Selecting an all-time T20 XI is never an easy task, with the format having produced a long list of explosive batters, versatile all-rounders and world-class bowlers. England fast bowler Reece Topley recently faced that challenge while naming his preferred all-time T20 team, featuring several iconic names from the history of the format. However, his selection also raised eyebrows after one of the most accomplished T20 players failed to make the cut.
Reece Topley names his all-time T20 XI
Topley’s all-time T20 XI includes a blend of legendary performers and modern-day stars who have made a significant impact in the shortest format.
Solid openers
Topley opted for Chris Gayle and Jos Buttler to open the innings, giving his XI an explosive combination of power and versatility. Gayle has amassed 14,562 runs in 463 T20 matches, including a remarkable 22 centuries and 88 fifties, while his strike rate stands at 144.75. Buttler, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the format’s most prolific run-scorers, with 15,062 T20 runs in 529 matches, including nine centuries and 108 fifties.
Magnificent middle order
The middle order is packed with three elite performers in Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and AB de Villiers. Kohli has accumulated 14,218 runs in T20 cricket, averaging 42.44, with 10 centuries and 110 fifties. Suryakumar has also produced consistently aggressive numbers, scoring 9,615 runs in 367 T20 matches at a strike rate of 152.54, including six hundreds. De Villiers, meanwhile, finished his T20 career with 9,424 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 150.13, along with four centuries.
Dynamic all-rounders
Topley selected Kieron Pollard and Shahid Afridi to provide balance and depth in the all-rounder department. Pollard has been one of the most prolific T20 players ever, finishing with almost 15,000 runs across more than 750 matches, while also contributing with the ball. Afridi, known for his attacking batting and leg-spin, finished his T20 career with 347 wickets at an economy rate of 6.78, underlining his value as a genuine all-round option.
Splendid bowling attack
The bowling attack features Lasith Malinga, Brett Lee, Jasprit Bumrah and Muttiah Muralitharan, giving Topley’s XI experience across pace, death bowling and spin. Malinga finished with 390 T20 wickets at an average below 20 and an economy rate of 7.07, while Bumrah has been central to India’s success in recent T20 cricket and has helped Mumbai Indians win five IPL titles. Lee adds express pace to the unit, while Muralitharan provides a world-class spin option, completing an attack filled with proven T20 match-winners.
No Place for Rohit Sharma
The most notable omission from Topley’s XI is Rohit Sharma. The former India captain has been one of the most influential batters in T20 cricket and has enjoyed a career spanning several years at the highest level. Rohit’s omission is particularly noteworthy considering his enormous contribution to the format. He has scored more than 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, with eight centuries and 84 fifties to his name.
His record includes performances across international cricket and franchise cricket, making his absence from an all-time T20 XI a notable talking point.
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