In a candid chat with Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy revealed his all-time favourite T20 XI — but with a twist. He was only allowed to pick players he has played with. Despite the limited criteria, the omission of Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli came as a big surprise.
Varun’s team features some of the most explosive names in modern T20 cricket, but only three Indians made the cut.
Opening the innings in Varun’s XI are England’s Jos Buttler and Australia’s Travis Head — two batters known for their ability to dominate bowling attacks and finish games on their day. At No. 3, Varun slotted in current India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, a batter famous for his 360-degree shot-making and aggressive approach.
Nicholas Pooran, the dynamic West Indian left-hander, was selected at No. 4, followed by South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen at No. 5, who also takes up the role of wicketkeeper.
For the all-rounder slots, Varun picked three players: Hardik Pandya from India, along with his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammates Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. Both Russell and Narine have consistently been match-winners for KKR and bring immense experience to the T20 format.
Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, was chosen as the sole specialist spinner — though he also provides handy runs in the lower order.
India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah was an expected pick and will lead the fast-bowling attack. Sri Lankan young gun Matheesha Pathirana, known for his slingy action and toe-crushing yorkers, completes the XI.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Favourite T20 XI: Jos Buttler, Travis Head, Suryakumar Yadav, Nicholas Pooran, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Hardik Pandya, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Matheesha Pathirana
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