—known as ‘Mr. 360’ for his ability to play shots to every corner of the ground—has been selected to bolster the team’s attack.
- Jasprit Bumrah: The world’s most dangerous ‘Yorker King’ is included in the team to spearhead the bowling attack during the death overs.
Explosive Opening Pair and Formidable Middle Order
Reece Topley has entrusted the opening duties to the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and England’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler. Joining Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order is the legendary former South African player AB de Villiers, who possesses the ability to dismantle any bowling attack.
Kieron Pollard Named Captain; Trusted All-Rounders
Topley has appointed West Indies legend Kieron Pollard as the captain of his all-time T20 XI. This responsibility has been given to him in recognition of his vast experience and match-winning capabilities in the T20 format. Alongside Pollard, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been included in the team as the second all-rounder.
Lethal Bowling Attack: Pace and Spin Combination
The responsibility for the team’s fast-bowling department lies in very capable hands. Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga, Australia’s Brett Lee, and India’s Jasprit Bumrah combine to form a lethal pace attack. Meanwhile, the spin bowling department is spearheaded by Sri Lanka’s greatest off-spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan.
Reece Topley’s Full All-Time T20 XI
Chris Gayle, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, AB de Villiers, Kieron Pollard (captain), Shahid Afridi, Lasith Malinga, Brett Lee, Jasprit Bumrah, and Muttiah Muralitharan.
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