Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins recently sparked a massive debate among fans by revealing his all-time combined India-Australia XI. The selection exercise a dream challenge for any cricket aficionado produced a superstar lineup but notably excluded modern Indian giants like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah. This bold choice highlights the difficulty in comparing eras and formats placing a clear emphasis on historical Test dominance.
Cummins unveiled his ultimate eleven during a public appearance a side packed with legends from both countries yet heavily leaning toward Australian cricketing history. The exclusion of Kohli one of the most prolific run-scorers and dominant figures of the 21st century immediately became the talking point. The Australian captain seemed to favor players whose careers spanned longer periods of sustained Test supremacy.
#PatCummins crafts his all-time AUS vs IND XI, handpicking the finest stars from past!
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Why Modern Indian Stars Missed Out
The omission of Virat Kohli despite his extraordinary records in both Australia and India suggests Cummins prioritized the consistent long-form impact of his Australian middle-order selections Rohit Sharma, India’s current all-format captain and a modern master of the opening slot was also bypassed. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah arguably the worlds best multi-format bowler today speaks volumes about the historical lens applied by Cummins favoring the longevity and volume of classic Australian quicks.
Only Three Indians Make the Elite Cut
Despite the surprising snubs three undeniable Indian legends secured their places in this combined dream team each celebrated for their monumental influence on the game.
1. Sachin Tendulkar Tendulkar’s place was non negotiable. The little master was an automatic choice with his unprecedented numbers and the way he could outplay bowlers for well over two decades with the bat while steadfastly anchoring the middle order.
3. Anil Kumble The legendary leg-spinner was picked for his relentless accuracy mountain of wickets and unmatched tenacity in grinding down opposition lineups particularly in Test match cricket.
The Australian Core of the XI
The remainder of the side formed a powerhouse of Australian cricketing royalty. The opening partnership featured the iconic pair of Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer. The middle order included the unmatched Sir Donald Bradman and the highly successful captain Ricky Ponting.
The pace attack was predictably terrifying anchored by the all-time great fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee with Shane Warne slotting in as the specialist leg-spinner. The team was designated to be led by Steve Waugh known for his tactical brilliance and relentless winning mentality.
Cummins selection process reveals a strong bias toward the Test era players who dominated for decades. It serves as a great reminder that combining such rich histories always involves tough decisions leaving out even generational talents like Kohli and Bumrah in favor of foundational greats.
Pat Cummins All-Time India-Australia Combined XI
1. Matthew Hayden, Australia
2. Justin Langer, Australia
3. Sir Donald Bradman, Australia
4. Ricky Ponting, Australia
5. Sachin Tendulkar, India
6. Steve Waugh, Captain, Australia
7. Adam Gilchrist, Wicketkeeper, Australia
8. Kapil Dev, India All-rounder
9. Shane Warne, Australia
10. Anil Kumble, India
11. Glenn McGrath or Dennis Lillee, Australia