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Kohli And Dhoni Ignored; Suresh Raina’s Bold World XI Ignites Heated Debate

Kaushik Kashyap

Suresh Raina picks his World XI. [Source - WCL/ICC/Instagram]Suresh Raina picks his World XI. [Source - WCL/ICC/Instagram]

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has unveiled his all-time World XI during the ongoing 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL), and his selections have sparked significant debate. The biggest surprise came with the omission of two modern-day icons and his former teammates, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.

Raina Names Star-Studded World XI During WCL 2025

Raina is currently representing India Legends in the World Championship of Legends being held in England, where retired players from six nations are battling it out in a nostalgic showdown.

While preparing for India Legends' opening match in the tournament, Raina, in a video with Shefali Bagga, named a star-studded World XI that turned heads for its bold selections.

The former Indian left-hander picked two of the most legendary names in cricket as his openers, selecting India's master blaster Sachin Tendulkar alongside the charismatic West Indies great and batting genius Brian Lara.

The middle order is a powerhouse featuring West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards at 3, legendary all-rounder Sir Garry Sobers at 4, and Raina’s fellow Indian star Yuvraj Singh at number 5.

In the all-rounder’s department, Raina has included English pace-bowling powerhouses Andrew Flintoff and Sir Ian Botham, both known for their ability to turn matches with both bat and ball.

In the bowling attack, Raina opted for spin-heavy options, naming Indian stalwarts Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, Australian legend Shane Warne, and Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq. South African unorthodox spinner Paul Adams was included as an impact substitute.

Fans Stunned as Raina Omits Dhoni and Kohli from All-Time XI

The absence of two of India’s most successful modern cricketers, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, raised many eyebrows, especially given Raina’s close bond with them from over a decade spent together in the Indian dressing room.

While his selections celebrate cricketing greats across generations, fans were quick to question the absence of two names that played an integral part in India’s cricketing dominance in recent history.