Babar Azam’s ODI World XI Snubs Indian Stars: A Controversial Selection

A Bold Choice from the Peshawar Zalmi Captain

As the cricketing world finds itself gripped by the high-octane action of the IPL 2026 and PSL 2026, former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has managed to steal the spotlight with a selection choice that has left the global cricketing fraternity stunned. With his focus currently set on the upcoming PSL final where he leads the Peshawar Zalmi, Babar took a brief moment to sit down with Zalmi TV and curate his ultimate ODI World XI. The catch? Not a single Indian player made the cut.

The Selection Controversy

Despite India’s recent surge in the international circuit—including a strong run to the 2023 World Cup final and a clinical triumph in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy—Babar Azam’s list is notably devoid of the superstars who have been instrumental in these achievements. Fans were quick to notice the absence of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and the formidable Jasprit Bumrah.

When asked to construct a team with a maximum of two players per nation, Babar opted for a balanced lineup that favors explosive batting and tactical versatility. His chosen XI is as follows:

• Top Order: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Aiden Markram
• Middle Order/Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan
• All-rounders/Spinners: Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook, Mitchell Santner, Rashid Khan
• Pacers: Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi, Kagiso Rabada
• 12th Man: Babar Azam

By including players like Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi, and Kagiso Rabada as his pace battery, Babar clearly prioritized high-velocity bowling units. However, the omission of Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the most impactful ODI bowler of the modern era, has fueled speculation regarding the criteria used for this selection.

The Historical Context of the Rivalry

The exclusion of Indian cricketers is particularly striking given the historical dominance India has exercised over Pakistan in recent years. Since the turn of the millennium, Pakistan has struggled to break the Indian stranglehold, with their last ODI victory against their neighbors dating back to the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Since then, it has been a difficult road for the Men in Green, facing repeated setbacks in global tournaments.

Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have consistently been the architects of these victories, often performing when it matters most on the world stage. To leave them out of a ‘World XI’ is a decision that invites intense scrutiny, considering their consistent output and match-winning pedigree.

Focus on the PSL and Future Glory

While his World XI choices might be controversial, there is no denying Babar Azam’s current form. Leading the Peshawar Zalmi into the PSL 2026 final, he has silenced many critics who previously questioned his strike rate. With nearly 600 runs in the tournament at a blistering strike rate of 150, Babar is playing some of the most aggressive cricket of his career.

Under his captaincy, the Zalmi have dominated the league stage, securing 9 wins out of 11 matches. As they prepare to face the Hyderabad Kingsmen led by Marnus Labuschagne, the team is looking to secure its first title since 2017. As the T20 season draws to a close, the shift in focus towards the 2027 ODI World Cup will be the next major chapter for Babar and the Pakistan national side.

Whether this XI represents a genuine tactical preference or a point of contention remains a topic for debate among fans. One thing is for certain: Babar Azam continues to be one of the most talked-about figures in the game, both for his performance on the pitch and his opinions off it.