Matthew Hayden reveals his greatest ever ODI World Cup XI; There is no place for Virat Kohli

Australian opener Matthew Hayden he just revealed the biggest one of all ODI World Cup XI for all time. Hayden, famous for his contribution to Australia’s World Cup success, has selected a team that includes some of the greatest figures in cricket history.

Hayden’s appointment shows his choice of players who not only performed well individually but also played a major role in their teams’ World Cup victories in previous years. His alltime XI boasts of a combination of explosive batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and an impressive bowling attack, featuring legends from different eras of the game. As fans dissect and debate his decisions, Hayden’s XI stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these cricketing greats and their indelible mark on World Cup history.

Matthew Hayden’s greatest ever ODI World Cup XI

Fireworks that open a pair

Adam Gilchrist (wk): The Australian wicketkeeper-batter became famous for his explosive launches and acrobatic wicket-keeping. Gilchrist’s powerful batting at the top of the order was an integral part of Australia’s dominance in the early 2000s. He was part of Australia’s ODI World Cup winning teams in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Virender Sehwag: The Indian batsman’s fearless approach and ability to take on the bowlers first ball made him an ideal partner for Gilchrist. Sehwag’s rapid scoring has given India strong foundations in many matches. Sehwag was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup.

Rock solid middle order

Ricky Ponting: One of the most successful captains in the history of cricket, Ponting’s leadership and consistency with the bat have been invaluable. His ability to play in important matches has cemented his place in the XI. Leading Australia to two World Cups in 2003 and 2007, Ponting was duly appointed captain.

Sachin Tendulkar: The ‘Master Blaster’ is the highest run-scorer in ODI history. Tendulkar’s incredible performances in every World Cup made him a natural choice in any XI of all time. He narrowly missed out on winning the title in 2003 but had his moment in 2011 when India won the World Cup after 28 years.

Brian Lara: The West Indian legend’s brilliance and ability to dominate bowlers from around the world earns him a place in the middle. Lara’s skill and creativity contributed to many of his match-winning innings.

Dynamic all-rounder

Jacques Kallis: The South African all-rounder was regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Kallis’ ability with both bat and ball provides balance to Hayden’s XI, making him a key player in this lineup. Although, Kallis has never won any World Cup but his contribution in ODIs is second.

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Top class bowling attack

Wasim Akram: Pakistan’s ‘Saltan of Swing’ was known for his ability to swing the ball from both sides. Akram’s lethal bowling has been a batsman’s nightmare in the World Cup. Being part of the 1992 World Cup winning team, Akram has achieved legendary status and is a natural choice in any all-time XI irrespective of formats.

Waqar Younis: Akram’s partner in crime, Waqar was widely known for his devastating bowling. He formed a formidable bowling partnership with Akram and his pace and ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers made him a vital member of the bowling attack.

Shane Warne: The Australian leg-spin maestro is widely regarded as one of the best spinners in the history of cricket. Warne’s ability to turn the sharp ball and his ability to take important wickets is even in any XI’s best team.

Muttiah Muralitharan: The highest wicket-taker in ODI history, Muralitharan’s spin wizardry bamboozled batters around the world. The inclusion of the Sri Lankan off-spinner in Hayden’s XI adds depth and variety to the spin department.

Glenn McGrath: McGrath’s accuracy and consistency have made him one of the most successful fast bowlers in World Cup history. The Australian pacer’s ability to bring pressure is well documented. McGrath, too, was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Notable absence: Virat Kohli

Absence of Virat Kohli, one of the modern legends, has raised eyebrows among cricket fans. Kohli’s impressive World Cup record and his durability in world cricket have made him a strong contender for many. However, the selection of Hayden shows his preference for players who have had a major impact in the history of the World Cup.

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