Naseeruddin Shah reveals his all-time India playing XI; also prefers Rahul Dravid over Sachin Tendulkar

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, in his illustrious career, has worked in several cricket-oriented movie projects. His portrayal of a retired coach who trained the blind protagonist in Iqbal is regarded as one of his finest works in Bollywood.

In Chamatkaar (1992), the legendary actor played the role of a ghost called Marco, who amused the audience with his sorcery during a cricket match. Naseeruddin even shared the screen with former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in Maalamaal in 1988.

Along with being an established actor, he is also a cricket fanatic, well-aware of the game’s history and recent happenings. The actor recently dished out his all-time Playing XI featuring many former players including Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. He chose none of the cricketers from the present era and revealed his all-time Playing XI in an interview to the Film Companion.

Naseeruddin Shah also revealed his favourite from current generation

He chose the opening pair of Vinoo Mankad and Farokh Engineer, followed by Sachin and Dravid at No.3 and No.4 slot respectively. He further picked Mansur Ali Khan, Polly Umrigar, G Vishwanath and Kapil Dev in his squad. And, to finish things off, he slotted Mohd Nissar/Amar Singh, Bishan Singh Bedi and Baloo Pawlankar as his preferred bowling options.

On being asked to pick between Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, Naseeruddin unhesitatingly picked the latter. “Dravid any day,” he responded. During the interview, 70-year-old Shah was also asked to name his favourite cricketer of the current generation. Naseeruddin picked one of the best modern-day spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ashwin, who’ll be seen in action in the upcoming edition of the IPL, has scalped 365 wickets at a remarkable average of 25.43 in Tests. While in ODIs, he has 150 wickets to his name. Ashwin will be representing Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020, slated to start from September 19th in the UAE. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has the experience of donning the India jersey in 71 Tests, 111 ODIs and 46 T20Is.

Naseeruddin Shah’s all-time Playing XI: Vinoo Mankad, Farrokh Engineer, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Mansur Ali Khan, Polly Umrigar, G Vishwanath, Kapil Dev, Mohd Nissar/Amar Singh, Bishan Singh Bedi, Baloo Pawlankar