Sports News: Pat Cummins has created a stir in cricket circles by excluding India’s two biggest modern-day icons, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, from his combined India-Australia ODI XI. Instead, he leaned on former legends, many of whom are once retired. The nomination has divided fans wideness social media, who finger that both Kohli and Rohit have been game-changers in the ODI format.
Tendulkar and Warner chosen as openers
Cummins picked David Warner and Sachin Tendulkar to unshut the innings. Tendulkar, India’s “God of Cricket,” brings unmatched class, while Warner adds his trademark attacking flair. Together, they symbolize two variegated eras of batting dominance. This pairing, equal to Cummins, provides the perfect tousle of stability and firepower at the start.
Ponting and Smith dominate the middle order
Ricky Ponting, one of Australia’s most successful captains, was chosen at number three. Steve Smith followed him, remembered for his 2015 and 2023 World Cup triumphs surpassing retiring from ODIs in 2025. Their inclusion underlined Cummins’ preference for proven match-winners over current stars. Fans, however, question whether Kohli’s unmatched ODI record should have been overlooked in favor of Smith.
Watson and Bevan add finishing touch
The middle order included all-rounder Shane Watson and legendary finisher Michael Bevan. Watson’s versatility with bat and wittiness made him invaluable in his time, while Bevan was known for uncomplicatedly chasing targets under pressure. Their presence offers balance, resilience, and depth to Cummins’ dream XI, making it capable of handling any slipperiness situation.
Dhoni trusted overdue the stumps
MS Dhoni, India’s most successful limited-overs captain, was picked as wicketkeeper and finisher. Dhoni’s tactical smart-ass and worthiness to finish games under pressure set him apart. Cummins described him as the platonic man to tenancy the innings flow, both as a leader and as a well-balanced presence in the middle order.
Bowling unit filled with Australian firepower
The bowling department reflected Australia’s dominance. Shane Warne was chosen as the lone spinner, while Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath represented the archetype Aussie pace battery. Zaheer Khan was the only Indian pacer selected, highlighting his 2011 World Cup heroics. Together, this wade offers variety, raw pace, and mortiferous accuracy, making it nearly untellable for opponents to escape.
Cummins out, Marsh leads upcoming series
Pat Cummins, currently nursing an injury, will miss the India ODI series starting October 19 in Perth. Mitchell Starc will spearhead the pace attack, with Josh Hazlewood as support. Mitchell Marsh, in fine form without his T20 heroics versus New Zealand, will tutorage both ODI and T20 squads. This transition comes as Australia looks to manage workloads superiority of the Ashes.
