Best combined XI ahead of T20 World Cup 2021

The 2007 T20 World Cup could be described as the turning point in the history of the game. No one expected a shorter format to become an instant hit. Well, when Chris Gayle smashed a century against South Africa, everyone was left awestruck.

Shorter formats in the sport have always been questionable. When the ODI format arrived, there was the same speculation about its future. But, it survived, and so did T20. Thanks to the World Cup in 2007.

Currently, with multiple leagues being played around the world, the fans have witnessed a change in the T20 format too. Sometimes, the batsmen break the limits, by scoring an unimaginable amount of runs, and sometimes, the bowlers destroy well-known batting lineups. It is a format where David beats Goliath.

As the 2021 World Cup approaches, here is the best combined XI:

1. Rohit Sharma

We do all remember the final of the T20 World Cup in 2007. With MS Dhoni lifting the World Cup and people choosing Gambhir, Pathan, and Dhoni as their idols. Well, there was this youngster named Rohit Sharma, who was considered as the next big thing in Indian cricket. With a mediocre score on the board, he came down to the bull ring to face the likes of Gul, Tanvir, Asif, and Afridi. 

In the top order, only Gambhir was able to score decently. But, India needed someone to step up and score quickly. Luckily, for Team India, it was Rohit, he scored 30 from 16 balls. This enabled India to put up 157 runs. Well, it is never an above-par score, but it was enough for the bowlers to defend. 

Fast forward to 2021, Rohit is now the best opener in the world. He has that “extra second” to judge the ball. Adding on, he has won five IPL titles with MI. A strike rate of 138.96 is spectacular for an opener who has scored 4 centuries.