Kohli and de Villiers excluded from Brendon McCullum's all-time XI

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum has finally named his best XI after his video was released by YouTube channel Lord’s Cricket Ground. The criteria for player selection states that McCullum can only choose players who have played with or against him in the past.

The opener slots have been filled by 36-year old Jamaican power hitter Chris Gayle and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. While Tendulkar certainly justifies his position in the side, Gayle’s recent performances, especially in T20 tournaments has seen him picked ahead of the likes of Aaron Finch and David Warner. McCullum has also persisted with former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting and former West Indies skipper Brian Lara.

The inclusion of Ponting and Lara, while well justified given their contributions to the game has seen the likes of modern day batsmen in the form of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli left out of the XI. Although some may find it surprising, McCullum is certainly entitled to who he thinks is best to fill these roles.

The next slot, as well as skipper of the team, is filled by none other than West Indies legend and master blaster Sir Vivian Richards. The latter, who played his final match in 1991 will also serve as the middle-order batsman, a role he excelled in during his playing days while the role of the all-rounder has quite rightfully been awarded to recently retired Jacques Kallis. Adam Gilchrist occupies the wicket-keeper’s slot, something that is certainly undisputed.

Also read – Eoin Morgan chooses his All Time XI

The bowling attack comprises of two Australians and two New Zealanders as Mitchell Johnson, Shane Warne, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee claim those positions. This also comes as somewhat of a surprise as Boult and Southee have seen little or no cricketing action in the past few months.

Brendon McCullum’s All Time XI: Chris Gayle, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, Vivian Richards (C), Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Warne, Tim Southee and Trent Boult.