- July 21, 2025
Every Indian cricket enthusiast has, perhaps, at some time, imagined putting together their ideal Team India playing XI. But what if we restricted the field and assembled an all-time Test XI purely made up of right-handers? It is a useful exercise that will prompt endless debates and also pay respect to some of the bigger legends of Indian cricket.
The Batting Backbone
At the top of the order, it is only fitting that Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag would have an opening combination that combined caution and chaos perfectly. Gavaskar, the textbook defensive batter, the original run-machine who faced and dispatched the fiercest fast-bowling, while Sehwag played Test cricket with the aggression of ODIs on steroids, and plundered triple tons as if batting in his backyard.
Rahul Dravid, our No. 3, who else could we trust guarding the gate? His 13,265 Test runs were not mere numbers – they represented patience, resilience, and an immaculate straight drive which left bowlers surrendering in the field.
Time for the heavyweights — Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli step into the spotlight. Sachin at No. 4 is a clear choice, holding records and adapting brilliantly across all conditions. His batting legacy is unmatched. T
To our wicket keepers – Syed Kirmani completes our batting middle order – some people might still argue he is the best glove man India had in Tests,
Kapil Dev & Ashwin — India’s Ultimate All-Round Game Changers
There is no question that all-time quality all-rounders add to any great Test XI, and Kapil Dev and Ravichandran Ashwin are your men. Kapil was not only a fantastic quick bowler, but as a batsman, his free-flow Strokeplay often turned the game on its head. He was also the ultimate all-rounder, and sadly for India, we went a long time before we saw a Test all-rounder of his quality.
On the other hand, Ashwin has fairly quietly constructed an undeniable legacy. A master of spin under Indian conditions and a skilled contender abroad, Ashwin is on the verge of 537 Test wickets, cementing himself with the upper echelon of spin records. But batting? Quite underestimate. Six Test hundreds from a spinner is no small feat, and his ability to stabilise the tail is a boon for an XI.
Bowling Attack
Let’s discuss the bowling unit – the true match-winners. The spin department is captained by Anil Kumble, India’s greatest Test bowler, with 619 wickets. Where Kumble did not possess prodigious turn, he made up for it in accuracy, bounce, and consistency of pressure. If you needed a breakthrough, Jumbo was the man.
Now let’s take a look at India’s current pair of pace batteries, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami. Bumrah is, even at this stage, a legend with his 50th Test. His unique action, perfectly placed yorkers, and uncanny ability to capture wickets in various conditions mean he can’t be left out of consideration. Bumrah’s average of under 20 is a good enough reason to consider him as India’s spearhead!
Shami is the ideal bowler. Few bowlers can swing the old ball like Shami, and when it is new, he can make it talk. Injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential, but Shami is capable of getting wickets at crucial moments, which is why he is a must-pick in this XI.
Here’s the fun part — who would YOU swap in or out? Would MS Dhoni edge out Kirmani? Should Shami make way for Ishant Sharma’s longevity? Let us know your dream XI — after all, cricket is nothing without a good debate over chai!
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