T20 World Cup: India vs Pakistan Strongest XI – The two powerhouses of cricket and arch-rivals have offered some memorable clashes thanks to some fantastic cricketers playing the sport over the decade. While the likes of Wasim Akram, Sachin Tendulkar have troubled each other in longer formats, in T20s, we take a look at the Strongest Playing XIs from the two countries as they face off once again on October 24 in the T20 WC. For obvious reasons, MS Dhoni will be India’s skipper while the forever young Shahid Afridi with a bag full of records will lead Pakistan.
In T20Is, India and Pakistan have clashed 8 times with India winning six of them. Pakistan have won only once while the other one has ended up in a tie. But with a 10-match winning streak in UAE, Pakistan will expect to take revenge. The high-octane clash will have players who have faced Pakistan before. But for some, it will be the first time and a life-changing experience.
InsideSport presents the strongest XI that India vs Pakistan T20I clashes have seen since the first match in 2007.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
Gautam Gambhir: Gambhir has been an unsung hero of Indian cricket because of the knocks that he played in big games. His 75 in the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan and many other valuable contributions has helped him make it to this list.
Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma is arguably the most destructive white-ball opener India has produced in the modern era. The right-hander at the top of the order is capable of sending shivers down the spine of any bowling attack.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli has been one of the greatest batsmen across formats in the past decade. His half-century against Pakistan in the 2016 T20 World Cup just showed how good he is in big games.
Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj Singh had a huge impact in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2007. Be it his six sixes against Stuart Broad in an over or his heroics against Australia, the all-rounder was definitely at the peak of his prowess.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
MS Dhoni (c): MS Dhoni is arguably the most successful white-ball captain ever. His incredible ability to remain calm under pressure helped India win multiple ICC titles under his leadership.
Suresh Raina: Raina may not have dictated the matches against Pakistan like he has against other countries. In six matches, he has scored 47 runs. But his experience will be valuable.
Ravindra Jadeja: Ravindra Jadeja has grown into a superb T20 all-rounder. His ability to finish games with the bat as seen in IPL 2021, coupled with his bowling and gun fielding makes him an absolute no-brainer in this list.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
Hardik Pandya: Hardik Pandya has been the seaming all-rounder that India has craved for a long time. His ability to hit lusty blows towards the end of the innings and to bowl a few overs makes him a perfect candidate at No.7
Irfan Pathan: Irfan Pathan was another all-rounder that played a vital role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup win. He was also the Man of the Match in the final.
Jasprit Bumrah: Jasprit Bumrah will be India’s trump card in the bowling attack in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He has proved his worth time and time again and is an asset to any team he plays for.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Amongst spinners, the second choice is R Ashwin, who has made a comeback to India’s squad after a long four-year gap.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
Babar Azam: Babar Azam is arguably Pakistan’s best batsman of the current era. He has the ability to score quick runs as well as play the anchor’s role when required.
Kamran Akmal: Kamran Akmal has been a veteran of Pakistan cricket. He was versatile enough to bat at the top of the order and play a brand of attacking cricket.
Mohammad Hafeez: Mohammad Hafeez has been around Pakistan cricket for a while and is still going strong. His all-round ability will be crucial for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup
Younis Khan: Younis Khan was a strong pillar for Pakistan in the middle order. He has played a number of crucial innings against India and that has helped him make it to this list.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
Shoaib Malik: Shoaib Malik is another veteran of Pakistan cricket who has been around for a while. With even him being in the current squad, Pakistan will believe they have a great depth of experience.
Misbah-ul-Haq: Misbah-ul-Haq has been a successful Pakistan skipper and also was a dangerous batsman in his prime. His innings against India in the 2007 T20 World Cup final almost won Pakistan the game.
Shahid Afridi (c): Shahid Afridi was a dangerous all-rounder and was always at the centre of attention whenever he batted. With the ball, he had this uncanny wicket-taking ability.
Abdul Razzaq: Abdul Razzaq was another all-rounder that was a part of the best years of Pakistan cricket. He too had the ability to pick wickets with his medium pace and also used the long handle.
Saeed Ajmal: Saeed Ajmal was known for his deceptive doosra and had a successful career for Pakistan. He makes this list as a second spinner.
T20 World Cup: MS Dhoni, Shahid Afridi skippers, here are India vs Pakistan strongest XIs
Umar Gul: Umar Gul was a fine bowler in his prime for Pakistan and used to bring his A-game against India.
Mohammed Amir: Mohammed Amir is not in Pakistan’s 2021 T20 World Cup squad. But his spell against India in the 2016 Asia Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy final showed how good he is as a bowler.
