What If Virat Kohli & Babar Azam Played For Same Team? Combined Indo-Pak XI
Virat Kohli with Babar Azam [Twitter]
Regarded as the mother of all battles, the India versus Pakistan encounter has always been a subject of excitement and fascination for cricket fanatics across the world. The arch-rivals, studded with superstars and legendary players, have thoroughly entertained the spectators with riveting contests over the years.
However, there was a time when India and Pakistan were united as one nation. But the beautiful country was partitioned by the British, with Pakistan getting independent on August 14, 1947. A day after, India was free from British rule, and since then, both nations have been fierce competitors of each other on the cricket field.
But what if India remained undivided? In that case, the legends from both countries would've represented a single team. So, as India celebrates its 77th independence day, let's analyse and find out what an Indo-Pak all-time ODI XI looks like.
Sachin Tendulkar
Tendulkar always brought his A-game vs PAK in World Cups [Twitter]
Inarguably the greatest-ever batter of all time, Sachin Tendulkar graced the Indian dressing room for 24 long years. Regarded as the Master Blaster, the stylish batter from Mumbai is the highest scorer in international cricket, having 34357 runs, including hundred tons. Therefore, he is an automatic choice for one of the opening slots in this XI.
Saeed Anwar
One of the most flamboyant batters of all time, Saeed Anwar had a fantastic ODI career, garnering 8824 runs, studded with twenty hundreds, at an impressive average of 39.22. The stylish southpaw was also one of Pakistan's key performers in the ICC World Cup, as he exhibited incredible prowess to smack 915 runs, the second-most by a Pakistani, in the showpiece event.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been a stalwart for IND [Twitter]
Virat Kohli, the greatest ODI batter of the current generation, has been an absolute legend for India in white-ball cricket. Fondly called 'The King', Kohli has the second-most runs in international cricket with 76 centuries to his name and will be seen in action during the upcoming Asia Cup.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam with his teammates [Twitter]
Hailed for his remarkable consistency, Babar Azam is definitely the finest Pakistani batter of this generation. The Lahore-born has nailed the anchor's role in Pakistan's ODI team, aggregating 5089 runs at a stupendous average of 59.17. Considering his incredible performance in the format, the 28-year-old will play a pivotal role for Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh served India with distinction as an x-factor with both bat and ball, particularly in the ODI format. Besides hammering 8701 runs, the swashbuckling southpaw emerged as India's man with a golden arm with the ball owing to his ability to scalp crucial breakthroughs. An all-rounder in the truest sense, Yuvraj will be slotted at five in this team.
MS Dhoni (C/WK)
MS Dhoni led IND to three ICC titles [Twitter]
One of the greatest tacticians in cricket history, MS Dhoni, led India to three ICC titles between 2007 and 2013. Hailed for his incredible finishing skills, Dhoni is undoubtedly the finest keeper-batter from both countries combined and occupies the number six slot in this team.
Kapil Dev
India's first-ever World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, is one of the greatest-ever all-rounders to grace the game. Besides scalping 253 wickets, the 'Haryana Hurricane' has 3783 runs to his tally in ODI cricket at a blistering strike rate of 95.07. Considering his skillset with both bat and ball, Kapil Dev slots in at number 7 in this lineup.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram formed a lethal bowling pair alongside Waqar Younis [Twitter]
Inarguably the finest seamer of all time, Wasim Akram could make the ball talk even in batting-friendly conditions. Lauded for his ability to move the ball both ways at a rapid pace, the left-arm bowler would've led the attack had a combined Indo-Pak XI existed.
Anil Kumble
Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble holds the record for the most ODI wickets for his nation, with 337 scalps to his name. Hailed for his 'never say die' attitude, Kumble spearheads the spin attack of this combined playing XI.
Saqlain Mushtaq
Although Muttiah Muralitharan used the 'doosra' for a long time, Saqlain Mushtaq was the first-ever exponent of the magical delivery. Mushtaq, an off-spinner who could rattle the opposition with his guile, finished his ODI career with 288 wickets, including 17 four-wicket hauls, at a magnificent average of 21.79.
Waqar Younis
Known for his ability to shatter timbers with accurate yorkers at will, Waqar Younis formed a deadly bowling pair with Wasim Akram, helping Pakistan emerge as a dominant force in ODIs in the 90s. With 416 dismissals, including 13 fifers, Younis makes it into this XI for his express pace and extraordinary skillset.
Combined Indo-Pak ODI XI of all time
Sachin Tendulkar
Saeed Anwar
Virat Kohli
Babar Azam
Yuvraj Singh
MS Dhoni (C/WK)
Kapil Dev
Wasim Akram
Anil Kumble
Saqlain Mushtaq
Waqar Younis
 "Debashis Sarangi")
