Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who represented the Men in Blue in 60 T20Is between 2006 and 2022, has revealed his all-time India T20 World Cup XI. Speaking on a Cricbuzz show, Karthik surprised many by naming MS Dhoni as captain of the side instead of Rohit Sharma, despite Rohit’s unmatched legacy in the shortest format.
Interestingly, eight players from India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup squad under Rohit’s leadership feature in his XI. Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20 internationals after lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy, is still expected to open. He partnered Virat Kohli at the top, with Kohli remembered for his match-winning Player of the Match performance in the 2024 final against South Africa.
At No. 3, Dinesh Karthik slotted in current skipper Suryakumar Yadav, one of India’s most consistent T20 performers in recent years. The middle order featured two legends of India’s T20 journey—Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. Dhoni not only found a place as wicketkeeper but also as captain of the side, thanks to his iconic leadership that guided India to their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in 2007.
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Yuvraj Singh, who famously smashed six sixes in an over against Stuart Broad in Durban during that campaign, was an automatic choice. From the 2007-winning squad, Karthik also included Harbhajan Singh. The off-spinner played all seven games in the inaugural tournament, finishing with seven wickets and playing a vital role in Dhoni’s youthful team.
2007 🏆 x 2024 🏆
Two eras, one dream XI ✨@DineshKarthik picks his ultimate India T20 WC XI 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hopGZ0ZtpI
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 18, 2025
The bowling and all-round department was dominated by stars from the 2024 squad. Hardik Pandya, who was Rohit’s deputy in the tournament, secured his spot for his all-round brilliance—scoring 144 runs and taking 11 wickets, including a decisive 3/20 in the final. Ravindra Jadeja’s utility, both with bat and ball, ensured his inclusion, while Kuldeep Yadav’s 10 wickets in five matches made him Karthik’s go-to wrist-spinner.
Among pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were automatic picks. Bumrah, who bagged 15 wickets, was adjudged Player of the Tournament in 2024, while Arshdeep finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, underlining India’s dominance with the ball.
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Karthik’s XI sparked debate, especially with Rohit not being handed captaincy despite his records as the most successful T20I skipper and highest run-getter in the format. Yet, by choosing Dhoni, Karthik seemed to underline the enduring impact of India’s first T20 World Cup-winning captain, whose leadership laid the foundation for India’s legacy in the shortest format.
Dinesh Karthik’s India T20 World Cup XI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
