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Ajinkya Rahane<\/strong> has sparked a massive debate across the cricketing world by unveiling his all-time right-handed T20 XI. Speaking on a special segment for Cricbuzz<\/b> on February 11, 2026, the veteran Indian batter meticulously constructed a lineup of elite right-handers but made the \u2018stunning\u2019 decision to exclude Virat Kohli<\/b>.<\/p>\n This omission is particularly striking given Kohli\u2019s status as the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history and his legendary performances in the 2014, 2016 and 2022 editions. Rahane\u2019s selections seem to prioritize high-impact strike rates and specialized T20 roles over career aggregates. His lineup features a blend of modern-day power-hitters and iconic bowlers who dominated the IPL and international circuits. The list serves as a fascinating look into how one of India\u2019s most technically sound batters views the \u2018ideal\u2019 structure of a T20 side.<\/p>\n In his discussion with Cricbuzz<\/b>, Rahane opted for a terrifying opening combination of Rohit Sharma<\/b><\/a> and Jos Buttler<\/b>, choosing the two most recent T20 World Cup-winning captains to lead from the front. Rahane explained that Buttler\u2019s \u2018proven powerplay enforcement\u2019 and Rohit\u2019s unmatched ability to accelerate made them the perfect pair.<\/p>\n Interestingly, at number three, the spot traditionally occupied by Kohli, Rahane slotted in Suryakumar Yadav<\/b>, citing his ability to win matches \u201cbeyond stats\u201d and his status as the current T20I captain. The middle order is rounded out by the legendary AB de Villiers<\/b><\/a> at four and MS Dhoni<\/b>, whom Rahane named as the captain and wicketkeeper of his side. By choosing SKY and ABD over Kohli, Rahane appears to have prioritized 360-degree shot-making and raw strike rate, noting that de Villiers\u2019 career strike rate of over 150 makes him indispensable in any all-time XI.<\/p>\n Also READ: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma face Grade B demotion as Shubman Gill enters top bracket of BCCI central contracts for 2025\u201326<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n To provide the necessary balance, Rahane included the iconic West Indian duo of Andre Russell<\/b> and Dwayne Bravo<\/b> as his primary all-rounders. Russell\u2019s ability to change a game with both bat and ball, combined with Bravo\u2019s status as one of the greatest death-overs specialists in history, gives the team immense depth. The bowling department is a masterclass in variety, featuring the mystery of Rashid Khan<\/b> alongside the veteran off-spin of Harbhajan Singh<\/b>.<\/p>\n For the pace battery, Rahane reunited the legendary Mumbai Indians duo of Jasprit Bumrah<\/b> and Lasith Malinga<\/b>, who together boast nine IPL titles and two T20 World Cups. The final spot went to Yuzvendra Chahal<\/b>, the IPL\u2019s all-time leading wicket-taker, completing a four-man spin attack if you include Harbhajan and the part-time options. This selection underscores Rahane\u2019s belief in specialized T20 skills, even if it meant leaving out one of his closest former teammates.<\/p>\n Ajinkya Rahane\u2019s All-Time Right-Handed T20 XI<\/strong><\/p>\nAjinkya Rahane favours explosive openers and middle-order \u2018X-factors\u2019 over Virat Kohli<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Caribbean power and a lethal multi-nation bowling attack in Rahane\u2019s XI<\/h2>\n
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\n \nPosition<\/th>\n Player<\/th>\n Key Role<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Openers<\/td>\n Rohit Sharma & Jos Buttler<\/td>\n Aggressive Powerplay Starts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n No. 3<\/td>\n Suryakumar Yadav<\/td>\n 360-Degree Anchor\/Aggressor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n No. 4<\/td>\n AB de Villiers<\/td>\n Middle-Order Finisher<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n No. 5 (C & WK)<\/td>\n MS Dhoni<\/td>\n Finisher & Captain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n All-Rounders<\/td>\n Andre Russell & Dwayne Bravo<\/td>\n Death-Over Specialists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spinners<\/td>\n Rashid Khan, Harbhajan Singh & Yuzvendra Chahal<\/td>\n Middle-Over Wickets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Pacers<\/td>\n Jasprit Bumrah & Lasith Malinga<\/td>\n Elite Death Bowling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n