Cheteshwar Pujara has selected his all-time India teammates XI from players he shared a dressing room with, leaving out notable names including MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane.
Cheteshwar Pujara has named his greatest India teammates XI from his international career, assembling a star-studded side that includes Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Rishabh Pant and a strong bowling attack.
Key Highlights
- Cheteshwar Pujara selected his all-time XI from Indian players he played alongside.
- Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag were chosen as the opening pair, with Pujara at number three.
- MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane were not included in the selected XI.
- Rishabh Pant was chosen as wicketkeeper, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin formed part of the bowling unit.
- Ishant Sharma was named as the twelfth man, with Pujara also mentioning Hardik Pandya as a possible option depending on team requirements.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s all-time teammates XI
Pujara revealed his selection while speaking in a video for Cricinfo. He opted for a powerful opening combination, naming Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag to start the innings before placing himself at number three.
Sachin Tendulkar was selected at number four, followed by Virat Kohli at five. VVS Laxman occupied the sixth position, while Rishabh Pant was picked at seven as the team’s wicketkeeper.
The lower order featured a combination of spin, pace and all-round ability. Ravindra Jadeja was placed at number eight, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin at nine. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami completed the main bowling attack.
Pujara’s selected XI was: Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane miss out
One of the most noticeable aspects of Pujara’s selection was the absence of MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane. Both were among the prominent Indian teammates Pujara played alongside during his career, but neither made the final XI.
Rohit Sharma was also left out. With Dravid and Sehwag occupying the opening positions and Tendulkar, Kohli and Laxman taking up the central batting slots, the available places in the batting order were limited.
Pujara’s choices illustrate the depth of Indian batting talent among the players he shared a dressing room with. His selection included several prominent names from different periods of his career while prioritising the combination he preferred for his own playing XI.
Ishant Sharma named as twelfth man
Pujara added Ishant Sharma as the twelfth man and said his final combination could depend on the playing conditions. He indicated that Ishant could allow the team to use three specialist seamers.
He also said he had not included a fast-bowling all-rounder in the main XI but could consider Hardik Pandya if the situation required it.
Pujara rates Mohammed Siraj among India’s top 10 Test fast bowlers
In another Cricinfo video, Pujara was asked whether Mohammed Siraj belongs among India’s top 20 Test fast bowlers. He answered in the affirmative and went further when asked if Siraj should be considered among the top 10.
Pujara said Siraj deserved a place in the top 10, pointing to his performances overseas and in India as well as the effort he puts into the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Cheteshwar Pujara select as his opening pair?
Pujara selected Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag to open the innings in his all-time teammates XI.
Did MS Dhoni make Pujara’s all-time XI?
No. MS Dhoni was not included in Pujara’s selected XI.
Who was Pujara’s wicketkeeper?
Rishabh Pant was selected as the wicketkeeper at number seven.
Who was Pujara’s twelfth man?
Ishant Sharma was named as the twelfth man. Pujara also mentioned that Hardik Pandya could be considered depending on the team’s needs.
Pujara’s all-time teammates XI ultimately brought together an experienced batting order and a varied bowling attack, while leaving several prominent former India teammates outside the final selection.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
