The celebrated former captain of Pakistan, Wasim Akram, who is also a legendary fast bowler, has unveiled his personal all-time Asian T20 XI. Notably, the selection omits certain prominent figures, notably Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian all-rounder. Akram, recognized broadly as one of cricket’s most exceptional fast bowlers, revealed his ideal XI while engaging in a discussion broadcasted on Sony Sports. The selections Akram made have already become a topic of lively discussion among cricket enthusiasts, primarily because of the unexpected absences and distinctive choices.
Wasim Akram reveals his all-time Asian T20 XI
The squad is composed of five players hailing from India and another five from Pakistan. Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka stands out as the sole cricketer from a nation other than India or Pakistan to secure a position in the lineup. Furthermore, Akram designated Imran Khan, the former captain of Pakistan, as the team’s 12th man in this special arrangement.
Star studded batting attack ft. Sachin Tendulkar
Akram’s choice for the opening duo consisted of Virender Sehwag and Jayasuriya. Both are celebrated for their aggressive batting technique and their capability to destabilize bowling attacks right from the beginning of the innings. The number three spot was filled by Sachin Tendulkar, fondly known as the “Master Blaster”, who is still greatly admired across the globe. Virat Kohli, frequently lauded as one of the greatest T20 batsmen ever, was positioned at number four, while Inzamam-ul-Haq from Pakistan, was selected to bat at number five.
MS Dhoni named captain in Akram’s special team
Within the middle order, Akram entrusted MS Dhoni with the duties of wicketkeeping along with the captaincy. Dhoni’s prowess in concluding matches and his tactical genius while behind the wickets made him an obvious selection. His presence is hardly surprising, considering his unparalleled history in leadership and his standing as one of cricket’s best finishers.
The spots for all-rounders were given to two prominent Pakistani players: Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq. Afridi, famous for his forceful hitting and leg-spin bowling, was a trendsetter in the T20 format, while Razzaq’s adaptability with both batting and bowling made him a reliable all-rounder throughout his career. Akram also emphasized that T20 cricket is essentially a game for all-rounders, hence his inclination towards such versatile players.
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Bowling attack led by Shoaib Akhtar and Jasprit Bumrah
The bowling unit in Akram’s envisioned XI comprised a combination of sheer velocity and astute spin. Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” was an undeniable pick, injecting considerable speed and intensity into the team. Accompanying him was Jasprit Bumrah, the contemporary pace sensation from India, acclaimed for his precise yorkers and composure under pressure in the condensed format.
For spin bowling, Akram chose Saqlain Mushtaq, the originator of the “doosra,” to offer wicket-taking opportunities during the middle phases of the game. This well-rounded bowling strategy, blending both pace and spin, grants the team command and offensive capabilities.
Significantly, Akram also named Imran Khan, the former captain of Pakistan, as the team’s 12th player, acknowledging his all-around skill and leadership abilities. While justifying his choices, Akram conceded that Yuvraj merited inclusion in the lineup, describing him as a premier T20 player globally. Nonetheless, despite his respect for Yuvraj, he was not included in the final eleven.
No place for Rohit Sharma
A notable surprise in Akram’s all-time Asian T20 XI was the exclusion of Rohit Sharma. Frequently recognized as one of the most accomplished T20 batsmen worldwide, Rohit leads in T20 international runs (4231) and has achieved multiple centuries (5) within this format. His aptitude for stabilizing an innings while executing aggressive shots from the start makes him a comprehensive T20 opener.
Wasim Akram’s all-time Asian T20 XI: Virender Sehwag, Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Inzamam-ul-Haq, MS Dhoni (wk), Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Jasprit Bumrah.
12th man: Imran Khan
Also READ: Wasim Akram names his top 5 greatest batters in world cricket
