Babar Azam Picked Up World T20 XI, Kohli and Bumrah Left Out

Pakistani star batter Babar Azam unveiled his World T20 XI in an interview with Peshawar Zalmi, assembling a formidable lineup featuring players from India, Australia, England, Pakistan, South Africa, and Afghanistan. However, his selections raised eyebrows as he excluded Indian legends Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom are regarded among the greatest in T20 cricket.

Babar Azam’s World T20 XI

• India: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav
• Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman
• England: Jos Buttler, Mark Wood
• Australia: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc
• South Africa: David Miller, Marco Jansen
• Afghanistan: Rashid Khan

Indian Stars in Babar’s XI

Babar opted for Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav as India’s representatives:

• Rohit Sharma – 4,231 runs in 151 innings | 5 centuries, 32 half-centuries
• Suryakumar Yadav – 2,598 runs in 83 innings | 4 centuries, explosive 167 strike rate

Virat Kohli & Jasprit Bumrah: The Surprising Omissions

Despite their stellar records, Kohli and Bumrah did not make the cut:

• Virat Kohli – 4,188 runs in 117 innings, known for match-winning knocks in high-pressure games.
  • Memorable performances include 82 vs Pakistan (2022), 55 vs Pakistan (2016)*.
• Jasprit Bumrah – 89 wickets in 70 matches, revered for his precision, pace, and death-over expertise.

Bowling Attack & All-Rounders in the XI

• Fast Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Mark Wood
• All-Rounders: Marco Jansen (166 runs, 16 wickets), Rashid Khan (161 wickets, 467 runs)

Babar Azam’s World XI

Rohit Sharma | Mohammad Rizwan | Fakhar Zaman | Jos Buttler | Suryakumar Yadav | David Miller | Marco Jansen | Rashid Khan | Pat Cummins | Mitchell Starc | Mark Wood