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Ex-New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has shared his all-time ODI XI, featuring some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the format. In an interview with Cricket.com, De Grandhomme revealed his selection, which surprisingly did not include any players from his home country. The team consisted of four Australians, three Indians, three South Africans, and one Sri Lankan, showcasing a blend of iconic figures known for their brilliance on the field.
Aggressive openers lead the charge
De Grandhomme began his XI with two aggressive and high-profile openers: India’s Virender Sehwag and Australia’s Adam Gilchrist. Sehwag, who scored 8,273 runs in 251 ODIs, was renowned for his fearless batting style that dismantled bowling attacks worldwide.
Gilchrist, with 9,619 runs in 287 matches, was a powerful striker of the ball and played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance in the early 2000s. Both players were known for their attacking gameplay, irrespective of the conditions.
A strong middle-order with legends of the game
In the middle-order, De Grandhomme included South African great Jacques Kallis, followed by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, Australia’s Damien Martyn, and another South African icon, AB de Villiers. Kallis, with 11,579 runs and 273 wickets in ODIs, was a complete all-rounder known for his match-winning abilities. Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” amassed a record 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, maintaining the highest run tally in the format.
Martyn, a key figure in Australia’s middle-order during the early 2000s, accumulated 5,346 runs in 208 games and was celebrated for his calm presence during crucial matches. De Villiers, famed for his innovative strokeplay and ability to score all around the ground, scored 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs, solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile batters in the game.
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Notable omission of Virat Kohli
The absence of Indian star Virat Kohli from De Grandhomme’s XI was the most surprising aspect. Kohli, who has 13,906 runs in just 295 games at an impressive average of 58.18, is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Furthermore, he holds the record for most centuries in ODIs (50), surpassing even Tendulkar’s 49. Despite these incredible stats, Kohli did not make the cut, raising eyebrows among cricket fans.
The power of Andrew Symonds and a strong bowling line-up
In addition to his formidable middle-order, De Grandhomme added Australia’s Andrew Symonds to his squad. Symonds, known for his aggressive batting and handy off-spin, scored 5,088 runs and claimed 133 wickets in 198 ODIs, making him a valuable all-rounder.
For the bowling attack, De Grandhomme selected two fast bowlers and as many spinners. The pace unit included Indian sensation Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 149 wickets in 89 ODIs, and South African legend Dale Steyn, with 196 wickets in 125 matches. Both bowlers were chosen for their ability to deliver game-changing performances under pressure.
In the spin department, De Grandhomme picked two of the most iconic names in cricket history: Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. Warne, who claimed 293 wickets in 194 ODIs, was a master of leg-spin and played a crucial role in Australia’s success during his era. Muralitharan, the all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs, ended his career with a staggering 534 wickets in 350 matches, setting an unmatchable benchmark for future spinners.
Colin de Grandhomme’s all-time ODI XI
| Player | Country | ODI Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Virender Sehwag | India | 8,273 runs in 251 matches |
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 9,619 runs in 287 matches |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 11,579 runs, 273 wickets in 328 matches |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 18,426 runs in 463 matches |
| Damien Martyn | Australia | 5,346 runs in 208 matches |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 9,577 runs in 228 matches |
| Andrew Symonds | Australia | 5,088 runs, 133 wickets in 198 matches |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 149 wickets in 89 matches |
| Shane Warne | Australia | 293 wickets in 194 matches |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 534 wickets in 350 matches |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 196 wickets in 125 matches |
