Suresh Raina Reveals His Top Picks as MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli Are Excluded
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has made headlines with his World Playing XI selection during the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2025, notably omitting both his former captain MS Dhoni and cricket superstar Virat Kohli. Raina’s team boasts a blend of iconic players from various eras, featuring legends such as Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the order. The lineup is further strengthened by a formidable middle order and a spin-heavy bowling attack, showcasing Raina’s unique perspective on the game’s all-time greats.
## Raina’s World Playing XI Selection
Suresh Raina’s World Playing XI is a striking compilation of cricket legends. Starting with openers Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, he pairs these two giants of the game to set the tone for his team. The middle order is equally impressive, consisting of West Indian greats Sir Vivian Richards and Garry Sobers, alongside India’s own Yuvraj Singh. To ensure a balanced squad, Raina has included English all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff, who are known for their impactful performances in crucial matches.
Raina’s bowling lineup is heavily dominated by spin, featuring renowned Australian spinner Shane Warne, along with Indian legends Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. He has also added Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq to the mix, showcasing the rich tapestry of spin bowling across cricketing nations. South African wrist-spinner Paul Adams has been designated as the impact player, rounding out a formidable squad that has sparked discussions among fans and cricket analysts alike.
## Absence of Dhoni and Kohli
The most talked-about aspect of Raina’s selection is the exclusion of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Dhoni, celebrated as one of cricket’s finest wicketkeepers and captains, is notably missing from the lineup. His leadership and finishing abilities have made him a revered figure in the sport. Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, is another glaring omission. Raina’s choice has generated significant buzz, with many questioning the reasoning behind leaving out these modern-day icons.
As fans and experts weigh in on this surprising selection, Raina’s decision has certainly added to the intrigue surrounding the World Championship of Legends 2025. The absence of these two notable players from his World XI highlights Raina’s distinct vision of cricket’s greatest talents, although it has also led to debates among cricket enthusiasts about the merits of such choices.
## Returning to Competitive Cricket
Suresh Raina is gearing up to return to competitive cricket as part of the World Championship of Legends 2025 (WCL 2025), which features six teams comprising retired players from top cricketing nations, including India, Australia, England, Pakistan, the West Indies, and South Africa. Raina’s own career was illustrious, having played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is before retiring from international cricket in 2020. He played a crucial role in India’s triumphs during the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
In WCL 2025, Raina will join a star-studded India Champions team that includes former players like Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and Harbhajan Singh. Raina is widely recognized for his contributions to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, where he played over 200 matches and helped secure four IPL titles. His impressive record of 5528 runs, which includes one century and 39 fifties, solidifies his status as one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers. The upcoming tournament marks a significant moment for Raina, allowing him to showcase his skills alongside some of his cricketing contemporaries once again.
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