AB de Villiers Reveals His World XI, and the Snubs are Shocking

Whenever a cricketing great decides to name their all-time World XI, you just know it’s going to stir the pot. This time, it’s none other than the legendary AB de Villiers, who’s currently in England lighting up the World Championship of Legends. In between smashing bowlers for fun—like his recent unbeaten 63 from 30 balls—he dropped his list, and let’s just say it has gotten everyone talking, and not just for the players he included, but for the icons he left out.

Key Highlights

• ✓ AB de Villiers named just two Indian players, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, in his star-studded lineup.
• ✓ Shocking omissions include legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Jacques Kallis.
• ✓ The team is heavily dominated by Australians, with five players in the starting XI and a sixth as the 12th man.
• ✓ A controversial but skillful choice was Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif, who was previously banned for spot-fixing.
• ✓ The list was revealed while ABD is captaining the South Africa Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025.

Breaking Down ABD's Dream Team

So, who actually made the cut? De Villiers' team is a fascinating mix of grit, genius, and pure power. He’s opted for a lineup that feels both classic and contemporary, reflecting his own dynamic style of cricket. The team is absolutely stacked with talent, especially from Down Under, with a staggering five Australians making the starting eleven.

Kicking things off at the top of the order are his former South African captain Graeme Smith and the formidable Australian opener Matthew Hayden. That's a partnership built on a foundation of solid defense and explosive power. Following them at the crucial number three spot is another Aussie legend, the unflappable Ricky Ponting. It's a top order that could give any bowling attack nightmares.

The middle order is where things get really interesting. At number four, he’s picked his close friend and former RCB teammate, Virat Kohli. Following him are two modern-day masters, Australia's Steve Smith at five and New Zealand's Kane Williamson at six. Rounding out the batting is the ultimate finisher and former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, who takes the gloves as the team's wicketkeeper. ABD did mention it wasn't an easy choice, briefly considering Adam Gilchrist and Mark Boucher, but ultimately went with Captain Cool.

💡 ABD's XI in His Own Words: “Graeme Smith, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting (at) 3, Virat Kohli (at) 4. Let’s go with the more current player like a Steve Smith No. 5, Kane Williamson No. 6, (MS) Dhoni No. 7... I will start with Mitchell Johnson with a bit of pace. Mohammad Asif (at) 9, Muttiah Muralitharan 10, Shane Warne No. 11. Glenn McGrath 12th man.”

The Controversies and Shocking Snubs

Now for the part that has set social media ablaze. For every legend included, another was left out, and some of the omissions are genuinely stunning. The biggest name missing, without a doubt, is Sachin Tendulkar. Fans were quick to point out that the man with the most runs in both Test and ODI history is usually an automatic first name on any all-time XI sheet. His absence has left many scratching their heads.

But the snubs didn't stop there. The world's current No. 1 ranked Test bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, also didn't get a look in. Neither did other Indian powerhouses like Rohit Sharma or "The Wall," Rahul Dravid. It's a bold move to overlook such a wealth of Indian talent, especially considering the impact these players have had on the modern game.

Perhaps one of the most surprising omissions was that of his own countryman, Jacques Kallis. Widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen, Kallis's exclusion is a massive talking point. Furthermore, there are no players from England or the West Indies, meaning legends like Brian Lara also missed out on a spot in de Villiers' ultimate team.

A Closer Look at the Bowling Attack

The bowling department is just as fascinating and debate-worthy as the batting lineup. ABD went with a four-man specialist attack. He opted for the sheer pace and intimidation of Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, a bowler who could terrorize any batsman on his day. The other pacer is perhaps the most debated pick in the entire squad: Pakistan's Mohammad Asif.

Here's the thing about Asif—his skill with the ball was undeniable. He could make it talk like few others. However, his career was infamously cut short after he was banned for spot-fixing in 2010. By picking him, de Villiers is making a clear statement that he’s judging purely on cricketing talent, putting aside the controversy that followed Asif's career.

The spin department is, frankly, what dreams are made of. He selected the two greatest spinners of their generation, and arguably of all time: Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan and Australia's Shane Warne. The combination of Murali's off-spin wizardry and Warne's leg-spin magic is a terrifying prospect. To cap it all off, the ever-reliable Glenn McGrath was named as the 12th man, providing even more Australian firepower on the sidelines. What’s notable is the lack of a dedicated all-rounder, meaning the side would rely on part-time options from the likes of Kohli, Williamson, and Steve Smith to chip in with a few overs.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, AB de Villiers' World XI is a reflection of his own personal take on cricketing greatness. It’s a bold, attacking, and incredibly skillful side that has certainly achieved its goal of sparking passionate discussion among fans and experts worldwide. The inclusion of modern-day greats like Kohli and Williamson alongside legends like Ponting and Warne creates a fascinating blend of eras.

While the exclusions of giants like Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis are bound to be debated for a long time, it's a reminder that these "all-time" lists are deeply personal. They tell us as much about the person picking the team as they do about the players themselves. It's a team built on explosive talent and pure skill, and it’s a lineup that would be an absolute thrill to watch.