Former South African captain and legendary batter AB de Villiers has unveiled his dream T20 team, including Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Virat Kohli, hailed as one of the finest all-format batters, and Bumrah, recognized as one of cricket’s most lethal bowlers, were natural choices. De Villiers also included Rishabh Pant and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in his playing XI, showcasing his appreciation for India’s talent pool.
Interestingly, his backup picks featured more Indian stars: MS Dhoni, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mayank Yadav. Kohli was paired at the top with Australia’s explosive Travis Head, followed by the versatile Cameron Green and the dynamic Rishabh Pant. Green’s all-around capabilities, particularly his ability to bowl crucial medium-paced overs, added balance to the lineup.
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In the middle order, AB de Villiers opted for the South African duo Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, known for their match-winning abilities in high-pressure situations. To complement the batting, he chose Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine as his spinners, both capable of turning games with the ball and contributing handy runs lower down the order. The pace attack was led by Bumrah, supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and Kagiso Rabada’s raw pace.
Explaining his choices, AB de Villiers lavished praise on Rashid Khan, saying, “He’s a magical bowler who can change the game in the middle overs with quick wickets. Plus, he’s a capable batter and an asset in the field. Rashid’s attitude towards the game is simply fantastic.” While Chahal missed the playing XI, De Villiers acknowledged him as the world’s best backup spinner, adding that Rashid’s batting and fielding gave him a slight edge.
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One of the more surprising inclusions was Mayank Yadav as a backup pacer. AB de Villiers justified the choice, saying, “Mayank is a pure pace bowler who can rattle batters. His ability to break partnerships and instill fear makes him a valuable asset.”
AB de Villiers’ dream team underscores his keen eye for talent and respect for players who can perform under pressure, blending established legends with promising newcomers.
