IND vs ENG: Best Combined XI of the 21st Century Without Kohli, Root, or Ganguly.

Background & Rivalry

The cricket rivalry between India and England has witnessed some thrilling chapters in the 21st century. From epic Test battles to high-stakes ODIs, both nations have shaped cricketing history. But when selecting the ultimate XI from these encounters, big names like Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Sourav Ganguly surprisingly didn't make the cut.

Selection Criteria

Players were judged based on:

• Consistency in India-England matches (2000–2024)

• Match-winning ability

• Team balance and longevity

• Performances across formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20s)

Top Indian Picks

Batting Superstars

• • Rohit Sharma: Master of big innings, particularly in ODIs. His double centuries set him apart.

  • Cheteshwar Pujara: The “Wall 2.0,” known for defusing England’s best bowling attacks in testing conditions.

  Keeper & All-Rounders

  • Rishabh Pant: Fearless behind the stumps and explosive with the bat. A modern-day game-changer.

  • Jasprit Bumrah: Although primarily a bowler, his lower-order contributions make him a complete asset.

  Bowling Backbone

  • Anil Kumble: The ultimate match-winner in crunch situations. Known for clutch spells, especially against England.

  • Ishant Sharma & Bumrah: The duo’s impact in English and Indian conditions was pivotal.

Top England Picks

English Batters

• Alastair Cook: Highest run-scorer for England, consistent even against India’s spin-heavy line-ups.

• Kevin Pietersen: Played some of the most iconic innings in India.

English Bowlers

• James Anderson: India’s nightmare in seaming conditions. Over 100 wickets in IND vs ENG Tests.

• Stuart Broad: Known for his wicket bursts that can change the match in a single spell.

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Why Kohli, Root, and Ganguly Miss Out?

• Virat Kohli: Despite being one of the greatest modern-day players, his performances against England lacked consistency across formats.

• Joe Root: Stellar overall career, but in the context of bilateral series impact, others had a stronger case.

• Sourav Ganguly: Inspirational captain but struggled with consistency against England's bowlers in later years.

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Expert Opinions & Fan Debates

• According to Wisden, Kumble and Anderson are automatic inclusions.

• Reddit user comments highlight:

  "Kumble remains India’s most reliable match-winner—his absence in any 'best XI' is a sin."

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Team Balance & Strategy

This best XI includes:

• 4 Batters (Cook, Pietersen, Rohit, Pujara)

• 1 Keeper (Pant)

• 6 Bowlers (Kumble, Ashwin/Bumrah, Broad, Anderson, Ishant)
  It’s a versatile unit capable of tackling any pitch or opposition.

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FAQs

1. Who selected this team?
A mix of cricket analysts and fan polls from Reddit, Twitter, and cricket portals.

2. Why isn’t Kohli included?
Others had more impactful performances in direct India vs England matchups.

3. Why exclude Ganguly?
Captaincy aside, his personal stats and impact in IND-ENG games weren’t top-tier.

4. Who captains this team?
Alastair Cook, known for calm leadership and massive runs.

5. Kumble or Ashwin – who’s better?
Kumble edges out for his overall match-winning record and composure.

6. Which players from the new generation can enter this XI in future?
Players like Shubman Gill, Ollie Pope, and Jofra Archer show great potential.

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Conclusion

The final XI is bold and unexpected, but grounded in solid match data and performance history. While leaving out legends like Kohli and Ganguly is controversial, the numbers and game impact speak louder. The 21st-century IND vs ENG XI celebrates skill, consistency, and game-changing brilliance.