Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane recently revealed his all-time underrated ODI playing XI, featuring several cricketers who, according to him, deserved greater recognition for their contributions to international cricket. Instead of selecting the usual legendary names, Rahane focused on players from different countries who often went underappreciated despite their impressive performances. In a video shared by Cricbuzz, the former Indian batter named his preferred XI, which included only two players from India.
His selections featured a combination of dependable batters, versatile all-rounders and match-winning bowlers who made significant contributions during their respective careers. Ajinkya Rahane began with former South Africa captain Graeme Smith and New Zealand’s Nathan Astle as his opening pair. He picked Smith for his consistency as a left-handed batter, while Astle’s aggressive approach offered an ideal balance at the top of the order.
“For me, the openers are Graeme Smith, just a solid left-handed opener. I personally like him. The second one is Nathan Astle, a very aggressive batter. So, it’s a left-hand-right-hand combination,” Ajinkya Rahane explained. For the No. 3 position, Rahane selected former India batter Suresh Raina, highlighting his ability to perform in different playing conditions. He paired Raina with Sri Lankan great Aravinda de Silva at No. 4, describing the latter as an underrated player despite his remarkable achievements.
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“Number three for me is Suresh Raina, again a left-hander and a very classy batter who plays well in all conditions. So, Suresh Raina is my number three. Number four would be Aravinda de Silva, an all-time great but also a very underrated player who played some crucial knocks for Sri Lanka. So, Suresh Raina and Aravinda de Silva are my picks,” he added.
For the wicketkeeper’s position, Rahane went with South African legend Mark Boucher. Apart from his dependable glovework, Boucher was also known for making valuable contributions with the bat, particularly in the middle and lower order. “My wicketkeeper is Mark Boucher because he was really good at batting at number five and six, and his contributions at those positions were very important. Mark Boucher is my choice,” Ajinkay Rahane said.
Rahane then picked Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq as his all-rounder, appreciating his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Former India cricketer Robin Singh was his choice as the finisher, with his aggressive batting and excellent fielding making him an important addition.
Raina ✅
Flintoff ✅Who else makes cut in @ajinkyarahane88’s Underrated ODI XI? 👀
Do you agree with his picks? 👇 https://t.co/FZC11o5pNl
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 3, 2026
“My all-rounder is Abdul Razzaq, who could bat at number six and seven and also bowl at good pace. His aggressive approach with both bat and ball makes him the right fit for those positions. My finisher is Robin Singh. He could come in at that position and play aggressive cricket. He was also a very good fielder,” he explained.
For the spin department, Rahane selected New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and England’s Graeme Swann. He admired Vettori’s control as a left-arm spinner and his useful batting contributions, while Swann earned his place for his wicket-taking ability as an off-spinner. In the pace department, Rahane chose New Zealand’s Shane Bond and Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas. Bond was praised for his pace, control and ability to move the ball in both directions. Vaas, meanwhile, offered the left-arm variety and consistency Rahane wanted in his attack.
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“I have two places for fast bowlers. The first one is Shane Bond, who bowled with good control and pace and could swing the ball both ways. The second one is Chaminda Vaas, a left-arm swing bowler. Having a left-arm pacer in the XI is really important. He bowled with great control and discipline and was a consistent wicket-taker.”
Rahane’s selection brings together players from different eras and cricketing nations, highlighting several names whose contributions may not always receive the recognition they deserve.
Ajinkya Rahane’s underrated ODI playing XI: Graeme Smith (South Africa), Nathan Astle (New Zealand), Suresh Raina (India), Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka), Mark Boucher (South Africa), Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan), Robin Singh (India), Daniel Vettori (New Zealand), Graeme Swann (England), Shane Bond (New Zealand), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka).
