MS Dhoni Snubbed! Afghanistan Captain Picks Pakistan Keeper In Best ODI XI, Names 3 Indians

Jatin∙ Updated: Sep 28 2024, 6:15 PM | 3 Min Read

Hashmatullah Shahidi & MS Dhoni [Source: @hashmatshahidi50/instagram.com, @icc/x.com]

In a move that has set the cricketing world abuzz, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has made a bold and unexpected decision. During a candid conversation on Shubhankar Mishra’s popular YouTube podcast, Shahidi revealed his all-time ODI World XI — and in a stunning twist, left out India’s legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni.

Instead, Shahidi opted for Pakistan’s Rashid Latif as the wicketkeeper of his all-time ODI World XI. The surprising omission of Dhoni, widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers and wicketkeepers in the history of the game, has sparked intense debate among fans and experts alike.

MS Dhoni Left Out: A Choice That Left the Host and Fans in Disbelief

When Shahidi unveiled his XI, the cricketing fraternity could scarcely believe their ears. Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket has been massive, particularly in ODI cricket, where his leadership saw India lift the ICC World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013.

His wicketkeeping skills, calm under pressure, and exceptional finishing ability made him an automatic choice in many all-time XIs. Yet, Shahidi’s decision was a curveball that nobody saw coming.

Latif, though a skilled wicketkeeper with quick reflexes, pales in comparison to MS Dhoni when it comes to batting. Latif played 166 ODIs for Pakistan, scoring just 1709 runs with only three fifties to his name. While Latif’s sharp glovework earned him respect, his achievements as a batter are far from Dhoni’s legacy.

---

ALSO READ

No MS Dhoni In CSK? IPL 2025 Participation In Doubt- Reports

---

MS Dhoni: The Man Who Let His Bat Do the Talking

It’s often said that numbers don’t lie, and Dhoni’s ODI stats speak volumes. The former Indian skipper represented India in a staggering 350 ODIs, accumulating 10,773 runs, with a highest score of 183*. He notched up 10 centuries and an astounding 72 fifties, proving time and again that he was a force to be reckoned with, both as a batter and a leader.

While Latif’s contributions to Pakistan were valuable, his impact on the game does not hold a candle to Dhoni’s glittering career. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s choice, therefore, has raised more than a few eyebrows.

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s All-Time ODI XI

Aside from the Rashid Latif choice, Shahidi’s XI boasts a host of legendary names. His team includes Saeed Anwar and Rohit Sharma as openers, followed by Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara to shore up the middle order. 

Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mahela Jayawardene provide further solidity, while all-rounder Andrew Flintoff adds balance to the side. Rashid Khan, Waqar Younis, and Jasprit Bumrah form a formidable bowling trio.

---

ALSO READ

'Will Never Come Back Here..'- Afghanistan Slam BCCI's Hospitality After Poor Facilities In Noida

---