In a move that has sparked widespread debate in the cricketing fraternity, Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has unveiled his Dream T20 XI, making several bold omissions—including that of veteran Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The announcement came during a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin – Chakaravarthy’s Dindigul Dragons captain in the TNPL – on Ashwin’s YouTube channel.

Varun Chakaravarthy names his Dream T20 XI

Chakaravarthy’s selection has raised eyebrows for its exclusion of some of the most iconic figures in T20 cricket. Notably, there was no place for Rohit Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, nor for Virat Kohli, the format’s leading run-scorer. MS Dhoni, the legendary captain and five-time IPL champion, was also left out.

The spinner’s choices reflect a preference for current form and impact over legacy, with only three Indians making the cut: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Each has been a key contributor to India’s recent T20 successes, but the absence of stalwarts like Rohit and Kohli underscores Chakaravarthy’s willingness to break from tradition.

His opening pair of Jos Buttler and Travis Head is among the most explosive in world cricket, both known for their aggressive starts and high strike rates. Suryakumar Yadav, currently India’s T20I captain, anchors the top order, followed by the power-hitting duo of Pooran and Klaasen, both of whom have excelled as wicketkeeper-batters in franchise leagues worldwide.

Chakaravarthy’s all-rounder picks—Hardik Pandya, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine—reflect his affinity for multi-dimensional players capable of changing the game with both bat and ball. The bowling attack is equally formidable, featuring the world’s premier T20 spinner Rashid Khan, India’s pace spearhead Bumrah, and Sri Lanka’s rising fast-bowling star Matheesha Pathirana.

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Chakaravarthy shifts his focus towards Impact Players

Explaining his choices, Chakaravarthy emphasized the importance of match-winners and current form. His Dream XI is packed with players renowned for their ability to seize key moments in high-pressure games, particularly in the IPL and other franchise tournaments. The selection of his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammates Russell and Narine further highlights the influence of recent franchise performances on his thinking.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s Dream T20 XI: Jos Buttler (England), Travis Head (Australia), Suryakumar Yadav (India), Nicholas Pooran (West Indies), Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa), Hardik Pandya (India), Andre Russell (West Indies), Sunil Narine (West Indies), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Jasprit Bumrah (India), Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

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