Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has revealed his version of Team India’s all-time T20 XI, a lineup that blends proven legends with exciting young talent. Speaking on a video for Cricbuzz, Karthik was asked to pick India’s best-ever T20 XI, and his choices sparked attention due to a mix of surprise inclusions and expected selections.
Dinesh Karthik names his all-time T20 XI of Team India
Star openers
Karthik’s first pick as an opener came as a shock to many. Instead of going with a historically established T20 great, he chose the young Abhishek Sharma. According to Karthik, Abhishek’s fearless attitude and explosive batting make him an “intent monster,” someone who can change the course of a game within minutes. He highlighted Abhishek’s ability to not just bat aggressively but also contribute with the ball, calling him a future superstar of Indian cricket.
“I think he has a superb future. terrific player in this format. Abhishek Sharma. He gives you a little bit of the ball. But man, when he gets going, he is a million bucks to watch. Great player, great shots, but most importantly, intent monster and that I love about him,” said Karthik.
For Abhishek’s partner at the top, Karthik went with the seasoned Rohit Sharma. Describing Rohit as “as good as gold,” he praised his consistency and immense talent. Most importantly, Karthik pointed out Rohit’s impact on India’s T20 legacy, especially his role in leading India to two T20 World Cup titles. For Karthik, Rohit’s experience and big-match temperament make him an automatic pick.
“As good as gold. Doesn’t get better than that. He is consistent. He is obviously so talented. But most importantly, he’s won a World Cup twice for team India,” added Karthik.
Solid middle order
The middle order of Karthik’s dream XI features some of India’s biggest names. At number three, he slotted in Virat Kohli, whom he described as “King Kohli.” According to Karthik, Kohli is arguably the greatest T20 batter India has ever produced, thanks to his unmatched consistency, adaptability, and ability to deliver under pressure.
“The third number three, King. How can you not have King Kohli? Probably the greatest ever player across time in this format. So fitting him in at number three was too easy,” said Karthik about the former India skipper.
At number four, he went with the flamboyant Suryakumar Yadav. Karthik praised Surya’s unorthodox stroke-making, high strike rate, and ability to play match-defining innings. He called him “outstanding and brilliant,” acknowledging his current role as captain and his evolution into one of India’s most important T20 players.
“At number four, I have Mr. Surya Kumar Yadav the current captain at the kind of shots that he’s played the kind of innings that he’s played and the consistency he’s shown at the strike rate that he bats outstanding brilliant,” explained Karthik.
Yuvraj Singh was chosen at number five. Karthik expressed his admiration for Yuvraj, noting his effortless batting style and ability to win big tournaments. He specifically recalled Yuvraj’s historic six sixes in an over, labeling him as a player who could single-handedly change the momentum of World Cups.
“At number five one of my all-time favorites just easy on the eye first person to hit six sixes in this format for Team India. Yuvraj Singh one of the greatest ever I mean look when he gets going he wins you world cups forget bilaterals or just small little tournament world cups,” said the Chennai-born former cricketer.
At number seven, Karthik handed the wicketkeeping and captaincy duties to MS Dhoni. He hailed Dhoni as a master of finishing games and praised his calmness under pressure. For Karthik, Dhoni’s ability to win close encounters in his own unique way made him the ideal captain and a must-have in this XI.
“At number seven who is going to be the captain as well for me Mr. Mahindra Singh Dhoni purely because of what he brings to the table in terms of death hitting how he has absolutely made a mark for himself in winning close games and doing it his own way most importantly that has been remarkable to watch and for me at number seven the captain,” explained Karthik.
Dynamic all-rounders
For the all-rounders, Karthik selected Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel. At number six, he slotted in Pandya, whom he called India’s “most valuable asset.” He highlighted Pandya’s dual role with bat and ball, especially his performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup final where he played a decisive role.
“At number six definitely the most valuable asset of India even today Mr. Hardik Pandya. He gives you so much with the bat and enough and more with the ball like he did in that 2024 T20 World Cup final,” Karthik said about Pandya.
At number eight, Karthik picked Axar Patel, describing him as underrated but vital. He recalled Axar’s crucial knock in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, which often went unnoticed. For Karthik, Axar’s ability to contribute both with bat and ball consistently makes him a vital cog in India’s T20 machinery.
“At number eight he’s a very underrated player I believe he gives you a lot more than what meets the eye Mr. Axar Patel. Even in that 2024 World Cup final we speak about so many knocks Virat Kohli is brilliant 50 Hardik’s bowling, Bumrah bowling but the one knock that went quite unnoticed underrated as always Axar Patel gives you a lot with the bat and with the ball,” Karthik added.
Also READ: Nasser Hussain, Dinesh Karthik pick Team of the Tournament for The Hundred 2025
Brilliant bowling attack
Karthik’s bowling attack combined mystery spin with pace firepower. At number nine, he chose Varun Chakaravarthy, whom he described as one of India’s most talented mystery spinners. Despite limited appearances, Varun’s consistency impressed Karthik enough to secure him a spot in the all-time XI.
“At number nine one of the most talented mystery spinners India has ever had Varun Chakravarthy. He’s been very consistent in the limited time that he’s played for India across nations,” said Karthik.
At number ten, the automatic choice was Jasprit Bumrah. Karthik called Bumrah the greatest Indian bowler across all formats, emphasizing his match-winning ability. According to him, whenever Bumrah plays, India’s chances of victory multiply, making him an irreplaceable figure in T20 cricket.
“At number 10, the greatest bowler to ever exist across formats and probably when he finishes his career will be looked at as one of the greatest bowlers to have ever played this sport, Jasprit Bumrah. Don’t need to say too much about him. If he plays the chances of India winning that game multiplies and magnifies quite a lot and I feel he is definitely the greatest ever bowler in this format across time period,” Karthik explained.
Finally, at number eleven, Karthik picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Arshdeep Singh. He explained that while Arshdeep has been brilliant, his personal experience facing Bhuvneshwar convinced him of the latter’s quality. Karthik admired Bhuvneshwar’s versatility, noting his ability to pick wickets, bowl defensively, and always prioritize the team’s needs.
“At number 11 was a tough one. I thought Arshdeep Singh has been brilliant but I have gone for someone who I have played a lot with and I have found it hard to always try and get hold of him, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. A very talented across spaces. He’s able to pick wickets. If you want him to bowl defensively, he does that. He does what the team needs. An absolute team man,” Karthik added further.
Dinesh Karthik’s all-time India T20 XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
Also READ: Sandeep Sharma picks his all-time IPL XI with MS Dhoni as captain
