Ajinkya Rahane, the former captain of the Indian Test team, recently shared his dream white-ball cricket lineup in an interview, and one particular choice has sparked quite a bit of discussion. When it came to selecting players for various positions, Rahane chose the legendary MS Dhoni as the finisher for his ideal XI, emphasizing Dhoni's incredible knack for sealing victories. His lineup features some of the most iconic names in cricket history, showcasing a mix of experience, game-changing talent, and a cool demeanor when the pressure is on.
The 38-year-old, who joined The Hundred's commentary panel, explained that Dhoni was an easy choice for the finisher's role because of his remarkable record in chasing matches. Rahane said during the interview, "We all know how good he was when he finished the game for the team."
Dhoni is widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest finishers, having led India to several memorable victories with his composure, smart decision-making, and ability to handle pressure in tight situations.
Ajinkya Rahane Builds A Dream White-Ball XI
During the interview, Rahane was asked to assemble his dream white-ball XI by picking players for specific roles. He went with Sachin Tendulkar as one of his opening batters, expressing his admiration for the batting legend's technique, calm demeanor, and consistent performance at the crease. Given Tendulkar's impressive record and his impact on world cricket, it was a no-brainer to have him begin the innings.
For the wicketkeeper role, the Indian veteran chose the former Australian star Adam Gilchrist, highlighting Gilchrist's aggressive style, diverse range of shots, and the balance a left-handed batter adds to the lineup.
The Indian star also picked Jasprit Bumrah as his go-to death bowler, calling him a world-class match-winner. He noted that, "I don't need to say much about Jasprit Bumrah. World-class bowler, match-winner. Any team, any captain would love to have him."
Bumrah has earned his reputation by thriving under pressure in all formats, particularly with his pinpoint yorkers and control during the final overs. A significant point of discussion around Rahane's selections was the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
However, it seemed that the former India captain's choices were more about fulfilling specific roles rather than comparing greatness. By opting for Tendulkar as the opener, Rahane left little room for other Indian batting legends in his XI. Even though Kohli and Rohit didn't make the cut, they remain two of the best batters of the modern era and continue to represent India in One-Day Internationals after stepping back from Test and T20I cricket.
