Shahid Afridi, a name synonymous with explosive cricket, recently unveiled his all-time cricket XI, a selection that has sparked a lot of buzz in the cricket community. While his team includes several cricket legends, the notable absence of Virat Kohli has surprised many, offering a glimpse into Afridi's unique perspective on cricketing greatness.
Shahid Afridi selected his all time XI, Virat Kohli not included
Saeed Anwar – Known for his brilliant opening style and record-breaking innings.
Adam Gilchrist – Revolutionary wicketkeeper-batsman whose aggressive approach changed the game.
Ricky Ponting – One of Australia's most successful captains, with an excellent batting record.
Sachin Tendulkar – The 'Master Blaster', whose name is synonymous with cricketing excellence.
Inzamam-ul-Haq – The calm and composed Pakistani batsman is known for his ability to handle an innings.
Rashid Latif – A dashing wicket-keeper and former teammate of Afridi, known for his agility behind the stumps.
Wasim Akram – The 'Sultan of Swing', whose bowling was poetry in motion.
Glenn McGrath – Metronomic Australian bowler, master of line and length.
Shoaib Akhtar – The 'Rawalpindi Express', was known for his blistering pace and fiery temperament. Shane Warne – The wizard of leg spin, whose impact on cricket was nothing short of magical.
Controversial omissions:
The biggest absence from this list is that of Virat Kohli, a modern-day cricket icon whose stats and impact on the game are undeniable. Kohli's exclusion has sparked a flood of reactions, with fans and analysts questioning Afridi's selection criteria. Kohli's record-breaking runs, his leadership and his impact on the sport's fitness standards make his exclusion a matter of controversy.
Afridi's argument:
While Afridi has not given a clear explanation of his reasons for excluding Kohli, there are several possibilities. Perhaps Afridi values the brilliance and unpredictability that characterised his career, which Kohli cannot fully reflect with his methodical approach. Alternatively, personal experiences or the era in which Afridi played may have influenced his selection, which focuses on players who made a significant mark during their time.
Debate on selection:
The creation of an all-time XI is inherently subjective, reflecting personal biases, experiences and the era in which one played. Afridi's selection, though controversial, underlines this subjectivity. It is not just about who scores the most runs or takes the most wickets, but about who has left an indelible mark on one's cricketing memory.
Kohli's legacy:
The exclusion of Virat Kohli from Afridi's list does not diminish his legacy. Kohli's impact on cricket, particularly in changing attitudes to fitness and mental conditioning, combined with his staggering statistics, ensures his place in cricket history. This omission may serve as a reminder of how individual perceptions can differ from consensus.
Shahid Afridi's all-time XI, which does not include Kohli, provides an interesting insight into how individual experiences and preferences shape our ideas about greatness in cricket. It's a reminder that while statistics and achievements are quantifiable, a player's impact and memory are very personal. Afridi's selection, even if controversial, invites fans and analysts to reflect on what exactly makes one player great in the eyes of another. This debate, fuelled by passion and differing viewpoints, only enriches the sport, proving that in cricket, as in life, there is always room for debate, discussion and differing opinions.