Ajinkya Rahane reveals all-time underrated ODI playing XI with only two Indian batters

Ajinkya Rahane reveals all-time underrated ODI playing XI with only two Indian batters

Ajinkya Rahane Names His Underrated ODI XI, Featuring Raina, de Silva and Bond

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has put together an all-time One Day International XI built around players he believes deserved more recognition during their careers. Rather than filling his team with the sport’s most obvious household names, Rahane focused on cricketers whose skill, versatility and match-winning contributions may not always receive the attention they merit.

In a video shared by Cricbuzz, Rahane selected players from several cricketing nations, creating a side with a blend of aggressive batters, dependable all-rounders and varied bowling options. India are represented by just two players: Suresh Raina and Robin Singh. The choices also reflect Rahane’s interest in balance, with left- and right-handed batters, two specialist spinners and a pair of contrasting fast bowlers.

Graeme Smith and Nathan Astle Open the Batting

Rahane began his XI with South Africa’s Graeme Smith and New Zealand’s Nathan Astle. Smith, a left-handed opener, was known for his resilience and ability to anchor an innings, while Astle brought a more attacking approach to the top of the order.

The pairing gives the side a useful left-right combination from the outset. Smith could provide stability if early wickets fell, while Astle’s power and intent offered the potential to put pressure on the opposition’s opening bowlers. In a limited-overs team, that contrast can be valuable: one opener can build an innings while the other looks to score quickly.

Both players had substantial ODI careers, but Rahane’s selections highlight qualities that can be overlooked when discussions focus mainly on the most celebrated stars of their eras. His prediction for the opening partnership appears to be a practical one, combining consistency with attacking threat.

Raina and de Silva Add Class in the Middle Order

At No. 3, Rahane chose Suresh Raina, praising the left-hander’s ability to adapt to different conditions. Raina was a versatile batter who could increase the scoring rate, rotate the strike and contribute in high-pressure situations. His presence also continues the left-right pattern established by the opening pair.

Rahane’s selection of Raina is notable because the former India international was often valued for more than his batting. His athletic fielding and occasional bowling gave his teams additional flexibility, making him a useful option in several phases of an ODI match.

For the fourth position, Rahane picked Sri Lankan great Aravinda de Silva. Although de Silva is widely respected, Rahane described him as an underrated player, pointing to his ability to deliver important innings for Sri Lanka. De Silva’s experience and composure would make him a natural figure in the middle order, particularly when the team needed to recover from a difficult start or build towards a strong finish.

Mark Boucher Provides Wicketkeeping and Batting Depth

South Africa’s Mark Boucher was Rahane’s choice behind the stumps. Boucher was recognised as a reliable wicketkeeper, but Rahane also emphasised his contribution with the bat, particularly in the lower middle order at No. 5 or No. 6.

That position is central to the structure of Rahane’s XI. A wicketkeeper who can make meaningful runs gives a team greater depth and reduces the pressure on the specialist batters. Boucher’s inclusion also means the side has a player capable of helping rebuild an innings or adding valuable runs late on.

Razzaq and Robin Singh Strengthen the Finishing Options

Rahane selected Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq as his all-rounder, valuing his ability to bat in the middle and lower order while also bowling at pace. Razzaq’s aggressive approach offered the prospect of quick runs, and his bowling provided another option for a captain managing the innings.

Robin Singh was named as the finisher. The former India player was known for his energetic fielding as well as his ability to attack with the bat. In Rahane’s team, Singh adds flexibility: he could accelerate in the closing overs, contribute useful overs if required and save runs in the field.

Together, Razzaq and Singh give the XI a stronger balance than a side built solely around specialist batters. Their all-round skills could prove especially valuable in a long ODI, where changing conditions and partnerships often demand adjustments to the original plan.

Vettori and Swann Lead the Spin Attack

For the spin department, Rahane chose New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and England’s Graeme Swann. Vettori’s left-arm spin and control would offer a different angle to the attack, while his batting ability adds further depth to the lineup.

Swann, a right-arm off-spinner, brings a more attacking option. Rahane highlighted his wicket-taking qualities, an important consideration in the middle overs, when teams often look to contain the scoring while breaking partnerships. The contrast between Vettori’s control and Swann’s ability to challenge batters gives the spin pairing a clear purpose.

Bond and Vaas Complete a Varied Pace Attack

Rahane’s two fast-bowling selections were New Zealand’s Shane Bond and Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas. Bond was admired for his pace, control and ability to move the ball in both directions. At his best, he could trouble batters with speed while still maintaining the accuracy needed to build pressure.

Vaas offers a contrasting style. The left-arm seamer was known for swing, discipline and consistency, giving the attack a valuable change of angle. Rahane stressed the importance of having a left-arm fast bowler in the XI, and Vaas’ control would complement Bond’s pace.

The combination gives the team different ways to approach an innings: Bond can attack with speed, while Vaas can target movement and accuracy. Alongside the two spinners and Razzaq’s pace, the bowling group has several options for adapting to the pitch and match situation.

Rahane’s Complete Underrated ODI XI

Rahane’s selected team is: Graeme Smith, Nathan Astle, Suresh Raina, Aravinda de Silva, Mark Boucher, Abdul Razzaq, Robin Singh, Daniel Vettori, Graeme Swann, Shane Bond and Chaminda Vaas.

The XI is designed around balance rather than star power alone. It features a left-right opening partnership, a deep middle order, multiple all-round options, two specialist spinners and a varied pace attack. Rahane’s prediction of how these players might fit together also invites debate about what “underrated” means in cricket: some selections are celebrated figures in their own countries, yet their contributions may be less prominent in broader discussions of all-time ODI teams.

That is part of the appeal of Rahane’s list. It gives fans an opportunity to revisit players whose value came through adaptability, consistency or crucial performances rather than constant headlines—and to consider which overlooked cricketers would make their own all-time ODI XI.

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