India great Virender Sehwag has revealed the first five players he would pick if given the unenviable task of building a dream ODI XI.
Sehwag is well-renowned as one of the best ODI batters in recent times, with the dynamic right-hander having scored 15 centuries for India in 50-over cricket with his unique attacking style at the top of the batting order.
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The former India opener also played a major role in helping his side claim the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup title at home in 2011 and still keeps a close eye on his former side with this year’s tournament just weeks away.
Sehwag had no hesitation in selecting two of his former teammates when asked to choose his first five players in a dream ODI XI, while the 44-year-old also included a third player from his home country in his choices.
Sehwag’s first five players picked in his dream ODI XI
1. Rohit Sharma (India)
With five centuries and a whopping 648 runs at the most recent edition of the World Cup, the selection of the current India captain was an easy choice for Sehwag to make.
2. Virat Kohli (India)
Kohli’s record in ODI cricket speaks for itself, with the legendary right-hander having compiled 46 centuries throughout a glittering career. The inclusion of former teammate Kohli was yet another easy selection for Sehwag.
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3. David Warner (Australia)
Warner bats in a similar style to how Sehwag used to and the Australian was an automatic choice for the former India opener to make.
4. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)
One from left field here, as Sehwag opted for New Zealand hard-hitter Glenn Phillips. While Phillips is yet to play at a 50-over World Cup and has only featured in 16 ODIs for his country, Sehwag obviously saw something he liked during last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia last year. Phillips hit a brilliant century against Sri Lanka at the SCG during that tournament and Sehwag is tipping the 26-year-old to shine in India.
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5. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Sehwag is an unbridled fan of the India speedster and used one of his five spots on the star quick that only recently returned from injury.
Sehwag (left) alongside Sri Lanka great Murali Muralitharan and the World Cup trophy // Getty Images
Sehwag is looking forward to seeing the quintet in action during the World Cup this year and believes each player is capable of proving a match-winner on their given day.
“They are all talented players and perform well in ODI cricket and they can win the games on their own shoulders,” Sehwag noted.
“Whenever they click, their team will win.”
